How to get a car accident report in Colorado
Every rule below is quoted from Colorado law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
To get a Colorado State Patrol crash report, submit a request through the CSP Records Request Portal. Processing can take up to 10 working days, and the Central Records Unit can tell you the cost. A driver in a crash with injury, death, or any amount of property damage must immediately report it to the nearest police department.
Which agency has your report
The report comes from the agency whose officer came to the crash. On interstates and state highways that is usually the state police or highway patrol. On city streets it is the city police, and outside city limits it is often the county sheriff. Ask the officer for the report number before you leave the scene.
Requesting a state police crash report
To get a Colorado State Patrol crash report, submit a request through the CSP Records Request Portal. Processing can take up to 10 working days, and the Central Records Unit can tell you the cost.
“All requests for records must be submitted on the appropriate Colorado State Patrol Records Request Portal.”
Your reporting duties
When you must report to police
A driver in a crash with injury, death, or any amount of property damage must immediately report it to the nearest police department.
“give immediate notice of the location of such accident and such other information as is specified in section 42-4-1603 (2) to the nearest office of the duly authorized police authority”
Whether you must file your own report
If a police officer responded to your crash, you usually do not need to file anything with the DMV unless the Department of Revenue sends you a letter asking for more information. If no officer responded, you can file an online counter report yourself using form DR 2559.
“you do not need to provide any forms unless you receive a letter from the Department of Revenue”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.