How to get a car accident report in Montana
Every rule below is quoted from Montana law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
To get a Montana Highway Patrol crash report, mail a completed Crash Release Form with a 2 dollar non refundable search fee to the Montana Highway Patrol at P.O. Box 117, Boulder, MT 59632. Adding photos costs another $10. You must report a crash to police right away if someone is hurt or killed, or if property damage looks like $1,000 or more.
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 Montana Highway Patrol crash report, mail a completed Crash Release Form with a 2 dollar non refundable search fee to the Montana Highway Patrol at P.O. Box 117, Boulder, MT 59632. Adding photos costs another $10.
“complete this form and mail it with a $2.00 non-refundable search fee to the address above”
Your reporting duties
When you must report to police
You must report a crash to police right away if someone is hurt or killed, or if property damage looks like $1,000 or more.
“property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department”
Whether you must file your own report
If a crash killed or injured someone, or caused more than $1,000 in property damage, you must file a written report with the Department of Justice within 10 days, unless a law enforcement officer already investigated and reported it.
“damage to the property of a person in excess of $1,000 is sustained shall, within 10 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the department”
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.