How to get a car accident report in New York
Every rule below is quoted from New York law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
New York does not use a separate state patrol portal. Order a certified crash report online from the DMV for a 7 dollar search fee plus a 15 dollar report fee, or by mail with form MV-198C for a 10 dollar search fee plus a 15 dollar report fee. Electronically filed New York City police reports are available at least 14 days after the crash, other paper police reports at least 30 days after the crash, and a driver's own self filed report at least 60 days after the crash. New York does not have a separate statewide law requiring you to call police to the scene of every crash. The operative statewide duty is a written report, which must reach the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if anyone is killed or injured, or if property damage is over $1,000.
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
New York does not use a separate state patrol portal. Order a certified crash report online from the DMV for a 7 dollar search fee plus a 15 dollar report fee, or by mail with form MV-198C for a 10 dollar search fee plus a 15 dollar report fee. Electronically filed New York City police reports are available at least 14 days after the crash, other paper police reports at least 30 days after the crash, and a driver's own self filed report at least 60 days after the crash.
“You can search, purchase, and immediately download certified crash reports online.”
Your reporting duties
When you must report to police
New York does not have a separate statewide law requiring you to call police to the scene of every crash. The operative statewide duty is a written report, which must reach the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if anyone is killed or injured, or if property damage is over $1,000.
“within ten days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the commissioner”
Whether you must file your own report
A driver must send a written crash report to the DMV commissioner within 10 days if the crash caused death or injury to any person, or more than $1,000 in property damage. In practice this is the MV-104 form.
“within ten days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the commissioner”
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.