How to get a car accident report in Wisconsin
Every rule below is quoted from Wisconsin law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
Wisconsin crash reports are purchased online through the state's crashreports.wi.gov portal. Reports usually take about 10 business days or more to become available after the crash, and are available for four years from the crash date. A driver must immediately notify police, the sheriff, or the State Patrol of a crash that injured or killed someone, caused $1,000 or more in damage to one person's property, or caused $200 or more in damage to government property.
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
Wisconsin crash reports are purchased online through the state's crashreports.wi.gov portal. Reports usually take about 10 business days or more to become available after the crash, and are available for four years from the crash date.
“Crash Reports are made available once they are completed and received from the reporting law enforcement agency. Depending upon a number of factors including the complexity of the crash, and the associated investigation, this process can take 10 business days or more. Crash Reports are available for FOUR (4) years from the date of the crash.”
Your reporting duties
When you must report to police
A driver must immediately notify police, the sheriff, or the State Patrol of a crash that injured or killed someone, caused $1,000 or more in damage to one person's property, or caused $200 or more in damage to government property.
“immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of such accident”
Whether you must file your own report
A driver must send a written crash report to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation within 10 days of a reportable crash, unless a law enforcement officer already filed one.
“within 10 days after an accident”
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.