California · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in California: police, state report and crash report copies

When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.

Short answer

Stop. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Your own report is due within
10 days
Crash report copies
Can be ordered online (see below)
Law
California DMV SR-1 page, SR-1 form

When to call the police in California

Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.

When to call the police
Stop. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Show your driver's license, registration, insurance and address to the other driver, police and anyone else involved. If anyone is injured or killed, you must report the crash to law enforcement (police or CHP) within 24 hours; your insurance agent, broker or legal representative can file it for you. If you hit a parked car or other property and can't find the owner, leave a note with your name, phone number and address, and report it to law enforcement.
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
California DMV SR-1 page, SR-1 form (required under Divisions 6 and 7 of the Vehicle Code) and California Driver Handbook, Section 10
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in California

Your own report
Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000. This applies whether or not you caused the crash and even on private property. It is in addition to any police, CHP or insurance report; police will not file it for you. Your license will be suspended if you don't file it. File online at dmv.ca.gov/accidentreport or on the printable form.
Deadline for your report
10 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in California

  • For crashes handled by the California Highway Patrol, request the report through the CHP 'Request a Traffic Crash Report' link, which opens the CHP Online Crash Report System (https://crashes.chp.ca.gov/).
  • For crashes handled by a city police department or county sheriff, ask that agency.
  • Fees vary by agency.

California has an online way to get at least some crash reports. Reports written by a city police department or sheriff may have to be requested from that agency; our free request letter can help.

More facts for California

  • Every driver in a crash with any injury or over $1,000 damage must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days, even if police made a report (DMV).

Step by step after a crash in California

  1. Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
  2. Call the police when California law requires it. Stop. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. For crashes handled by the California Highway Patrol, request the report through the CHP 'Request a Traffic Crash Report' link, which opens the CHP Online Crash Report System (https://crashes.chp.ca.gov/).
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in California

Questions about reporting a crash in California

When do you have to call the police after a car accident in California?

Stop. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Show your driver's license, registration, insurance and address to the other driver, police and anyone else involved. If anyone is injured or killed, you must report the crash to law enforcement (police or CHP) within 24 hours; your insurance agent, broker or legal representative can file it for you. If you hit a parked car or other property and can't find the owner, leave a note with your name, phone number and address, and report it to law enforcement.

How much damage has to be reported in California?

Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.

Do I have to file my own accident report in California?

Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000. This applies whether or not you caused the crash and even on private property. It is in addition to any police, CHP or insurance report; police will not file it for you. Your license will be suspended if you don't file it. File online at dmv.ca.gov/accidentreport or on the printable form.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in California?

For crashes handled by the California Highway Patrol, request the report through the CHP 'Request a Traffic Crash Report' link, which opens the CHP Online Crash Report System (https://crashes.chp.ca.gov/). For crashes handled by a city police department or county sheriff, ask that agency. Fees vary by agency.

What is the deadline for an accident report in California?

Each driver must file form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.

More for California drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.