District of Columbia · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in District of Columbia: 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
If anyone is hurt, call 911 (or have someone call), stay until police arrive, and give your information to police and the injured person. We found no separate crash report that drivers must file with the DC DMV. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) writes the crash report (form PD-10).
- Law
- D.C. Code § 50-2201.05c
When to call the police in District of Columbia
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
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 (or have someone call), stay until police arrive, and give your information to police and the injured person. If you damage someone's property and the owner is not there, give your information and the crash location to police or 911.
- Law
- D.C. Code § 50-2201.05c
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in District of Columbia
- Your own report
- We found no separate crash report that drivers must file with the DC DMV. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) writes the crash report (form PD-10).
How to get a copy of the crash report in District of Columbia
- Request the Accident Report (PD-10) from MPD's Public Documents Section (Records Division).
- Only people involved in the crash (or their lawyer) can request it this way; others use MPD's FOIA office.
- By email or mail, send a copy of your government photo ID and the completed form PD 10B; mail requests can take about 6 weeks.
- In person at MPD Headquarters, 441 4th St. NW, is by appointment only: (202) 671-6705.
- It is free for people involved; insurers pay $3.
- Questions: (202) 727-4357. https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/186832
Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in District of Columbia, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.
Step by step after a crash in District of Columbia
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when District of Columbia law requires it. If anyone is hurt, call 911 (or have someone call), stay until police arrive, and give your information to police and the injured person.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. We found no separate crash report that drivers must file with the DC DMV. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) writes the crash report (form PD-10).
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Request the Accident Report (PD-10) from MPD's Public Documents Section (Records Division).
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in District of Columbia
Questions about reporting a crash in District of Columbia
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in District of Columbia?
If anyone is hurt, call 911 (or have someone call), stay until police arrive, and give your information to police and the injured person. If you damage someone's property and the owner is not there, give your information and the crash location to police or 911.
Do I have to file my own accident report in District of Columbia?
We found no separate crash report that drivers must file with the DC DMV. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) writes the crash report (form PD-10).
How do I get a copy of a crash report in District of Columbia?
Request the Accident Report (PD-10) from MPD's Public Documents Section (Records Division). Only people involved in the crash (or their lawyer) can request it this way; others use MPD's FOIA office. By email or mail, send a copy of your government photo ID and the completed form PD 10B; mail requests can take about 6 weeks. In person at MPD Headquarters, 441 4th St. NW, is by appointment only: (202) 671-6705. It is free for people involved; insurers pay $3. Questions: (202) 727-4357. https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/186832
More for District of Columbia drivers
- All car accident rules in District of Columbia
- Comparative fault
- Uninsured driver
- Deadline to sue
- Accident reporting requirements in every state
- What to do after a car accident
- Fault and payout explainer
- Deadline calculator
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
- D.C. Code § 50-2201.05c
- D.C. Code § 31-2405 (lawsuit restriction, PIP election)
- D.C. Code § 31-2406 (required coverage amounts)
- D.C. Law 26-155 (Motor Vehicle Insurance Modernization Amendment Act of 2026)
- D.C. Code § 31-2413 (penalties)
- D.C. Code § 50-2204.52 (contributory negligence limitation)
- D.C. Code § 12-301 (limitation periods)
- D.C. Code § 12-309 (notice to the Mayor)
- D.C. Code § 31-2231.17 (unfair claim settlement practices)
- MPD: Request an Accident Report (PD-10)
- DISB: File a complaint
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.