Iowa · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Iowa: 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 or killed, tell the sheriff, the nearest State Patrol office or another nearby peace officer right away, by the quickest means. If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,500 or more, send a written report to the Iowa DOT within 72 hours.

Damage that requires a report
$1,500
Your own report is due within
3 days
Law
Iowa Code § 321.266

When to call the police in Iowa

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 or killed, tell the sheriff, the nearest State Patrol office or another nearby peace officer right away, by the quickest means.
Damage amount
$1,500
Law
Iowa Code § 321.266
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Iowa

Your own report
If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,500 or more, send a written report to the Iowa DOT within 72 hours. You don't need to if a law enforcement agency investigated the crash. Use the Iowa Accident Report form. If you don't send it, your driving privileges may be suspended.
Deadline for your report
3 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Iowa

  • A copy of the investigating officer's report costs $4 from the Iowa DOT. Fill out the 'Request for Copy of Investigating Officer's Report of an Accident' form, sign it, and mail it with $4 to Iowa DOT, Bureau of Enforcement, Audits & Records, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204.
  • Only people in the crash, their lawyers and insurers can get it.
  • If the local police agency kept a copy, you can also ask them. https://iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/other-services/request-driving-records-accident-reports

Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Iowa, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.

More facts for Iowa

  • You have only 72 hours to send your report to the Iowa DOT if police didn't investigate (Iowa Code § 321.266).
  • A copy of the officer's crash report from the Iowa DOT costs just $4 (Iowa Code § 321.271).

Step by step after a crash in Iowa

  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 Iowa law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, tell the sheriff, the nearest State Patrol office or another nearby peace officer right away, by the quickest means.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,500 or more, send a written report to the Iowa DOT within 72 hours.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. A copy of the investigating officer's report costs $4 from the Iowa DOT. Fill out the 'Request for Copy of Investigating Officer's Report of an Accident' form, sign it, and mail it with $4 to Iowa DOT, Bureau of Enforcement, Audits & Records, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204.
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Iowa

Questions about reporting a crash in Iowa

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

If anyone is hurt or killed, tell the sheriff, the nearest State Patrol office or another nearby peace officer right away, by the quickest means.

How much damage has to be reported in Iowa?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,500 or more, send a written report to the Iowa DOT within 72 hours.

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

If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,500 or more, send a written report to the Iowa DOT within 72 hours. You don't need to if a law enforcement agency investigated the crash. Use the Iowa Accident Report form. If you don't send it, your driving privileges may be suspended.

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

A copy of the investigating officer's report costs $4 from the Iowa DOT. Fill out the 'Request for Copy of Investigating Officer's Report of an Accident' form, sign it, and mail it with $4 to Iowa DOT, Bureau of Enforcement, Audits & Records, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204. Only people in the crash, their lawyers and insurers can get it. If the local police agency kept a copy, you can also ask them. https://iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/other-services/request-driving-records-accident-reports

More for Iowa drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.