Maryland · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in Maryland: 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 and police did not investigate, each driver must send a written report to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days, with proof of liability insurance (insurer name and address, policy number, agent). Written report to the MVA within 15 days for crashes with injury or death, unless police investigated and filed a report.
- Your own report is due within
- 15 days
- Law
- Md. Code, Transp. § 20-107
When to call the police in Maryland
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 and police did not investigate, each driver must send a written report to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days, with proof of liability insurance (insurer name and address, policy number, agent). No driver report is needed if a police officer investigated and filed a report with the State Police.
- Law
- Md. Code, Transp. § 20-107
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Maryland
- Your own report
- Written report to the MVA within 15 days for crashes with injury or death, unless police investigated and filed a report. Include insurance details.
- Deadline for your report
- 15 days
How to get a copy of the crash report in Maryland
- For Maryland State Police reports, wait at least 10 days, then visit the barrack that wrote the report, or send the request form to the MSP Central Records Division by mail or email with a $4 search fee (check or money order).
- For crashes in Baltimore City, contact the Baltimore Police Department Central Records Division (410-396-2234).
- Local police and sheriffs keep their own reports. https://mdsp.maryland.gov/community-services/request-police-reports
Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Maryland, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.
More facts for Maryland
- Maryland State Police crash reports cost a $4 search fee and are usually ready 10 days after the crash (MSP).
Step by step after a crash in Maryland
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Maryland law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed and police did not investigate, each driver must send a written report to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days, with proof of liability insurance (insurer name and address, policy number, agent).
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. Written report to the MVA within 15 days for crashes with injury or death, unless police investigated and filed a report.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. For Maryland State Police reports, wait at least 10 days, then visit the barrack that wrote the report, or send the request form to the MSP Central Records Division by mail or email with a $4 search fee (check or money order).
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Maryland
Questions about reporting a crash in Maryland
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Maryland?
If anyone is hurt or killed and police did not investigate, each driver must send a written report to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 15 days, with proof of liability insurance (insurer name and address, policy number, agent). No driver report is needed if a police officer investigated and filed a report with the State Police.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Maryland?
Written report to the MVA within 15 days for crashes with injury or death, unless police investigated and filed a report. Include insurance details.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Maryland?
For Maryland State Police reports, wait at least 10 days, then visit the barrack that wrote the report, or send the request form to the MSP Central Records Division by mail or email with a $4 search fee (check or money order). For crashes in Baltimore City, contact the Baltimore Police Department Central Records Division (410-396-2234). Local police and sheriffs keep their own reports. https://mdsp.maryland.gov/community-services/request-police-reports
What is the deadline for an accident report in Maryland?
Written report to the MVA within 15 days for crashes with injury or death, unless police investigated and filed a report.
More for Maryland drivers
- All car accident rules in Maryland
- 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
- Md. Code, Transp. § 20-107
- Md. Code, Transp. § 17-103 (minimum security)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 17-106 (lapse penalties)
- Md. Code, Ins. § 19-505 (PIP)
- Md. Code, Ins. § 19-506 (PIP waiver)
- Md. Code, Ins. § 19-509 (uninsured motorist coverage)
- Md. Code, Ins. § 19-509.1 (enhanced underinsured motorist coverage)
- Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (three years)
- Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304 (notice to local government)
- Md. Code, Ins. §§ 27-303, 27-304 (unfair claim settlement)
- COMAR 31.15.07.03 (claims handling standards)
- Coleman v. Soccer Ass'n of Columbia (Md. 2013)
- Maryland State Police: Request police reports
- Maryland Insurance Administration: File a complaint
- Md. Code, State Gov't § 12-106 (claims against the State)
- Maryland General Assembly: HB 466 (2026), status
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.