Massachusetts · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Massachusetts: 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, or damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, send a copy of your written crash report to the police department where the crash happened. Within 5 days, send a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the Registrar (RMV) and a copy to the local police.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Your own report is due within
5 days
Crash report copies
Can be ordered online (see below)
Law
M.G.L. c. 90, § 26

When to call the police in Massachusetts

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, or damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, send a copy of your written crash report to the police department where the crash happened. (Police must also accept a report from you if your car was damaged by a hit-and-run driver.)
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
M.G.L. c. 90, § 26
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Massachusetts

Your own report
Within 5 days, send a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the Registrar (RMV) and a copy to the local police.
Deadline for your report
5 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Massachusetts

  • Request a copy of the police crash report from the RMV online through the myRMV Online Service Center ('Request Crash Report').
  • There is a $20 non-refundable search fee, and processing takes about 4 weeks.
  • You must be someone involved in the crash, or an authorized recipient. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-a-copy-of-a-police-crash-report

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

  • You have only 5 days to send your crash report to the RMV and police (M.G.L. c. 90, § 26).

Step by step after a crash in Massachusetts

  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 Massachusetts law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, send a copy of your written crash report to the police department where the crash happened.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. Within 5 days, send a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the Registrar (RMV) and a copy to the local police.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Request a copy of the police crash report from the RMV online through the myRMV Online Service Center ('Request Crash Report').
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Massachusetts

Questions about reporting a crash in Massachusetts

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

If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, send a copy of your written crash report to the police department where the crash happened. (Police must also accept a report from you if your car was damaged by a hit-and-run driver.)

How much damage has to be reported in Massachusetts?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, send a copy of your written crash report to the police department where the crash happened.

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

Within 5 days, send a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the Registrar (RMV) and a copy to the local police.

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

Request a copy of the police crash report from the RMV online through the myRMV Online Service Center ('Request Crash Report'). There is a $20 non-refundable search fee, and processing takes about 4 weeks. You must be someone involved in the crash, or an authorized recipient. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-a-copy-of-a-police-crash-report

What is the deadline for an accident report in Massachusetts?

Within 5 days, send a written Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to the Registrar (RMV) and a copy to the local police.

More for Massachusetts drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.