New York · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in New York: 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

Before leaving, stop, show your license and insurance card, and give your name, address, insurer and policy details to the other party. File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) 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: N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§ 600, 605

When to call the police in New York

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: Before leaving, stop, show your license and insurance card, and give your name, address, insurer and policy details to the other party. If you damage property and the owner is not there, report it to the nearest police station as soon as you can. If anyone is hurt or killed, report to police right away.
Damage amount: $1,000
Law: N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§ 600, 605
Official text: Read the official text

Your own report to the state in New York

Your own report: File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) is over $1,000. Not filing is a misdemeanor. The DMV also has an online motorist report portal.
Deadline for your report: 10 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in New York

Order crash reports online from the DMV with an NY.gov ID: $7 search fee plus $15 per report; you can download the PDF for 7 days.
Reports reach the DMV system at least 14 days after the crash (electronic NYC police reports), 30 days (paper police reports) or 60 days (motorist reports).
Reports of crashes with no injury and no property damage over $1,000 (and e-bike or e-scooter crashes) are not in the online system: use the DMV Record Request Navigator or mail form MV-198C. https://dmv.ny.gov/records/order-and-access-motor-vehicle-crash-accident-reports

New York 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.

Step by step after a crash in New York

Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
Call the police when New York law requires it. Before leaving, stop, show your license and insurance card, and give your name, address, insurer and policy details to the other party.
File your own report if the rule applies to you. File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) is over $1,000.
Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
Get a copy of the crash report. Order crash reports online from the DMV with an NY.gov ID: $7 search fee plus $15 per report; you can download the PDF for 7 days.
Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in New York

Questions about reporting a crash in New York

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

Before leaving, stop, show your license and insurance card, and give your name, address, insurer and policy details to the other party. If you damage property and the owner is not there, report it to the nearest police station as soon as you can. If anyone is hurt or killed, report to police right away.

How much damage has to be reported in New York?

File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) is over $1,000.

Do I have to file my own accident report in New York?

File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) is over $1,000. Not filing is a misdemeanor. The DMV also has an online motorist report portal.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in New York?

Order crash reports online from the DMV with an NY.gov ID: $7 search fee plus $15 per report; you can download the PDF for 7 days. Reports reach the DMV system at least 14 days after the crash (electronic NYC police reports), 30 days (paper police reports) or 60 days (motorist reports). Reports of crashes with no injury and no property damage over $1,000 (and e-bike or e-scooter crashes) are not in the online system: use the DMV Record Request Navigator or mail form MV-198C. https://dmv.ny.gov/records/order-and-access-motor-vehicle-crash-accident-reports

What is the deadline for an accident report in New York?

File a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or if damage to any one person's property (including your own) is over $1,000.

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Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.