North Carolina · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in North Carolina: 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

Call police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage is $1,000 or more (a 'reportable crash'). No separate driver report.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Crash report copies
Can be ordered online (see below)
Law
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-166.1, 20-4.01(33b)

When to call the police in North Carolina

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
Call police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage is $1,000 or more (a 'reportable crash'). In a city or town, call the city police. Outside one, call the State Highway Patrol or the sheriff. If you hit a parked or unattended car, you must tell its owner within 48 hours, even for a small crash.
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-166.1, 20-4.01(33b)
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in North Carolina

Your own report
No separate driver report. The officer who investigates a reportable crash writes the report within 24 hours. The DMV may ask you for proof of insurance.

How to get a copy of the crash report in North Carolina

  • Order a copy from NCDMV with the Crash Report Request form (TR-67A), by mail or in person (for example, at the Raleigh Central Services license plate agency, 4121 New Bern Ave.).
  • The TR-67A form says the cost is currently $6.50; for mail, pay by check or money order to NCDMV (no cash) and send to Traffic Records Branch, Crash Reports Unit, 3106 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3106.
  • Individuals can't order online and get a redacted copy.
  • Mail requests take about 10 business days.
  • Questions: Crash Reports Unit, 919-861-3068.
  • You can also ask the police agency that investigated. https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/crash-reports.aspx

North Carolina 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 North Carolina

  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 North Carolina law requires it. Call police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage is $1,000 or more (a 'reportable crash').
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Order a copy from NCDMV with the Crash Report Request form (TR-67A), by mail or in person (for example, at the Raleigh Central Services license plate agency, 4121 New Bern Ave.).
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in North Carolina

Questions about reporting a crash in North Carolina

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

Call police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage is $1,000 or more (a 'reportable crash'). In a city or town, call the city police. Outside one, call the State Highway Patrol or the sheriff. If you hit a parked or unattended car, you must tell its owner within 48 hours, even for a small crash.

How much damage has to be reported in North Carolina?

Call police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage is $1,000 or more (a 'reportable crash').

Do I have to file my own accident report in North Carolina?

No separate driver report. The officer who investigates a reportable crash writes the report within 24 hours. The DMV may ask you for proof of insurance.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in North Carolina?

Order a copy from NCDMV with the Crash Report Request form (TR-67A), by mail or in person (for example, at the Raleigh Central Services license plate agency, 4121 New Bern Ave.). The TR-67A form says the cost is currently $6.50; for mail, pay by check or money order to NCDMV (no cash) and send to Traffic Records Branch, Crash Reports Unit, 3106 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3106. Individuals can't order online and get a redacted copy. Mail requests take about 10 business days. Questions: Crash Reports Unit, 919-861-3068. You can also ask the police agency that investigated. https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/crash-reports.aspx

More for North Carolina drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.