South Dakota · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in South Dakota: 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

Notify the nearest law enforcement officer right away, by the quickest means, if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage looks like $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 for the whole crash. No separate driver report to a state agency was found; the investigating officer's report goes to the Department of Public Safety.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Crash report copies
Can be ordered online (see below)
Law
SDCL § 32-34-7

When to call the police in South Dakota

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
Notify the nearest law enforcement officer right away, by the quickest means, if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage looks like $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 for the whole crash. Not doing so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
SDCL § 32-34-7
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in South Dakota

Your own report
No separate driver report to a state agency was found; the investigating officer's report goes to the Department of Public Safety.

How to get a copy of the crash report in South Dakota

  • Crash reports are public records in South Dakota (SDCL § 32-34-13).
  • Buy a state crash report from the SD Office of Accident Records (https://www.safesd.gov/).
  • Fees: $4 to locate and provide the report, plus a $6 convenience fee online (card); by mail with the mail-in form, pay by cash, check or money order.
  • You need at least two of: crash date, driver's last name, county.
  • Reports may not be available until 10 days after the crash, for crashes on private property, or below $1,000 damage to one person's property / $2,000 total.
  • County or city police may charge $4 per copy (SDCL § 32-34-13.1).

South Dakota 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 South Dakota

  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 South Dakota law requires it. Notify the nearest law enforcement officer right away, by the quickest means, if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage looks like $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 for the whole crash.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report to a state agency was found; the investigating officer's report goes to the Department of Public Safety.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Crash reports are public records in South Dakota (SDCL § 32-34-13).
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in South Dakota

Questions about reporting a crash in South Dakota

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

Notify the nearest law enforcement officer right away, by the quickest means, if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage looks like $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 for the whole crash. Not doing so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

How much damage has to be reported in South Dakota?

Notify the nearest law enforcement officer right away, by the quickest means, if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage looks like $1,000 or more to any one person's property or $2,000 for the whole crash.

Do I have to file my own accident report in South Dakota?

No separate driver report to a state agency was found; the investigating officer's report goes to the Department of Public Safety.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in South Dakota?

Crash reports are public records in South Dakota (SDCL § 32-34-13). Buy a state crash report from the SD Office of Accident Records (https://www.safesd.gov/). Fees: $4 to locate and provide the report, plus a $6 convenience fee online (card); by mail with the mail-in form, pay by cash, check or money order. You need at least two of: crash date, driver's last name, county. Reports may not be available until 10 days after the crash, for crashes on private property, or below $1,000 damage to one person's property / $2,000 total. County or city police may charge $4 per copy (SDCL § 32-34-13.1).

More for South Dakota drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.