Vermont · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Vermont: 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 property other than your own vehicle is damaged, you must stop, help as needed, and give your name, address, license number and the owner's name to the injured person, the property owner and any police officer. If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours.

Damage that requires a report
$3,000
Your own report is due within
3 days
Law
23 V.S.A. §§ 1128, 1129

When to call the police in Vermont

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 property other than your own vehicle is damaged, you must stop, help as needed, and give your name, address, license number and the owner's name to the injured person, the property owner and any police officer. Leaving the scene can bring a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 2 years in prison.
Damage amount
$3,000
Law
23 V.S.A. §§ 1128, 1129
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Vermont

Your own report
If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours. Email it to [email protected] or mail it to Driver Control, Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. Within 5 days, the owner and driver must also give the injured person or property owner the names and addresses of their liability insurers and the policy numbers.
Deadline for your report
3 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Vermont

  • Police crash reports come from the Vermont DMV, not the State Police.
  • Fill out the DMV Record Request form (VG-116) and mail it to Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Unit, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603.
  • A certified copy of a police crash report costs $22; insurance information for a crash costs $10 (form VG-116).
  • Reports are available 30 days after the crash.
  • Questions: DMV, 802-828-2000. https://dmv.vermont.gov/enforcement-and-safety/driving-records-requests

Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Vermont, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.

More facts for Vermont

  • The crash report deadline is 72 hours (23 V.S.A. § 1129).

Step by step after a crash in Vermont

  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 Vermont law requires it. If anyone is hurt or property other than your own vehicle is damaged, you must stop, help as needed, and give your name, address, license number and the owner's name to the injured person, the property owner and any police officer.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Police crash reports come from the Vermont DMV, not the State Police.
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Vermont

Questions about reporting a crash in Vermont

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

If anyone is hurt or property other than your own vehicle is damaged, you must stop, help as needed, and give your name, address, license number and the owner's name to the injured person, the property owner and any police officer. Leaving the scene can bring a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 2 years in prison.

How much damage has to be reported in Vermont?

Leaving the scene can bring a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 2 years in prison. If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours.

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

If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours. Email it to [email protected] or mail it to Driver Control, Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. Within 5 days, the owner and driver must also give the injured person or property owner the names and addresses of their liability insurers and the policy numbers.

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

Police crash reports come from the Vermont DMV, not the State Police. Fill out the DMV Record Request form (VG-116) and mail it to Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Unit, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. A certified copy of a police crash report costs $22; insurance information for a crash costs $10 (form VG-116). Reports are available 30 days after the crash. Questions: DMV, 802-828-2000. https://dmv.vermont.gov/enforcement-and-safety/driving-records-requests

What is the deadline for an accident report in Vermont?

If anyone is hurt or total property damage is $3,000 or more, send a written crash report (form VC-004, Crash Report, Operator: Motor Vehicle) to the DMV Commissioner within 72 hours.

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.