How to get a car accident report in California
Request a CHP crash report online through the CHP Crash Portal, or in person or by mail at a CHP Area office with form CHP 190. $10 for 1 to 25 pages, $20 for 26 to 50 pages. Mailing is free.
Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (4)
How to get a California crash report
- Who keeps them: California Highway Patrol (CHP), for crashes CHP investigated.
- Where to order it: CHP Crash Portal.
Who can get a California crash report?
Only a proper party of interest, such as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, parents of minors, owners, legal representatives and insurers with a valid claim.
When must you report a crash in California?
File an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.
“must complete an SR-1 report and send it to DMV within 10 days if someone is injured (no matter how minor the injury) or killed, or property damage is over $1000.”
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Questions
Do you have to report a car accident in California?
You must send an SR-1 report to the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt (even slightly) or killed, or property damage is over $1,000.
Hurt in a crash in California? Find out if you are owed money.
A free case review. $0 upfront. No fee unless you win.
See if I’m owed moneySources (4)
- California Highway Patrol, checked 2026-11-09. “may request a copy of a CHP crash report/investigation, without having to go to the CHP Area office where the crash report was filed online through the Crash Portal”
- California Highway Patrol, checked 2026-11-09. “The CHP charges the following for collision reports: $10.00 - 01 - 25 pages $20.00 - 26 - 50 pages”
- California Highway Patrol, checked 2026-11-09. “A proper Party of Interest (i.e., Drivers, Bicyclists, Pedestrians, Passengers, Parents of Minors, Legal Guardians, Vehicle or Property Owners, Legal representatives, Manufacturer Representatives, or Insurance Companies with a valid claim or policy number)”
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-11-09. “must complete an SR-1 report and send it to DMV within 10 days if someone is injured (no matter how minor the injury) or killed, or property damage is over $1000.”