How to get a car accident report in Iowa

Iowa DOT sells copies of the officer's crash report for $4; only people involved, their attorney, and insurers may get it. Mail the request form with $4. The $4 is kept even if no report exists.

Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (4)

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Outline map of Iowa
Iowa. Map source: U.S. Census Bureau.

How to get an Iowa crash report

  1. Who keeps them: The Iowa Department of Transportation keeps officers' crash reports and sells copies by mail.
  2. Where to order it: Iowa DOT: Request Driving Records & Accident Reports.

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Who can get an Iowa crash report?

State law limits officer's reports to people involved in the crash, their attorney, and insurers or agents.

What if city police or a sheriff handled the crash?

Iowa DOT receives officers' reports from all law enforcement agencies; you can also ask the city police or sheriff that investigated.

When must you report a crash in Iowa?

For a crash with death, injury, or $1,500+ in total property damage, contact the nearest police agency to investigate.

“The driver involved in an accident occurring anywhere within the State of Iowa causing death, personal injury, or total property damage of $1,500 or more should contact the nearest law enforcement agency to have the accident investigated.”

Iowa Department of Transportation

Questions

Do you have to report a car accident in Iowa?

If a crash causes death, injury, or $1,500 or more in total property damage, contact the nearest police agency to investigate.

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Sources (4)

  1. Iowa Department of Transportation, checked 2026-11-09. “A copy of the officer's report of an accident costs $4. State law allows these reports to be given only to persons involved in the accident, their attorney, insurance companies or insurance agents.”
  2. Iowa Department of Transportation, checked 2026-11-09. “Please note: The $4 processing fee will be retained even if no crash report exists for the information submitted.”
  3. Iowa Department of Transportation, checked 2026-11-09. “State law allows these reports to be given only to persons involved in the accident, their attorney, insurance companies or insurance agents.”
  4. Iowa Department of Transportation, checked 2026-11-09. “The driver involved in an accident occurring anywhere within the State of Iowa causing death, personal injury, or total property damage of $1,500 or more should contact the nearest law enforcement agency to have the accident investigated.”

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