How to get a car accident report in Ohio
The Highway Patrol keeps full crash reports and photos only for crashes its troopers investigated. They can be ordered online. For crashes the Highway Patrol investigated, the state provides the reports for a $4 non-refundable fee. Wait at least seven business days after the crash before ordering, so the first report is complete.
Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (5)
How to get an Ohio crash report
- Who keeps them: Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Central Records, for crashes the Highway Patrol investigated. Other crash reports come from the police agency that wrote them.
- Where to order it: OSHP Public Records & Reports Request (crash reports and photos online).
Who can get an Ohio crash report?
The police agency that wrote the report must give a copy to anyone with an interest arising from the crash, or to their attorney.
What if city police or a sheriff handled the crash?
If a city police department or sheriff wrote the report, that agency provides the copy.
When must you report a crash in Ohio?
If someone hurt in the crash cannot take down your information, you must notify the nearest police authority.
“In the event an injured person is unable to comprehend and record the information required to be given under division (A)(1) of this section, the other operator involved in the accident or collision shall notify the nearest police authority”
Ohio Revised Code, Section 4549.02
Questions
Do you have to report a car accident in Ohio?
After a crash on a public road, the driver must stop and give their name, address and plate number to injured people, other drivers and any officer at the scene. If an injured person cannot take the information, the driver must notify the nearest police.
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- Ohio State Highway Patrol, checked 2026-11-09. “Complete crash reports and crash photographs from crashes investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol only . Crash reports and photographs are retained for five years.”
- Ohio Revised Code, Section 5502.12, checked 2026-11-09. “With respect to accidents investigated by the state highway patrol, the director of public safety shall furnish to such person all related reports and statements upon the payment of a nonrefundable fee of four dollars.”
- Ohio State Highway Patrol, checked 2026-11-09. “Please wait a minimum of seven business days from the date of the crash before attempting to order crash reports and/or photos to ensure the availability of the completed initial report.”
- Ohio Revised Code, Section 5502.12, checked 2026-11-09. “The law enforcement agency that submitted a report shall furnish a copy of such report and associated documents to any person claiming an interest arising out of a motor vehicle accident, or to the person's attorney”
- Ohio Revised Code, Section 4549.02, checked 2026-11-09. “In the event an injured person is unable to comprehend and record the information required to be given under division (A)(1) of this section, the other operator involved in the accident or collision shall notify the nearest police authority”