How Can I Get a Copy of the NYPD Accident Report?

After a car accident in New York you have to take steps to protect your rights. One of these steps involves contacting the police at the time of the accident and requesting a copy of the NYPD accident report. You need the accident report for your claim whether you’re a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or other injured victim. 

In this article, we discuss options for requesting a New York accident report include online, in-person, and by mail. 

Requesting a NY Accident Report Online

The online portal is one of the most convenient ways to obtain a NY accident report. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows individuals to request accident reports by visiting its website. You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as:

  • The date of the accident,
  • The location of the accident,
  • The names of the drivers involved, and
  • The vehicle plate numbers.

Remember that a processing fee may be involved, which you can pay online using a credit or debit card. Once your request is processed, you’ll receive the accident report via email or mail, depending on your preference.

In-Person Request for NY Accident Report

If you prefer to request your report in person, visit the local precinct where your accident occurred, provided it’s within 30 days of the accident. You’ll need to give the same information as the online method, plus you likely need to supply a government-issued photo ID for verification purposes. 

You must download and complete two copies of the Police Collision Report to take with you. If you are trying to request a report more than 30 days after the report was filed, you must request it through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles using DMV form MV-198C. 

It’s important to note that you may encounter longer waiting times for in-person requests, especially during peak hours. Additionally, you might need to pay the processing fee in cash or with a money order. Not all locations will accept credit or debit cards.

Requesting a NYPD Accident Report Via Mail 

If you’d rather avoid the lines or don’t want to put your information online, you can request a NY accident report by mail. When using the mail-in option, you must fill out the appropriate form, “Request for Copy of Accident Report,” MV-198C, linked above. You can also find this form on the New York State DMV website or at your local DMV. 

Fill in the requested information on the form, including: 

  • The date of the accident,
  • The location of the accident,
  • The names of the drivers involved, 
  • Your relationship to the accident, and
  • The vehicle plate numbers. 

Once you’ve completed the form, mail it along with a check or money order for the processing fee to the address specified on the form: 

NYSDMV

MV-198C Processing

6 Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12228

Make the check or money order payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Current fees are $10 for the search and $15 for each report copy. 

The processing time for mail-in requests might be longer than for in-person requests. Expect to wait a few weeks for your report.

Request Through an Attorney or Insurance Company

If you’ve retained an attorney or are working with your insurance company on the claim, they can often request the accident report on your behalf. This method can save you time and effort, as the attorney or insurance company will handle the request process. 

Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries following a car accident in New York due to another party’s negligence, please contact the experienced legal team at Ferrante & Koenig, PLLC. We have years of experience assisting injured victims of New York car accidents. If you need to request an NYPD accident report, we can help you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more.