After a car accident in New York City, one of the first things your attorney or insurance company will ask for is the police report. This document — officially called a MV-104AN (Police Accident Report) — is the official record of the crash filed by the responding NYPD officer.
Getting this report is straightforward, but you need to know where to look. Here's how to obtain yours.
Why the Police Report Matters
The police report contains critical information: the officer's assessment of fault, contact and insurance details for all parties, witness information, vehicle damage descriptions, and whether any citations were issued.
Insurance companies use this report to begin their investigation. Personal injury attorneys use it to establish liability. If the report contains errors — a wrong name, wrong description of what happened, missing information — it's important to address that early.
Option 1: Get It Online (Fastest)
New York State offers online access to accident reports through the NYS DMV portal. This is the fastest and easiest method for most people.
- Go to the NYS DMV website and search for "accident report"
- You'll need the report number (given to you by the officer at the scene), date of accident, and your last name or plate number
- Reports are typically available online 14–30 days after the accident
- There is a small fee (around $10) to access the report
Option 2: Request by Mail
If you prefer, you can request the report by mail through the NYS DMV. Download Form MV-198C from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with payment to the address listed on the form.
Mail requests take longer — typically 4–6 weeks. This method is best if you're not in a rush and don't have easy access to online services.
Option 3: In Person at NYPD
You can also obtain accident reports directly from the NYPD. Contact the precinct that responded to your accident. You'll need to visit in person with a valid photo ID and may be asked to provide the accident date and location.
Some precincts require an appointment. Call ahead before going.
What If the Report Has Errors?
Police officers are human and mistakes happen. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong insurance information, or an inaccurate description of how the accident occurred.
If you spot errors, you can submit a written request to the NYPD to amend the report. Your attorney can help with this process, especially if the error affects fault or liability.
Do not assume errors will "work themselves out." Address them as early as possible — before the report is used in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
What If the Police Didn't Come to the Scene?
For minor accidents in NYC, police sometimes do not respond. In that case, the drivers involved are required to file their own accident report (Form MV-104) with the NYS DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or if property damage exceeds $1,000.
You can file this report online through the NYS DMV or download and mail the form. Failing to file when required can result in a license suspension.
Bottom Line
Getting your police report is one of the first steps after any NYC car accident. Don't wait — reports take time to become available and your attorney will need it to evaluate your case.
If you were injured in an accident, fill out our free intake form and we'll connect you with an experienced NYC personal injury attorney who can help you obtain and review your report.
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