How to Get a Police Accident Report in California

Quick answer: request it from California Highway Patrol (CHP) online at crashes.chp.ca.gov (fee: CHP 190 mail/in-person: $10 for 1-25 pages, $20 for 26-50, $30 for 51-75, $40 for 76-100, +$10 per extra 25 pages). CHP only provides reports it investigated; crashes handled by city police or sheriffs must be requested from that agency.

California · partly confirmed

Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Request online: crashes.chp.ca.gov
Fee: CHP 190 mail/in-person: $10 for 1-25 pages, $20 for 26-50, $30 for 51-75, $40 for 76-100, +$10 per extra 25 pages
Who can ask: Proper party of interest only: drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, parents of minors, legal guardians, vehicle/property owners, legal representatives, manufacturer representatives, insurers with a valid claim or policy number; photo ID or notarized form required for CHP 190
City or county crash: CHP only provides reports it investigated; crashes handled by city police or sheriffs must be requested from that agency.

Not stated on the official pages we could open: how long it takes.

Checked October 16, 2026 on chp.ca.gov, chp.ca.gov.

Before you request

What you will need

The date and place of the crash (road, nearest cross street or mile marker, city or county).
The report or case number from the slip the officer gave you, if you have it.
The names of a driver involved, and your own ID if the state limits copies to the people involved.
A card for the fee if you order online. Insurance companies often order the report for you, so ask your claims handler first.

Related: every state · most dangerous intersections · accidents today · all free tools. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Questions

Accident reports — FAQ

How do I get a copy of my accident report in California?

Crashes worked by the state police are requested from California Highway Patrol (CHP) online at crashes.chp.ca.gov. CHP only provides reports it investigated; crashes handled by city police or sheriffs must be requested from that agency.

How much does a crash report cost in California?

CHP 190 mail/in-person: $10 for 1-25 pages, $20 for 26-50, $30 for 51-75, $40 for 76-100, +$10 per extra 25 pages.

Who can request a crash report in California?

Proper party of interest only: drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, parents of minors, legal guardians, vehicle/property owners, legal representatives, manufacturer representatives, insurers with a valid claim or policy number; photo ID or notarized form required for CHP 190