How to Get a Police Accident Report in Iowa

Quick answer: request it from Iowa Department of Transportation by mail or in person. If the investigating law enforcement agency kept a copy, Iowa Code 321.271 lets parties request it from that agency on written request and payment of a fee.

Iowa · partly confirmed

Agency: Iowa Department of Transportation
Request online: No online request page found: mail or in person
Who can ask: Per Iowa Code 321.271: persons involved in the accident, their attorneys, insurance companies or agents, plus listed government agencies
City or county crash: If the investigating law enforcement agency kept a copy, Iowa Code 321.271 lets parties request it from that agency on written request and payment of a fee.

Not stated on the official pages we could open: an online request page, the fee, how long it takes.

Checked October 16, 2026 on iowadot.gov, legis.iowa.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 Iowa?

Crashes worked by the state police are requested from Iowa Department of Transportation. If the investigating law enforcement agency kept a copy, Iowa Code 321.271 lets parties request it from that agency on written request and payment of a fee.

Who can request a crash report in Iowa?

Per Iowa Code 321.271: persons involved in the accident, their attorneys, insurance companies or agents, plus listed government agencies