How to Get Your Car Accident Police Report A Step by Step Guide

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough. Now you need a crucial piece of paperwork, and the process seems confusing.

You need the official car accident police report for your insurance claim or legal records. Navigating government websites and forms to get this public record can feel overwhelming. You just want to know the simplest and fastest way to get it done.

To get a car accident police report in Charlotte, NC, you can request it online for instant access, visit a CMPD office to get a copy in person (often for free), or mail a request form to the NCDMV for certified copies. This guide will walk you through each step-by-step process. You’ll learn exactly what you need and how to choose the best method for your situation.

Key Facts

• There’s a Waiting Period: A car accident police report is typically not available immediately; it takes 3 to 10 business days for the officer to file and process the official document.
• Jurisdiction is Crucial: Reports for accidents on Charlotte city streets are issued by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), while reports for accidents on state highways like I-77 or I-85 are handled by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
• A Report Number is Not Always Required: While helpful, you can still find your report without the incident number by using the date, location, and a driver’s last name.
• Insurance Companies Rely on It: Industry analysis reveals that over 90% of insurance adjusters use the police report as the primary document to make an initial determination of fault for a claim.
• Certified Copies are for Legal Matters: For most insurance claims, a standard copy is sufficient, but a “certified copy” with an official seal is required in nearly all court filings related to the accident.

What Are The Main Ways to Get a Car Accident Report in Charlotte, NC?

The three primary methods to get your car accident report are online, in-person, or by mail. Each option offers a different balance of speed, cost, and convenience, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. Understanding these choices upfront saves you time and potential frustration. Information on fees and processes has been verified as of March 2026.

The best way to decide is to compare them directly. The online request is the fastest, the in-person request is the most cost-effective, and the mail-in request is ideal for obtaining legally certified copies needed for court.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right path:

What Information Do You Need Before Requesting Your Report?

Before you start, you will need the date and location of the crash, the names of the drivers involved, and the police report number if you have it. Gathering these key pieces of information beforehand will make the request process, whether online or in person, much smoother and faster.

The single most important step is to identify the correct government agency that holds your report. This depends entirely on the accident’s location—a concept known as jurisdiction. Contacting the wrong agency is a common mistake that leads to unnecessary delays.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD): If your accident happened on a city street in Charlotte (e.g., Trade Street, Providence Road), the CMPD is the issuing agency.
• North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV): If your accident happened on a state-maintained highway or interstate (e.g., I-77, I-85, I-485), the report was filed by the NC State Highway Patrol and must be requested from the NCDMV.

Use this simple checklist to prepare:

• Required Information Checklist:
  • The date of the accident
  • The location of the accident (street names or mile marker)
  • The last names of the drivers involved
  • The accident report number (if the officer provided it at the scene)
  • A valid photo ID (for in-person requests)

How Do You Get Your Car Accident Report Online?

To get your car accident report online, you can use the official CMPD records portal for city incidents or the NCDMV-partnered website BuyCrash.com for state highway reports. This method is the fastest way to get a digital PDF copy of your report, often within minutes of your request.

Follow these steps for a smooth online request process:

1. Identify the Correct Portal. For a crash handled by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, navigate to the official CMPD public records request site. For a crash on a state highway, go to an NCDMV-affiliated portal like BuyCrash, a legitimate third-party vendor operated by LexisNexis.
2. Enter Your Accident Details. You will be prompted to enter information to find your report. This usually includes the date of the accident, the last name of an involved driver, and the jurisdiction (North Carolina). If you don’t have the report number, you can typically use the street location to search.
3. Locate Your Report and Pay the Fee. Once the system finds your report, you can preview it to ensure it’s the correct one. You will then need to pay the request fee using a credit or debit card. The cost is typically between $6 and $15, which includes the agency’s fee and any third-party convenience fees.
4. Download and Save Your Report. After payment is complete, you will be provided with a link to download the car accident police report as a PDF file. Be sure to save a copy to your computer or cloud storage immediately for your records.

Pro Tip: Based on our experience, it’s critical to double-check the spelling of names and the date of the accident you enter. A simple typo is the most common reason a search fails to find an available report.

What Is The Process for Getting Your Report In Person?

To get your car accident report in person, you must visit the CMPD Records Division at their headquarters with a valid photo ID and details about the accident. This is often the most cost-effective method, as many departments, including CMPD, frequently provide a copy to involved parties for free.

To get your report in person, go to the CMPD Records Division at 601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Bring your photo ID and details about the accident, such as the date, location, and names of drivers. Be sure to check the CMPD website for their current business hours before you go.

Here’s what to expect:

• Location: CMPD Headquarters, Records Division, 601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
• Hours: Typically standard business hours, Monday through Friday. It is always best to verify the current hours online before you make the trip.
• What to Bring: A government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) and any information you have about the accident.
• Cost: Reports are often provided free of charge to individuals directly involved in the accident.

Expert Tip: Weekday mid-afternoons often have shorter wait times. If you need someone else to pick up the report for you, call the Records Division ahead of time to ask about their policy on third-party pickup and whether a signed letter of authorization is required.

How Do You Request Your Accident Report By Mail?

To request your North Carolina crash report by mail, you must download, complete, and mail the official Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A) to the NCDMV. This method is essential if you need a certified copy of the report for legal proceedings or if you are requesting a report for an accident handled by the State Highway Patrol.

This process takes the longest, typically 2-3 weeks, but is the standard procedure for obtaining a report with an official seal that verifies its authenticity for court.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Download the TR-67A Form. You can find the official Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A) on the NCDMV website. Be sure you are using the most current version of the PDF.
2. Complete the Form Accurately. Fill out all the required fields, including the date and location of the crash, the names of the drivers, and your contact information. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, ensure you check the appropriate box.
3. Prepare Your Payment. The fee is typically around $5 to $7. You must include a check or money order made payable to the “NCDMV.” Do not send cash in the mail.
4. Mail Your Request. Send the completed and signed TR-67A form along with your payment to the address listed on the form, which is the NCDMV Crash Reports Unit in Raleigh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Many requests are delayed because of simple errors. Before sealing the envelope, double-check that you have signed the form, included the correct payment amount, and made the check or money order out to the NCDMV.

What Should You Do Immediately After You Receive Your Police Report?

After receiving your car accident report, the first and most important step is to review it carefully for any factual errors. This official document is a critical part of your insurance claim, and inaccuracies can cause significant delays or disputes. Taking a few key actions right away can protect your interests.

What most guides miss is that obtaining the report is only half the battle; using it effectively is what truly matters. Follow this simple, prioritized action plan once you have the report in hand.

1. Review for Accuracy. Read every section of the report. Check that all names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details are correct. Compare the officer’s narrative and diagram to your recollection of the event.
2. Submit to Your Insurance Company. Your insurance claims adjuster will need a complete copy of the report to proceed with your claim. Email a PDF copy to your adjuster, making sure to include your full name and claim number in the subject line.
3. Keep for Your Records. Store both a digital copy in a safe place on your computer or cloud drive and keep a physical copy with your other important documents related to the accident.
4. Consult a Lawyer (If Necessary). If you were injured in the accident or if there are significant disagreements about fault, you should provide a copy of the report to a personal injury attorney for review. They can advise you on the next steps.

FAQs About how to obtain a car accident police report

How long does it take for a car accident report to be available?

Typically, it takes 3 to 10 business days for an officer to file the report and for it to be processed and made available. Once available, online access is immediate, but you should not expect to find your report the day after the accident. Delays can occur depending on the complexity of the crash and the department’s workload.

What if I don’t have the police report number?

You can still find the report without the number. Most online portals and request forms allow you to search using other key information. You will typically need the date of the accident, the approximate location (like a cross-street or mile marker), and the last name of at least one of the drivers involved in the crash.

What is the difference between a certified and uncertified copy?

A certified copy has an official stamp or seal from the issuing agency, verifying it as a true and accurate duplicate of the original. This version is legally valid and required for court proceedings or other official legal matters. An uncertified copy is sufficient for personal records or for initial submissions to your insurance company.

What should I do if I find an error on my police report?

You should contact the records division of the police department that issued the report immediately. While you cannot change the officer’s opinion or narrative, you can request a correction for factual errors like a misspelled name, incorrect license plate number, or wrong insurance policy info. They will guide you on their process for filing a supplemental report or addendum.

Who can request a copy of a car accident report?

In North Carolina, police reports are generally public records, meaning anyone can request a copy. However, access may be temporarily restricted to involved parties, their legal representatives, or their insurance companies for a short period after the incident to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

Key Takeaways: How to Get Your Car Accident Police Report

• Choose from Three Main Methods: You can get your report online (fastest, small fee), in-person at a CMPD office (often free), or by mail (best for certified copies).
• Identify the Correct Agency First: For accidents on Charlotte city streets, contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). For accidents on state highways like I-77 or I-85, you must request the report from the NC DMV.
• Gather Your Information Beforehand: To make the process smooth, have the accident date, location, and names of the drivers ready. The report number is helpful but not always required.
• The TR-67A Form is for State Reports: If requesting a report from the NCDMV by mail, you will need to complete and send the official “Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A)”.
• Review for Accuracy Immediately: Once you receive your report, your first step is to read it carefully and check for any factual errors. Incorrect information can delay your insurance claim.
• A Certified Copy is for Legal Matters: For most insurance purposes, a standard copy is sufficient. If you are involved in a lawsuit, you will need to obtain a legally valid certified copy.

Final Thoughts on Securing Your Accident Report

Obtaining your car accident police report is a manageable but vital step in protecting your rights and ensuring your insurance claim proceeds smoothly. By identifying the correct agency, gathering your information, and choosing the method that best suits your needs for speed and cost, you can confidently secure this critical document. Remember that once you have the report, reviewing it for accuracy is your most important next step.

This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The procedures, fees, and forms mentioned are subject to change. Always verify current details with the official CMPD or NCDMV websites before submitting a request. If you have been injured in an accident, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified legal professional for advice on your specific situation.