How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Texas
A police report documents key details about a car accident, including what happened, who was involved, and any citations issued. Insurance companies and car accident attorneys use these reports when handling claims and legal cases. In Texas, crash reports are confidential and only available to those directly involved or with a valid reason to obtain one. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to Request a Texas Crash Report
Local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office
If an officer from a local police department or sheriff’s office responded to the crash, the report will be available through that agency before being sent to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Contact the agency’s records division to request a copy. Some departments allow online requests, while others require in-person or mailed submissions.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Most crash reports are filed with TxDOT, which maintains records in a statewide database. TxDOT provides an online system where reports can be purchased and downloaded. Requests can also be made by mail using the appropriate form.
How to Request a Crash Report
Electronically Through TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
- Wait for the report to become available. Officers have up to 10 days to submit crash reports to TxDOT.
- Go to the online purchase system: TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
- Enter required search criteria, such as:
- Name of a driver involved
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Crash report number (if provided by the officer)
- Pay the required fee:
- $6 for a standard, uncertified electronic copy
- $8 for a certified electronic copy (typically used for legal purposes)
- Download the report as a PDF.
In-Person or Mail Request at Local Law Enforcement Agency
- Call the records division of the responding police department or sheriff’s office.
- Ask about their specific process for obtaining a crash report. Some agencies require a form, while others accept a written request.
- Provide key details to locate the report:
- Date and location of the crash
- Names of those involved
- Report number (if available)
- Pay the fee:
- $6 for a regular copy
- $8 for a certified copy
- Receive the report either in person or by mail.
Mail Request to TxDOT
- Download and complete Form CR-91 from the TxDOT website.
- Include payment (check or money order payable to TxDOT):
- $6 for a standard copy
- $8 for a certified copy
- Mail the form and payment to:
TxDOT Crash Records,
P.O. Box 12879,
Austin, TX 78711 - Allow up to 30 days for processing and delivery.
When a Certified Copy Is Needed
For most people, a regular crash report works fine, but in some cases, a certified copy is required. The certified version has an official stamp or seal that proves it’s an authentic government record.
Situations where a certified copy may be needed:
- Court cases where the report is used as official evidence
- Insurance disputes where a company requires verification before processing a car accident claim
- DMV or administrative hearings, such as those involving a license suspension
- Legal proceedings where the crash report is part of a larger case
If there’s any doubt about which version is required, check with the court, insurance company, or agency requesting the report.
Processing Times and Access Delays
The time it takes for a crash report to become available depends on the agency handling it. Most reports are accessible within 5 to 10 business days, but some may take longer.
- TxDOT Online System: Once submitted, reports can take up to 14 days to appear in the Crash Records Information System (CRIS). If a search returns no results, waiting a few more days and checking again may help.
- Local Police Departments: Some agencies process reports faster than others. Major cities like Houston and Dallas may have longer wait times, while smaller departments might release reports sooner. Calling the records division before visiting in person can prevent unnecessary delays.
- Mail Requests: TxDOT states that mailed requests can take up to 30 days to process. If you need a report quickly, ordering online or visiting the local police department in person may be a better option.
If a report is not available after the expected timeframe, verifying that the search criteria are correct—such as checking for name spelling errors or an incorrect date—may help resolve issues. If the report still cannot be found, the next step would be contacting the agency that handled the crash.
Who Can Obtain a Crash Report?
Texas law restricts access to full crash reports. The following parties can request one:
- Drivers and passengers involved in the crash
- Vehicle owners
- Insurance companies handling claims
- Attorneys representing someone involved
- Law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies conducting official duties
Redacted vs. Full Crash Reports
Texas crash reports are not public records, and access depends on the requester’s connection to the accident. Those who qualify can receive a full report, while others may only access a redacted version with personal details removed.
A redacted report will typically exclude:
- Names and contact information of those involved
- Driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
- Insurance policy details
Insurance companies, attorneys, and those directly involved in the crash can request a full, unredacted version. If a redacted report is received in error, contact the issuing agency and verify your eligibility for a full report.
How Long Are Crash Reports Available?
TxDOT retains reports for 10 years plus the current year. Older reports may not be available. Request a copy as soon as possible if it may be needed for legal or insurance purposes.
What If a Crash Report Contains Errors?
Mistakes on a crash report can affect insurance claims and legal cases. If incorrect information appears on a report:
- Contact the officer who filed the report. If the mistake involves factual errors, such as a misspelled name or incorrect license plate number, the officer may issue a correction.
- Submit additional documentation. If insurance details or driver information were recorded incorrectly, provide supporting documents to the law enforcement agency.
- Request an amendment. Some agencies allow a formal request to add a statement or supplement the report.
What If a Crash Report Is Delayed or Missing?
Processing time varies. Reports are typically available 5 to 10 business days after the crash. If the report is unavailable online, check with the police department that handled the crash.
- Verify details. Double-check the spelling of names, the crash date, and the accident location entered in the search.
- Check the request status. If requesting through TxDOT’s CRIS system, reports can take up to 14 days to appear. If searching too soon, wait and try again.
- Contact TxDOT or local law enforcement. If the report is still missing after two weeks, contact the records department that handled the crash.
What to Do If No Crash Report Was Filed
Some accidents do not result in a police report. Officers may not respond if the crash is minor, or they may decline to file a report if no injuries or serious property damage are involved. In Texas, law enforcement is only required to complete a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) if the accident resulted in injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage.
If no report exists, other forms of documentation can help support an insurance claim or dispute:
- Take detailed photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, skid marks, traffic signs, and any relevant road conditions.
- Collect witness information, including names and contact details, in case their statements are needed later.
- Write down what happened as soon as possible, including time, location, weather, and any conversations with the other driver.
- Request a copy of any 911 call records if emergency services were contacted but no report was filed.
- Check for private security or dashcam footage from nearby businesses, homes, or vehicles that may have captured the accident.
If no report was ever filed, TxDOT offers a free Letter of “No Record” upon request, which confirms that no official crash report exists and may be useful for insurance claims or other situations where proof of the accident is required.
While TxDOT no longer collects Driver’s Crash Reports (CR-2) for self-reporting minor accidents, some insurance companies may request a written statement about what happened. Keeping a personal accident file with all related documentation can help if issues arise later.
How to Use a Crash Report After Obtaining It
- Submit it to your insurance company. If the insurer does not already have a copy, giving it to them early on can help move the claim forward without unnecessary delays.
- Review it for accuracy. Incorrect details like a misspelled name or an incorrect location, can create complications in claims or disputes. Addressing any errors before submitting the report can prevent issues.
- Keep copies for future reference. A crash report may be needed months or even years later for legal matters, insurance claims, or personal records. Save both digital and printed copies.
- Use it to support an injury claim. Attorneys will typically examine crash reports for evidence that strengthens a case, such as traffic violations, witness statements, or diagrams that clarify how the crash happened.
- Provide it to medical providers if necessary. Some healthcare providers and health insurers may request a copy when handling accident-related medical billing or coverage questions.
Other Reasons You May Need a Crash Report
Insurance claims and accident cases aren’t the only times a crash report might be useful. Some situations where having a copy can help include:
- Employment records – Commercial drivers or employees using company vehicles may need to provide a crash report to their employer. Some jobs that require driving, such as delivery or rideshare services, may also ask for one after an accident.
- DMV hearings – If an accident leads to a license suspension or revocation, a crash report may be required for an appeal.
- Medical or health insurance claims – Some health insurance providers ask for a crash report before covering accident-related medical treatment.
- Disputes over vehicle damage or diminished value claims – If there’s a disagreement about repair costs or a car’s value after an accident, a crash report can help support a claim.
Keeping a copy of the report even after a claim is settled can be useful if questions come up later.
A crash report is usually the first official account of an accident, but it’s not the only factor that shapes the outcome of a claim. Insurance adjusters and attorneys examine the report alongside other evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, to build a complete picture of what happened. Keeping a copy readily available can help streamline communication with insurers and attorneys.
Attorney Guidance from Loewy Law Firm
A crash report can help clarify what happened after an accident, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Insurance companies don’t always play fair, and a report alone won’t guarantee the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a car accident in Austin or anywhere in Texas, Loewy Law Firm can help you take the next steps.
Call (512) 280-0800 for a free consultation or contact us online to get started.