How to get your crash report in California
Not in California? Pick your state
The report names everyone involved and records what happened. Insurers rely on it, and any claim you make is built on it.
- 1
Know what it's called
The Highway Patrol writes it on form CHP 555, the Traffic Crash Report.
- 2
Find where to request it
If the Highway Patrol worked your crash, mail form CHP 190 to the Area office nearest it, or take it in. People involved in the crash can also request it online through the CHP Crash Portal. If a city police department worked it, ask that department. The Highway Patrol cannot give you their report and will send you back.
Request a report from the CHP (opens in a new tab)Open the CHP Crash Portal (opens in a new tab)
- 3
Check what a copy costs
The Highway Patrol charges $10 for a report of up to 25 pages. A city police department sets its own, so ask whoever wrote yours before you send anything.
- 4
Expect the wait
A Highway Patrol report is usually ready within 8 business days, 15 for a complex crash, and 30 when someone died. A city police department sets its own pace, so ask the one that wrote yours.
Free Crash Report Assistance
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