You can file an accident report with the New York State DMV online through their website, but only if the accident happened in New York and you are reporting it as the vehicle owner or operator
The New York State DMV accident report form is called the MV-104. You can submit it online at the DMV's website without visiting an office, but the online system has specific requirements: the accident must have occurred in New York State, you must have been involved as a driver or vehicle owner, and you typically have 10 days from the date of the accident to file. The online filing system is faster than mailing a paper form, and you will receive confirmation when ready.
Not all accidents can be filed online. If a police officer issued a ticket, filed an accident report, or if the accident involved injury or significant damage, you may need to use a different process or file a paper form instead. The DMV website will tell you which route applies to your situation before you start.
Key Takeaways
- The New York State DMV accident report form is the MV-104, and you can file it online at dmv.ny.gov without visiting an office in person.
- You have 10 days from the date of the accident to file the report with the DMV, though filing sooner protects you legally.
- Online filing works only for accidents that occurred in New York State and where you were the driver or registered vehicle owner.
- If a police report was filed, someone was injured, or damage exceeds a certain threshold, you may be required to file a paper form or report to police instead.
- Keep a copy of your filed report and the confirmation number the DMV provides for your insurance company and personal records.
When you must file an accident report with the DMV
New York State law requires you to file an accident report with the DMV if the accident caused injury to any person, death, or property damage of more than $1,000. The damage threshold is the key: if you hit a parked car and caused $800 in damage, you do not have to file with the DMV. If the damage is $1,001 or more, you do.
You must file even if the other driver's insurance will pay for everything. The DMV report is separate from insurance claims and serves as a legal record. If you were in an accident and are unsure whether the damage meets the $1,000 threshold, file the report anyway — filing when you are not required to is not a problem, but failing to file when you should be can result in license suspension.
If a police officer responded to the accident and filed a report, the police report may satisfy the DMV requirement in some cases. However, you should still check with the DMV or your insurance company to confirm, because the rules vary depending on the type of accident and which police agency responded.
How to file the MV-104 form online
Go to dmv.ny.gov and look for the accident report section under "Forms" or "Online Services." The DMV website will direct you to fill out the MV-104 form online. You will need basic information: the date, time, and location of the accident; the names and contact information of all drivers involved; vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and license plate numbers; insurance information; and a description of what happened.
Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card available before you start. The online form will ask you to confirm that you are the vehicle owner or operator and that the accident occurred in New York State. Once you submit the form, the DMV will send you a confirmation number by email or display it on screen — save this number for your records and provide it to your insurance company.
The online system typically processes your report within a few business days. You do not need to mail anything or visit an office. If the DMV needs more information, they will contact you using the phone number or email you provided on the form.
Accidents that require a paper form or police report instead
If a police officer responded to the accident and filed an official report, you may be able to file that report with the DMV instead of submitting the MV-104 form yourself. Some police departments in New York automatically send accident reports to the DMV; others do not. Contact the police department that responded to ask whether they filed with the DMV on your behalf.
If the accident involved injury or death, you are required to report it to the police, and the police report becomes the official record. In this case, do not rely on the online MV-104 form — contact the police department that responded and ask them to confirm they filed with the DMV. If they did not, you may need to file a paper MV-104 form by mail instead of online.
If you are unsure whether your accident qualifies for online filing, call the DMV at 518-402-4368 (Albany) or visit a local DMV office. Staff can tell you which form to use and whether online filing is an option for your situation.
Scams and safety concerns when filing accident reports
Do not use third-party websites that claim to file your accident report for you. The only official New York State DMV website is dmv.ny.gov. Scammers create fake DMV sites that look similar and charge fees to file forms that you can file yourself for free. If you see a website offering to "file your accident report" or "submit your MV-104," verify the URL is dmv.ny.gov before entering any personal information.
Be cautious if someone contacts you after an accident claiming to be from the DMV or insurance company and asking for payment to file your report. The DMV does not charge a fee for filing an accident report online. If you receive a call or email asking for money, it is a scam.
Do not share your full Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details with anyone claiming to help you file an accident report. The DMV may ask for your driver's license number or date of birth to verify your identity, but they will never ask for financial information through email or phone.
What happens after you file your accident report
Once the DMV receives your report, they enter it into their system. Your insurance company can access this record, and it becomes part of your driving history. The report does not determine fault — it is straightforward a factual record of what happened. Fault is determined by insurance companies, police investigations, or courts, not by the DMV accident report.
Keep your confirmation number and a copy of the report you filed. If your insurance company asks about the accident later, you can provide this documentation. If the DMV contacts you asking for more information, respond promptly — delays can affect your claim or license status.
If you filed the report online and later realize you made an error, contact the DMV when ready. Depending on the error, you may be able to file a corrected form or amendment. Do not ignore the mistake, as an inaccurate report can cause problems with your insurance or license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an accident report with the DMV?
You have 10 days from the date of the accident to file the report. Filing sooner is better because it protects you legally and ensures your insurance company has the information they need. If you miss the 10-day window, contact the DMV when ready — they may still accept a late report, but waiting longer can complicate your claim.
Can I file an accident report online if I was not the driver?
If you were the registered vehicle owner but not the driver, you can file the report, but you will need to provide the driver's information. If you were neither the driver nor the owner, you cannot file the report yourself — the driver or owner must do it. Passengers and witnesses cannot file DMV accident reports.
What if the other driver does not have insurance or leaves the scene?
File the accident report with the DMV as soon as possible and include all the information you have about the other vehicle. If the other driver left the scene, report this to police and provide the police report number when you file with the DMV. Your own insurance company can help you with a hit-and-run claim even without the other driver's information.
Does filing an accident report with the DMV affect my insurance rates?
Filing the report itself does not affect your rates — the report is just a record. Your insurance company determines rate changes based on fault, your driving history, and the type of accident. The DMV report provides information your insurance company uses, but it does not cause the rate increase.
Can I file the accident report if the accident happened outside New York State?
No. The New York DMV online system is only for accidents that occurred in New York State. If your accident happened in another state, you must file with that state's DMV or the police department in that state. Contact the DMV in the state where the accident occurred to find out how to file.