When and how to report a car accident to the DMV
You must report a car accident to your state's DMV if the damage exceeds a certain dollar amount or someone was injured. The threshold varies by state — some require reporting at $500 in damage, others at $1,000 or $1,500. A few states require reporting only if there was injury or death, regardless of property damage. Your state DMV website lists the exact threshold for your location.
Most states let you report online through their DMV portal, by mail using a form, or in person at a local DMV office. The online route is fastest if your state offers it. You will need the other driver's name, insurance information, license plate number, and a description of what happened. If a police officer responded to the scene, you will also need the police report number.
The important date to report varies. Most states give you 10 to 30 days from the date of the accident. Some states require reporting within a specific number of days only if there was injury; property-damage-only accidents may have a longer window or no important date at all. Check your state's DMV site for the exact timeframe — missing the important date can result in license suspension or a fine.
Key Takeaways
- Report thresholds range from $500 to $1,500 in damage depending on your state, and some states only require reporting if someone was injured.
- Most states let you report online, by mail, or in person, and the online method is usually the fastest option.
- You will need the other driver's insurance and license information, plus the police report number if an officer was present.
- important date typically fall between 10 and 30 days from the accident date, and missing the important date can lead to license suspension.
- If you were at fault and caused injury, your state may require you to file proof of financial responsibility (a bond or insurance certificate).
What information you need before you report
Gather the other driver's full name, address, phone number, driver's license number, and license plate number. You will also need their insurance company name and policy number. If there were passengers or witnesses, collect their names and contact information as well.
If a police officer came to the scene, write down the police report number and the officer's name and badge number. If no police report was filed, note the exact date, time, and location of the accident, plus a brief description of how it happened and which direction each vehicle was traveling.
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries if you are safe doing so. These photos can help when you file the report and may be needed later if there is a dispute over fault or damage amounts.
How to find your state's accident report form
Go to your state DMV's official website and search for "accident report" or "crash report." Most states have a dedicated page with downloadable forms and instructions. The form is usually free and available as a PDF you can print and mail, or as an online submission through the DMV portal.
Some states call the form an "SR-22" or "accident report form," while others use different names. Your state's DMV site will list the exact form name and whether it can be filed online. If you cannot find it on the DMV site, call the DMV directly — they can mail you a form or tell you the fastest way to report in your state.
If you hired an attorney or your insurance company is handling the claim, ask them whether they will file the report on your behalf. Some insurance companies file accident reports automatically, which can save you a step.
Reporting online versus by mail
Online reporting is available in most states and is the fastest method. You log into your state DMV account, enter the accident details, upload photos or documents if required, and submit. You usually receive confirmation when ready and a case number for your records. Processing typically takes a few business days.
Mailing a report takes longer. You print the form, fill it out by hand or type it, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The DMV then processes it, which can take two to four weeks. You will not know if there are errors or missing information until the DMV contacts you, which delays the process further.
In-person reporting at a local DMV office is an option in some states. You bring the completed form and any supporting documents, and staff can check for errors on the spot. This method is useful if you want when ready confirmation that your report was received correctly, but it requires a trip to the office and may involve a wait.
What happens after you file an accident report
The DMV records the accident in your driving history. If you were found at fault and the damage or injury meets your state's threshold, the accident will appear on your record for three to five years, depending on your state. This can affect your insurance rates and may be visible to future insurers or employers who run background checks.
If you were at fault and caused injury to another person, your state may require you to file proof of financial responsibility within a set timeframe, usually 30 days. This means providing a certificate of insurance, a bond, or a deposit to show you can cover damages. Failure to file this proof can result in license suspension.
The DMV does not determine fault or settle disputes — that is handled by insurance companies or courts. The DMV report is a record of the accident itself, not a judgment about who was responsible. If the other driver disputes your account of what happened, both versions may be noted in the file.
State-by-state reporting thresholds and important date
| Reporting Requirement | Varies By State |
|---|---|
| Damage threshold for reporting | $500 to $1,500, or injury/death only |
| important date to report | 10 to 30 days from accident date |
| Form name | Accident report, crash report, SR-22, or state-specific name |
| Filing methods | Online, mail, or in-person |
| How long accident stays on record | 3 to 7 years |
Because thresholds and important date differ significantly, check your specific state's DMV website before filing. A few states do not require accident reports at all for property-damage-only crashes, while others require reporting for any accident involving injury. Your state DMV site will clarify what applies to your situation.
What to do if you miss the reporting important date
If you miss your state's important date to report an accident, contact your DMV when ready. Some states allow late filing if you have a reasonable explanation, such as hospitalization or a delayed discovery of injury. Others impose a fine or license suspension for late reports.
Call your state DMV and explain the delay. Ask whether you can still file the report and what consequences, if any, explore. In some cases, filing late is better than not filing at all, because not filing can result in a longer license suspension than filing late.
If your license has already been suspended for a missed important date, you will need to file the accident report and pay any required reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The DMV can tell you the exact steps and fees for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report an accident if the other driver and I agreed not to involve insurance?
Yes, if the damage exceeds your state's threshold. The DMV reporting requirement is separate from insurance claims. Even if you and the other driver settled the damage privately, you still must report the accident to the DMV by the important date. Failing to report can result in license suspension or fines.
What if I was not at fault — do I still have to report?
Yes. Fault does not determine whether you report; the damage amount or injury does. You report the accident to the DMV regardless of who caused it. The DMV record is factual, not a judgment of fault.
Can I report an accident that happened months ago?
No, you must report within your state's important date, usually 10 to 30 days. If you are past the important date, contact your DMV to ask about late filing options. Some states allow it with an explanation; others do not. Waiting longer makes it harder to recover.
Will reporting the accident to the DMV increase my insurance rates?
The DMV report itself does not set your rates — your insurance company does. However, the accident will be part of your driving record, and insurers can see it. Whether your rates go up depends on your insurer's policy and whether you were found at fault. Report the accident to your insurer as well, as most policies require it.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Report the accident to the DMV as usual, and include a note that the other driver had no insurance. You will likely need to file proof of financial responsibility with the DMV. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may cover the damage, so contact your insurer right away.