People involved in a vehicle crash investigated by the California Highway Patrol can now use an online portal to get a crash report.
Those seeking a report can find the request form by:
• Scanning the QR code on a “crash card” received from a CHP officer at the scene of the crash.
• Going to crashes.chp.ca.gov. For this option, the requester must provide the date and time of the crash, the officer’s identification number and an NCIC number — a four-digit agency code issued by the National Crime Information Center.
The digital report is free.
A report is usually available within eight working days of the crash, and can be requested by an involved party: a driver, the parent of a minor driver, a passenger, the owner of a damaged vehicle or property, or a legal or insurance representative.
A paper copy of a report can still be requested by mailing in the agency’s Form 190 or by going to a CHP office. A fee of at least $10 is charged for a paper copy.
If your report can’t be accessed online, the CHP advises that you call a local office of the agency for help.
The portal is only for crashes investigated by the CHP; reports for crashes other than those on highways must be requested from the investigating police department or sheriff’s office.
