In New York City, you can download your official police accident report (Form MV-104AN) for free within 30 days of the crash through the NYPD Collision Report Retrieval Portal. Once the 30-day window closes, the record transfers to the New York State DMV, where online access costs $22 ($7 search fee + $15 report fee).
NYC Crash Report Quick Reference
| Retrieval Method | Timeframe | Cost | Access Link / Location | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYPD Online Portal | Days 1–30 after crash | Free | collisionreport.nypdonline.org | 5–7 business days |
| Responding NYPD Precinct | Days 1–30 after crash | Free | Precinct where crash occurred | Same day (once filed) |
| NY State DMV Online | After 30 days | $22 | dmv.ny.gov | Immediate download |
| NY State DMV by Mail | After 30 days | $25 | Form MV-198C to NY DMV | 2–4 weeks |
Step 1: Confirm Which Agency Has Your Report
- Five-Borough Streets & NYC Highways (FDR, BQE, Belt Pkwy): Handled by the NYPD via the portal above.
- Bridges & Tunnels (RFK/Triboro, Verrazzano, Midtown Tunnel): Handled by MTA Bridges and Tunnels (request via MTA Police).
- JFK, LaGuardia, Lincoln/Holland Tunnels, George Washington Bridge: Handled by Port Authority Police (PAPD).
- Out-of-State License Limitation: The free NYPD online portal only authenticates driver's licenses from New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. If you hold a New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or other out-of-state license, pick up the report in person at the responding NYPD precinct within 30 days or order via the NY State DMV after 30 days.
Step 2: How to Read Your NYC Form MV-104AN
When reviewing your NYPD report for insurance accuracy, check these three boxes first:
- Boxes 19–24 (Apparent Contributing Factors): Along the right margin, officers enter numeric codes (e.g., Code
4for Driver Inattention/Distraction, Code9for Following Too Closely, Code7for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way). Adjusters use these codes to assign fault percentages under New York's Pure Comparative Negligence rule (CPLR § 1411). - 3-Digit DMV Insurance Code: Every NY auto insurer has a 3-digit code in the vehicle block (e.g., GEICO
100/148, State Farm328). Because New York enforces a strict 30-day deadline to file your No-Fault (NF-2) application for medical bills and lost wages, verify this code immediately. - Officer's Diagram & Notes: Confirm the directional arrows (N, S, E, W) and point-of-impact numbers match the physical damage on your vehicle.
Step 3: Mandatory Civilian Self-Reporting (Form MV-104)
Even when the NYPD files an MV-104AN, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605 requires every involved driver to file a civilian Form MV-104 with the NY DMV within 10 days if the crash caused any injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Failure to file within 10 days is grounds for driver's license suspension.
Need help decoding the contributing factor codes on your MV-104AN or disputing fault? Have a New York accident attorney review your report free at submitaccident.report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my report showing up in the NYPD portal after 7 days?
Reports involving fatalities, DWI arrests, or juvenile drivers are blocked from online retrieval and must be requested at the precinct or via an NYPD FOIL request at 1 Police Plaza (646-610-5000).
What if the NYPD refused to come to my minor fender bender?
NYPD policy does not dispatch officers to non-injury collisions where vehicles are drivable. Exchange license, registration, and insurance photos at the scene and file your civilian Form MV-104 with the NY DMV within 10 days.