How to Get a Police Report from the LAPD or LASD After a Car Accident

California Report Rules and Request Procedures

• Reports are restricted, not open to everyone. Vehicle Code §20012 permits disclosure to people with a proper interest, including involved drivers, named injured people, vehicle or property owners and authorized representatives. Bring identification and any required authorization. The statute permits a copy fee no greater than the actual cost of providing it.
• LAPD: online or mail, with exceptions. Its request page says to allow at least 45 days before seeking a report online. Reports involving an arrest, fatality or juvenile, and reports issued before February 1, 2016, must be requested by mail through the Records and Identification Division. Its posted webpage lists a $19 mail fee, while its July 2025 request form lists $20. Confirm the current amount before mailing a check or money order. Do not assume the online fee is identical.
• LASD: confirm the handling station’s procedure. LASD station instructions describe station requests, and its central Records and Identification Bureau accepts mailed requests or scheduled pickup requests. The central published fee schedule lists $25 with a file number and $35 for a search without one. Confirm the applicable fee, availability and appointment requirements before going. There is no single verified release time for every station.
• CHP: use the Crash Portal or CHP 190. An eligible party can request online or submit CHP 190 by mail or in person at a CHP Area office, with identification and the applicable fee. CHP directs applicants to confirm the exact fee with the office. Its online system says reports are typically available within eight business days; complex investigations can take longer.
• Reporting an injury crash is different from ordering a copy. Vehicle Code §20008 generally requires a written injury or fatal crash report within 24 hours to CHP or the appropriate city police department. Confirm whether the investigating officer’s report satisfies your obligation. Do not wait for a purchased copy before addressing reporting duties.
• The DMV SR-1 is separate. Vehicle Code §16000 generally requires a DMV report within 10 days if anyone is injured or killed, or damage to any one person’s property exceeds $1,000. A police, sheriff, CHP or insurance report does not replace your SR-1.

After a car accident in Los Angeles County, one of the most important documents you will need is the official police report. Whether you are filing an insurance claim, seeking medical treatment coverage, or pursuing a personal injury case, this report can play a critical role in documenting what happened and protecting your rights.

Understanding how to obtain a police report from the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department can feel confusing, especially when you are already dealing with the stress of an accident. This guide walks you through the process in a clear and practical way so you can move forward with confidence.

Why a Police Report Matters After a Car Accident

After a crash, emotions are often high and memories can fade quickly. A police report serves as an objective record of what happened. It typically includes key details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, statements from drivers and witnesses, officer observations, and sometimes a preliminary assessment of fault.

Insurance companies rely heavily on this document when evaluating claims. Without it, disputes over liability can become more difficult to resolve. If your case proceeds to a personal injury claim, your attorney may also use the report as supporting evidence when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case.

Even in situations where fault seems obvious, having official documentation helps protect you from unexpected challenges later. It provides a layer of credibility that personal recollections alone cannot match.

LAPD vs LASD, Understanding Who Handled Your Report

Before requesting your report, you need to determine which agency responded to your accident. In Los Angeles County, jurisdiction depends largely on where the accident occurred.

If LAPD investigated your crash in the City of Los Angeles, request the report from LAPD. Other cities may have their own police departments or contract with LASD, and CHP may have investigated the crash. Use the agency name on your incident card or information exchange form. If it occurred in an unincorporated area or a contract city, then the LASD may have been the responding agency.

This distinction is important because each department has its own process for requesting records. Attempting to request your report from the wrong agency can delay your case and create unnecessary frustration. If you are unsure, you can check the information exchange form given at the scene or contact either department for guidance.

How to Request a Police Report from the LAPD

The LAPD provides several ways to obtain a traffic collision report, but the process does require some patience. Reports are not typically available immediately after an accident. LAPD instructs people to allow at least 45 days after the collision before trying to obtain a report online so it can be reviewed and approved for release.

LAPD’s traffic-report instructions provide online and mail request routes. Reports involving an arrest, fatality or juvenile, and reports issued before February 1, 2016, must be requested by mail. The online option is often the most convenient, especially if you want to avoid long wait times. You will need basic information such as the report number, the date of the accident, and the names of the involved parties.

If you choose to request the report by mail, you must complete the appropriate request form and include a small fee. For a mailed request, use LAPD’s request form and follow the Records and Identification Division’s instructions for identification, authorization and payment.

It is important to note that not everyone can access a police report. Generally, only involved parties, their representatives, or authorized individuals such as attorneys or insurance companies are eligible to obtain a copy.

How to Request a Police Report from the LASD

The LASD follows a similar process, but with its own procedures and systems. Contact the LASD station that handled your collision to confirm its report-request procedure. LASD’s central Records and Identification Bureau also accepts mailed requests and requests for scheduled pickup. Confirm availability, identification, fees and appointment requirements before going.

After your accident, you should allow adequate time for the report to be processed before submitting a request. Trying to obtain it too early may result in delays or incomplete information.

When submitting your request, you will need identifying details such as the date and location of the accident, as well as the names of the involved individuals. Providing accurate information helps ensure that your request is processed efficiently.

Fees may apply, and processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the report and the volume of requests being handled at the time.

What Information You Will Need

Regardless of whether your report is handled by the LAPD or LASD, having the right information ready can make the process much smoother. At a minimum, you should try to have the report number, which is often provided at the scene of the accident.

If you do not have the report number, you can still request the report using other details such as the date, time, and location of the crash, along with the names of those involved. However, this may increase processing time, as staff will need to locate the report manually.

Keeping copies of any documentation you received at the scene, including business cards from officers or exchange forms, can be extremely helpful during this stage.

How Long It Takes to Receive Your Report

One of the most common questions we hear is how long it takes to obtain a police report. The answer depends on several factors, including the agency involved, the complexity of the accident, and the method of your request.

Timing depends on the investigating agency. LAPD says to allow at least 45 days before seeking a report online, while CHP’s online system says reports are typically available within eight business days. Ask the handling LASD station about its current processing time. Complex investigations can take longer. Once requested, delivery time can vary. Online requests are typically processed faster, while mailed requests may take additional time due to handling and shipping.

An attorney can help submit a complete request and follow up, but cannot guarantee faster agency review or release.

What to Do If There Was No Police Report

Not every accident results in a police report. In minor collisions, officers may not be dispatched, or they may decline to file a formal report. This can create challenges, but it does not mean you are without options.

In these situations, documentation becomes even more important. You should gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Witness statements and contact information can also be valuable.

You generally must file a DMV SR-1 within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or damage to any one person’s property exceeded $1,000, regardless of fault. This is separate from a police report but still serves as an official record.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting a Police Report

Many people unintentionally delay their own case by making simple mistakes during the report request process. One common issue is submitting a request too early, before the report has been finalized. This often results in a denial or incomplete record.

Another frequent mistake is providing incorrect or incomplete information. Even small errors, such as misspelled names or incorrect dates, can make it difficult for staff to locate your report.

It is also important to keep track of your request and follow up if necessary. While most reports are processed without issue, occasional delays can occur, and staying proactive helps ensure you receive your documents in a timely manner.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

While you can request a police report on your own, working with a personal injury attorney can simplify the process and reduce stress. At LA Injury Attorneys, we handle these administrative steps on behalf of our clients so they can focus on recovery.

Beyond obtaining the report, an experienced attorney can review it carefully, identify any inaccuracies, and use it as part of a broader legal strategy. If there are discrepancies or missing details, your attorney may take additional steps to strengthen your case through further investigation.

Having legal guidance early in the process can make a meaningful difference, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize or deny your claim.

Taking the Next Step After Your Accident

Obtaining your police report is an important step, but it is only one part of protecting your rights after a car accident. Medical care, documentation, and legal guidance all play a role in ensuring you are treated fairly throughout the claims process.

If you have been injured in a crash, consider speaking with a qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At LA Injury Attorneys, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we win your case.

Our team is committed to helping clients navigate complex situations with clarity and confidence, always prioritizing your well-being and financial recovery.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and laws and procedures may change over time. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Hurt in a crash? Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers offer a free case review, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call (877) 861-8601.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my LAPD car accident report online?

Use the online report link on LAPD’s official Request a Traffic Report page. LAPD says to allow at least 45 days after the collision before trying online. Reports involving an arrest, fatality or juvenile, or issued before February 1, 2016, must be requested by mail.

How much does an LAPD accident report cost?

LAPD’s posted request webpage lists $19 for a mailed report, but its July 2025 request form lists $20. Because those official materials conflict, confirm the current amount with LAPD before sending payment. Online pricing may differ.

Can I request an LASD crash report at a sheriff’s station?

Contact the station that handled the crash to check whether the report is ready and how to request it. Station procedures can differ. LASD’s central Records and Identification Bureau also provides a mail process and scheduled pickup requests. Confirm fees and identification requirements first.

How do I get a CHP accident report?

An eligible party can use CHP’s online Crash Portal or complete form CHP 190 for a mail or in-person request at a CHP Area office. Provide the crash details, identification and required fee. CHP’s portal says reports are typically available within eight business days, but some take longer.

Do I still need an SR-1 if the police wrote a report?

Yes, if the crash meets the DMV reporting threshold. File an SR-1 within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or damage to any one person’s property exceeded $1,000. This applies regardless of fault. The police report does not replace it.

Hurt in a crash? Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers offer a free case review, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call (877) 861-8601, 24/7.