How to Get a Police Report in Queens, NY

Whether you’ve been involved in a traffic accident, a property incident, or any other situation requiring law enforcement intervention, it’s important for individuals to understand the process of obtaining a Queens police accident report as this is often the first step in any legal case.

In this user-friendly resource, we break down the steps you need to follow, the necessary documentation, and important details to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Navigating the complexities of a Queens police report request can be challenging, but with our guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process.

The first important item to know is that If it has been more than 30 days since the date of the police report of your accident, you will need to get the report from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, NYPD won’t make it available to you after that 30-day mark.

How to Get Queens Police Reports Online

Getting a copy of your Queens police report online may sound like a straightforward process, and it is if you’re prepared. We’re here to assist you and make sure you know all the ins and outs involved.

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Queens, NY, our car accident lawyers will help you obtain your report for free. Just fill out the form below, and we’ll take care of the rest!

 

*Please note that by submitting this form, you agree and understand that you are requesting Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, PC contact you to discuss the car accident related to the police report and that they discuss the potential of representing you for any claim you may have resulting from the same.

If you need to gather information about a recent car accident, you can initiate a Queens police report lookup to obtain the necessary details via the Collision Report Retrieval Portal. This online tool lets drivers check collision reports created by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) anytime after September 30, 2016.

Keep in mind that it might take up to 7 business days from the incident date for your report to be accessible on this portal. You can also get Queens accident reports from the precinct where the incident occurred.

When to Get an Accident Report From the DMV

Once 30 days have passed since the accident report date, you need to request NYPD police accident reports from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It might take the DMV up to 14 days to make the police report available if it was filed electronically.

There are several other important pieces of information to understand:

1. The NYS DMV retains police reports for 4 years, but only if the report shows repairs costing more than $1,000 for a vehicle or if there’s an injury noted in the police report.
2. If the police officer didn’t mark “Yes” for “Cost of repairs to any one vehicle will be more than $1000” or note an injury, the police report won’t be in the NYS DMV files.
3. You can search, purchase, and immediately download certified accident reports online.
4. You will need to pay a search fee ($7 online or $10 by mail) before doing anything.
5. To order reports you will need to pay an additional $15 fee (for each report).
6. If for some reason a paper form was used by police to report the crash, you will need to allow at least 30 days from the date of the accident.
7. If the accident report was filed by a motorist and not a police officer, regardless if the incident occurred in Queens or anywhere else in the state, you will need to allow at least 60 days from the date of the collision.
8. You will be charged separately for the search fee and for each report you order.
   1. For example, if there are 3 reports in the system for one accident (a police report and 2 motorist reports) and you must purchase each of them, the order fee would be $45)

You may request an accident report from NYS DMV by mail using form MV-198C, or online to immediately download.

Either the license plate number of at least one of the vehicles involved in the wreck or the DMV case number that appears on the incident report will be required in order to search and download your report – along with the $22 or $25 payment, depending if you are doing it online or by mail.

How to Get a Queens, NY Accident Report by Mail

Aside from requesting Queens police incident reports online, you can also submit your request via US mail.

You’ll need to first download, print, and complete the “Request for Copy of Collision Record” form. You can download it here, Form PD301-165 Rev. 09-14, or go into any NYPD precinct to request it.

Then you’ll need to send two copies of that completed form to the Traffic Safety Officer of the precinct where the accident occurred.

If it’s been over 30 days since the date of the accident or date on the report, you will be to You may request an accident report from the NYS DMV by downloading form MV-198C, and mailing the completed form and payment to:

NYSDMV
MV-198C Processing
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY. 12228

If you are ordering the report – and not just paying $10 to search for one – you will need to also include an additional $15 payment for each copy of the report – so that’s $25 total for the $10 search fee and $15 for the actual report.

How to Get a Queens, NY Accident Report by Phone

There are only three methods to obtain motor vehicle accident reports in the five boroughs of New York City, in person, by mail, or online.

There is currently no telephone option to search for or request a motor vehicle accident report in New York State.

How to Get a Queens, NY Accident Report in Person

Requesting a copy of an NYPD police report at the NYPD precinct where the accident occurred is often the fastest method of obtaining an accident or incident report in the five boroughs of New York City.

It’s important to note that you need to request the report during the first 30 days from when the report was filed. Search for and find the NYPD police precinct in which your accident took place.

It usually takes 1-3 days after the accident for your report to be available but it can take up to two weeks.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Queens, NY Accident Report?

To recap, here are all of the (current – Dec 2023) costs associated with searching for and requesting a motor vehicle accident report in NYC:

Before 30 days from the date of the accident – from the NYPD or Cohen & Cohen Law Group:

• Free: Request it in person from the precinct in which your accident occurred.
• Free: Download, print, and complete the “Request for Copy of Collision Record” form, or go into any NYPD precinct to request it. Then send two copies of that completed form to the Traffic Safety Officer of the precinct where the accident occurred.
• Free: Have our legal team do it for you.

After 30 days from the date of the accident – from the DMV or Cohen & Cohen Law Group::

• $22 to search and request one copy from NYS DMV online.
• $25 to search and request one copy from NYS DMV by mail.
• Free: Have our legal team do it for you.

How Long Does It Take To Get the Queens, NY Accident Report?

The time it takes to get Queens police incident reports depends on the method you choose and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.

Here’s a breakdown of the processing times for different options.

Online Request (NYPD Collision Report Retrieval Portal):

• Time Frame: Up to 7 business days from the incident date.
• Availability: Reports created by the NYPD after September 30, 2016.

Request from NYPD Precinct:

• Time Frame: Usually 1-3 days after the accident (but can take up to two weeks).
• Limitation: Must be requested within the first 30 days from when the report was filed.

Request from New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

Time Frame: Up to 14 days if the report was filed electronically.

When: After 30 days from the accident report date.

Note: The NYS DMV retains police reports for 4 years under specific conditions (repairs costing more than $1,000 or if there’s an injury noted).

By Mail Request to NYS DMV (Form MV-198C):

• Time Frame: Allow at least 30 days if a paper form was used by police.
• Payment: $22 online or $25 by mail for each report (includes search fee and report fee).

Remember, these time frames and costs are based on the information available as of December 2023. Actual processing times may vary, and it’s advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

What Documentation Is Required to Get a Queens, NY Accident Report?

The documentation required to request a police report from a motor vehicle accident is the same, no matter what method of delivery you choose. This info is required in order to find your report:

1. Either the license plate number of at least one of the vehicles involved in the wreck or the DMV case number that appears on the incident report.
2. A copy of your driver’s license and a self-addressed stamped envelope – if processed by mail.

What Does a Queens, NY Accident Report Include?

Ensure the details in your accident report are correct, especially your personal information found on the initial page. This includes:

• Crash Details:
  • Identify the Crash
  • Describe the Accident Scene
• People and Vehicles:
  • Driver Information
  • Vehicle Details
  • Safety Equipment Used
• Location and Conditions:
  • Where the Accident Occurred
  • Road and Weather Conditions
  • Traffic Control and Lights
• Injuries and Victims:
  • Injured Persons Details
  • Victims’ Physical and Emotional Status
  • Medical Response and Facilities Used
• Additional Information:
  • Involved Parties’ Names
  • Deceased Individuals (Include Date of Death)
  • Pedestrian/Bicyclist Details
• Accident Characteristics:
  • Accident Type
  • Contributing Factors
  • Direction of Travel
• Official Data:
  • Police Report Information

Secure Your Peace of Mind Today

Obtaining a police report in Queens, NY, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following our comprehensive guide, you can effortlessly navigate through the process, whether it’s online, by mail, or in person. Remember, having the right documentation and understanding the time frames is key to a smooth experience. Don’t let the complexity of legal procedures overwhelm you. Take the first step now to secure your police report and move forward with confidence and peace of mind. If you need further assistance or have any questions, our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you every step of the way.