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Crash Report Guide

How to Get Your Crash Report
in Colorado

After a car accident in Colorado, you have the right to obtain a copy of the official crash report filed by the responding officer. This guide walks you through the process for every major agency in the state.

5-10 Business Days

Typical processing time for most Colorado agencies after your request is submitted.

$0 - $6.75 Typical Cost

Electronic copies are the most affordable. Some agencies provide free copies to crash-involved parties.

Online Requests Available

Most major agencies accept online requests. Denver PD and CDOT both offer online portals.

City-Specific Crash Report Guides

Select your city for detailed instructions, addresses, phone numbers, and fees specific to your local police department.

Agency-Specific Police Report Guides

These guides use live agency crash data to help you request reports from the exact responding department.

Colorado State Patrol (CDOT) Reports

If your accident occurred on a state highway, interstate, or was investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, you need to request your report through CDOT rather than a local police department.

Online Request

The Colorado State Patrol offers an online crash report request portal:

colorado.gov/pacific/csp/crash-report

What You Need

  • Date and approximate time of crash
  • Highway and approximate mile marker or location
  • Names of parties involved
  • Case number (if available)

Tip: Your incident ID appears on every CrashStory crash detail page. Use our accident search tool to find your crash and locate the case number before submitting your request.

General Process for Requesting a Crash Report

1

Identify the Responding Agency

Determine which law enforcement agency investigated your crash. City police departments handle crashes on city streets. The Colorado State Patrol investigates crashes on state highways and interstates. County sheriff departments handle unincorporated areas.

2

Gather Your Crash Information

Collect the date of your accident, the location (intersection or address), names of parties involved, and any case or incident number you received at the scene. If you do not have a case number, search for your crash on CrashStory to find it.

3

Submit Your Request

Most agencies accept requests online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Online requests are typically processed fastest. You may need to pay a small fee, usually under $10 for electronic copies.

4

Receive and Review Your Report

Reports are usually available within 5 to 10 business days. Review the report carefully for accuracy. If you find errors, contact the agency to request a correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a copy of my Colorado crash report?
You can request your crash report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. For city streets, contact the local police department. For state highways, request through the Colorado State Patrol via CDOT. Most agencies accept online, mail, or in-person requests.
How much does a crash report cost in Colorado?
Costs vary by agency. Denver charges $0 to $6.75 for electronic copies. Colorado Springs charges a similar fee. Colorado State Patrol reports requested through CDOT are typically $2.75 for electronic copies. Some agencies provide free copies to parties involved in the crash.
How long does it take to get a crash report in Colorado?
Most agencies complete crash reports within 5 to 10 business days after the accident. Complex crashes involving fatalities or major investigations may take longer. Online requests are typically processed faster than mail-in requests.
What information do I need to request a crash report?
You will typically need the incident date, location of the crash, names of parties involved, and the case or incident number if available. The incident ID for crashes in our database appears on every CrashStory crash detail page.
Can I get a crash report online in Colorado?
Yes, many Colorado agencies offer online crash report requests. Denver PD has an online records portal, and CDOT/Colorado State Patrol reports can be requested through the state website at colorado.gov. Processing times for online requests are generally faster.
What is the difference between a police report and a crash report?
In Colorado, a crash report (also called an accident report or traffic crash report) is the specific document filed by the responding officer after a traffic collision. A police report is a broader term that can refer to any incident report filed by law enforcement. For car accidents, the terms are often used interchangeably.

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