The Importance of LAPD Traffic Collision Reports and How To Request Them

After a traffic accident in Los Angeles, getting a copy of your LAPD traffic collision report request fulfilled is one of the first practical steps toward protecting your rights. That report contains critical details, driver information, witness statements, diagrams, and the responding officer’s assessment, that form the backbone of any insurance claim or personal injury case.

At Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, we’ve spent over 25 years helping accident victims across Los Angeles navigate what comes after a collision. One thing we see regularly: people either don’t know how to obtain their report or wait too long to request one, which can slow down their ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

This guide walks you through the exact steps to request your traffic collision report from the LAPD, including online options, in-person methods, required forms, fees, and timelines, so you can get the documentation you need without unnecessary delays or confusion.

What you need before you request

Having your information organized before you submit your LAPD traffic collision report request saves you time and prevents your request from being rejected or delayed. The LAPD requires specific details to locate the correct report in its system, and missing even one key piece of information can push your request back by days or longer.

Gather everything listed below before you fill out any form or make any payment, since incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons requests stall.

Case and incident information

You need to provide the basic facts of the collision so the LAPD Records and Identification Division can locate your specific report. The DR number (Division of Records number) is the most direct way to pull up a report, and you can find it on any paperwork the responding officer gave you at the scene. If you don’t have the DR number, you can still submit a request using the date, time, and location of the accident, along with the full names of the drivers involved.

Acceptable ID and authorization

Your identity must be verified before the LAPD releases any report to you. A valid government-issued photo ID such as a California driver’s license or a U.S. passport is required for all requests. If you are requesting the report on behalf of another person, such as a family member who was injured and cannot act for themselves, you will also need a signed authorization letter from that person giving you explicit permission to receive the report on their behalf.

Step 1. Confirm you can legally get the report

Not everyone can walk up and request a traffic collision report from the LAPD. California Vehicle Code Section 20012 limits report access to specific parties, so confirming your eligibility before you submit your lapd traffic collision report request saves you from wasted time and rejected submissions.

Who qualifies to request the report

The LAPD will release a report only to people who have a direct connection to the collision. If you fall outside this list, the department will deny your request, regardless of your reason for wanting it.

If you are an attorney or insurance adjuster requesting on behalf of an eligible party, you must provide written authorization from that party along with your own credentials.

Eligible requestors include:

• Drivers listed in the report
• Passengers involved in the collision
• Legal guardians or parents of a minor involved in the crash
• Property owners whose property was damaged
• Insurance company representatives acting on behalf of a covered party
• Attorneys representing an eligible party
• Authorized agents holding written permission from an eligible party

Step 2. Request online through BuyCrash

BuyCrash is the LAPD’s preferred online portal for fulfilling a lapd traffic collision report request. The portal is operated by LexisNexis and allows eligible parties to search, purchase, and download collision reports from participating California agencies, including LAPD, without visiting a station in person or mailing any paperwork.

Online requests through BuyCrash are available around the clock, but the report only becomes available once the investigating officer has filed and approved it, typically 5 to 10 business days after the collision date.

How to submit your request on BuyCrash

Go to buycrash.com and select California as your state. You will need to enter the accident date and location or your DR number to search for the correct record. Once the system locates your report, follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity and eligibility, then pay the standard fee, which runs approximately $10 for most reports. After payment clears, you can download a PDF copy directly to your device and save it for your records.

If the portal cannot find your report, it may still be under review by the filing officer. Wait two to three additional business days, run the search again with the same details, and only move to the mail-in method if the report still does not appear after that window.

Step 3. Request by mail when online is unavailable

If BuyCrash cannot locate your report or the online portal is unavailable, you can still fulfill your lapd traffic collision report request by sending a written request directly to the LAPD Records and Identification Division. This method takes longer than the online route, typically two to four weeks from the date the division receives your envelope, so send your request as soon as possible.

Mail your request via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery if any follow-up becomes necessary.

What to include in your mail request

Your written request must contain enough detail for the division to locate and release the correct report. Include a check or money order for the applicable fee (approximately $10, payable to “City of Los Angeles”), and attach a legible photocopy of your government-issued photo ID. Do not send original documents.

Use the template below as your starting point:

To: LAPD Records and Identification Division, 100 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

From: [Your Full Legal Name]

Request: Traffic Collision Report

DR Number (if known): [DR Number]

Accident Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Accident Location: [Street Address or Intersection]

My Role in the Collision: [Driver / Passenger / Property Owner / Other]

Contact Phone: [Your Phone Number]

Step 4. Follow up, fix issues, and get help

Most lapd traffic collision report requests are fulfilled within the standard window, but delays and errors do happen. If you have not received your report within 15 business days of submitting your request, contact the LAPD Records and Identification Division directly at (213) 486-8030 to check the status before resubmitting.

Keep a written record of every contact you make with the division, including the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and any reference numbers they provide.

When your request is delayed or rejected

Your request may be delayed because the filing officer has not yet finalized the report, or rejected because of incomplete identifying information. If the division rejects your submission, ask for the specific reason in writing so you can correct it and resubmit accurately.

• Report not yet filed: wait five additional business days, then resubmit
• Missing ID copy: resend with a clear photocopy attached
• DR number mismatch: verify the number against your original scene paperwork

When the report contains errors

If your report shows incorrect driver information, wrong dates, or an inaccurate accident description, contact the investigating officer’s division directly and request an amendment. Bring supporting documentation, such as photographs or witness contact information, to back your correction request.

Next steps after you get the report

Once you complete your lapd traffic collision report request and the document lands in your hands, read through every detail carefully before you do anything else. Check that your name, the accident date, and the location are all accurate, since errors in the official record can create real problems when an insurer or opposing attorney references it later. If you spot a mistake, contact the investigating officer’s division immediately and request a correction in writing.

Your report is one piece of a larger picture. Share it with your insurance company promptly, and keep at least two copies stored somewhere you can access quickly. If the collision caused serious injuries, property damage, or you believe the other driver was at fault, the report becomes central evidence in your claim.

Talking to a personal injury attorney before you settle with any insurer gives you a clearer read on what your case is actually worth. Contact Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC for a free consultation today.