Get Your NC Accident Report
Find exactly which law enforcement agency has your North Carolina accident report and how to get a copy. Search by city, county, or highway.
The Bottom Line
In North Carolina, your accident report is held by whichever law enforcement agency responded to the scene -- the local police department, county sheriff, or NC State Highway Patrol. There is no single statewide portal. Use the tool below to find the right agency for your location and learn how to get your report, or have an attorney obtain it for you at no cost.
What Is an Accident Report and Why Do You Need One?
An accident report (officially called the DMV-349 crash report form) is the document completed by the law enforcement officer who responds to a traffic accident. It contains:
- Names, addresses, and insurance information for all drivers involved
- The officer's description of what happened
- A diagram of the crash scene
- Road and weather conditions
- Any citations issued
- The officer's preliminary assessment of contributing factors
You need this report because it is the foundation of any insurance claim or legal action. Your insurance company will request it, the other driver's insurance company will use it, and if you consult an attorney, it will be one of the first documents they review.
How Accident Reports Work in North Carolina
Unlike some states that have a centralized online system, North Carolina's crash reports are managed by the individual agency that responded. There are three types of agencies that handle accidents:
Municipal police departments handle accidents that occur within city or town limits. Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD, Raleigh PD, and Greensboro PD are the largest, but most NC cities and towns with their own police force will handle accidents within their jurisdiction.
County sheriff departments handle accidents in unincorporated areas -- the parts of a county that are outside any city or town limits. They also cover small towns that do not have their own police force. Every one of NC's 100 counties has a sheriff's office.
NC State Highway Patrol handles accidents on interstates, US highways, and state highways, as well as some accidents in unincorporated areas. If your accident happened on I-40, I-85, I-77, I-95, or any major numbered highway, Highway Patrol likely responded.
Find Your Accident Report
Use this tool to find the right agency for your location. Search for the city, town, or county where your accident happened, or select one of the quick options below. You can also have an attorney obtain the report for you at no cost.
Where did your accident happen?
Search for a city, town, or county in North Carolina.
After You Get Your Report
Once you have a copy of your accident report, take these steps:
Review it carefully for accuracy. Check that the date, time, location, vehicle descriptions, and your personal information are correct. Most importantly, review the officer's narrative and the diagram -- if anything is inaccurate, especially regarding who was at fault, you can contact the agency to request a supplemental report or correction.
Keep the report number handy. You will need to reference it when communicating with insurance companies, medical providers, and attorneys.
Share it with your insurance company. Your own insurer will need a copy to process your claim. The other driver's insurance company can obtain their own copy.
Understand what the report does and does not mean. The officer's assessment of fault is not a final legal determination -- it is one piece of evidence. Insurance companies and courts make their own determinations based on all available evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a copy of my accident report in North Carolina?
In NC, you request your accident report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene -- usually the local police department, county sheriff, or NC State Highway Patrol. You can request a copy in person, by phone, or by mail from the responding agency. If you hire an attorney, they will obtain the report for you at no cost as part of their representation.
How long does it take to get an accident report in NC?
Most NC accident reports are available within 5-10 business days after the crash. In-person requests may be available sooner if the officer has already filed the report. Mail requests through the NC DMV typically take 2-4 weeks.
How much does an accident report cost in North Carolina?
The cost varies by agency, but most NC accident reports cost between $6 and $16. Some agencies charge slightly different fees for in-person or mailed copies. If you hire an attorney, they will obtain the report for you at no cost as part of their representation.
Can an attorney get my accident report for me?
Yes. If you sign with an attorney, they will request and obtain your accident report as part of their representation at no cost to you. The attorney handles all the paperwork and communication with the agency so you do not have to. Use the form on this page to have an NC car accident attorney contact you.
What if I do not know which agency responded to my accident?
Check any paperwork or cards the officer gave you at the scene -- the agency name and case number should be listed. You can also consider where the accident happened: city streets are typically handled by local police, highways by the NC State Highway Patrol, and rural areas by the county sheriff. The NC DMV Crash Reports Unit at (919) 861-3000 can help as a last resort.
Can I get an accident report if the other driver was at fault?
Yes. Any person involved in the accident, their attorney, or their insurance company can request a copy of the crash report. The report is a public record once it has been filed. You do not need to be the at-fault driver to obtain a copy.