File a Motorist Crash (Accident) Report

Under Section 605 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, if you are driving in New York State and are involved in a crash you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (PDF) (MV-104) if any of the following occurred:  

• a person is injured or killed,
• there is damage to the property of one individual (including yourself) that exceeds $1,000, or
• an e-bike or e-scooter is involved, and a person is injured or killed.

Complete and mail the MV-104 form to the address listed on page two.

If you do not file a crash report, DMV may suspend your driving privileges until the report is on file.

If a Person is Injured or Killed

If a person is injured or killed, you are legally required to immediately notify the police. This is in addition to filing a crash report.

Leaving the scene of a crash that causes personal injury or death is a crime.

If an E-Bike or E-Scooter Is Involved

When filling out the MV-104, make sure to follow the guidance below:

• At the top of Section 1, check the “Vehicle 2” box for an e-bike or e-scooter.
• In section 2, enter any brand or model information in the “Vehicle Year & Make” box.
• In section 2, enter e-bike or e-scooter in the “Vehicle Type” box.
• Enter a “1” for “Other Motor Vehicle” in box 28 “Type of Accident”
• In section 4, complete “How did the accident happen?” by entering the description of the accident along with any other relevant information about the e-bike or e-scooter (ex: brand, model number, etc.).

Property Damage Only

If the crash caused property damage only, you must exchange information about your driver license, insurance, and registration with the involved drivers. This is in addition to filing a crash report if the damage exceeds $1,000.

Damage to a Parked Vehicle or Other Property, or Injury to a Domestic Animal

If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must locate the owner or contact the police.

The crash appears on the records of all the involved drivers. A crash listed on your driving record does not indicate that you were at fault. The DMV does not try to determine fault in a crash.

There are two ways to get a copy of your crash (accident) report:

• Call or visit the local police agency or precinct where the crash occurred. Ask the agency if your report is available and what the fee is, or
• If the police and/or motorists' reports have already been filed and processed by the DMV, see how to get PDF copies of crash (accident) reports.

The DMV has a Crash Re-Evaluation Program that identifies drivers who have been in three or more reportable crashes within an 18-month period. The program includes drivers of all ages. A reportable crash is any crash in New York State that causes a fatality, a personal injury, or damage over $1,000 to the property of any one person. The DMV sends the driver a letter to come to a DMV office for an interview and for possible eye, written, and road tests.