If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you may want to request an official accident report. This will give you the most up-to-date information related to your accident, and get you on your way to resolving your ordeal.

An unofficial report contains only the preliminary information an investigating trooper reports to dispatch over the radio. This includes just the date, time, location, vehicles, injuries, and the trooper’s initial indication of what caused the accident. After the accident investigation has been completed, the official report may have information different from this preliminary report.

The official report will have much more in-depth information such as all relevant damage (both to cars and property), driver and insurance information, witness information, statements of involved parties, witnesses, and/or the investigating officer, amongst other relevant information.

To obtain an official accident report for a crash investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, wait 10 days after the date of the crash investigation then complete the form attached here. The fee is $3.75 for each report, which must be paid by check or money order to, “DPS – Missouri State Highway Patrol” (Cash payments are not accepted and will be returned.)

You can mail your request to the headquarters of the troop where the crash occurred (addresses listed here), or to the Traffic Records Division, address:

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Traffic Records Division

P.O. Box 568

Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

Attention: Traffic Crash Reports

If you are seeking a report for a crash investigated by local police, consult the local agency where the crash occurred.

If you are the victim of a car accident, it is important you consult with an experienced and skilled attorney right away. Your attorney can help you to establish a valid case for recovery and answer any questions you may have along the way.