If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, one of the most important documents you’ll need is the accident (police) report. This report contains key details about the crash, including who was involved, how it happened, and the responding officer’s notes. Insurance companies and attorneys rely on it to evaluate claims, so getting a copy early can make a big difference.
Here’s a simple guide to obtaining your Houston car accident report.
- Order Online Through TxDOT (Most Convenient)
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) keeps official accident reports statewide. You can request a copy through their Crash Records Information System (CRIS) online portal.
- Website: TxDOT Crash Reports (CRIS)
- Details Needed: Driver name, date of crash, crash ID (if available), or vehicle VIN
- Availability: Usually within 5–10 days after the accident
- Cost:
- $6 for a regular copy
- $8 for a certified copy (often required for legal or court purposes)
This is the fastest way if you want to download your report from home.
- Request In Person at the Houston Police Department
If the Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to your accident, you can request your report directly from their Records Division.
- Address:
Houston Police Department – Records Division
1200 Travis St., 1st Floor
Houston, TX 77002 - Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: $6 for a full report
- What to Bring:
- Date and location of accident
- Names of drivers involved
- Crash report number (if available)
Visiting in person ensures you can ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Request by Mail
If you can’t go in person, you can send a written request by mail.
- Include:
- Date and location of the crash
- Names of the people involved
- Case or crash number (if known)
- A check or money order for $6 payable to the City of Houston
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
- Mail to:
Houston Police Department – Records Division
1200 Travis St.
Houston, TX 77002
How Long Does It Take?
Most reports are available within 10 days. However, delays can happen if:
- The crash involved serious injury or death
- A criminal investigation is still pending
- Information in the report must be redacted
If it’s been more than two weeks, you may want to follow up.
Why the Report Matters
Your accident report is a vital piece of evidence for your personal injury claim. It documents:
- Parties involved
- Insurance information
- Witness statements (if any)
- Officer’s observations about fault
This information can make the difference between a denied claim and fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
Getting a car accident report in Houston is straightforward if you know where to look. Whether you order online through TxDOT, visit HPD in person, or request it by mail, this document is key to protecting your rights after a crash.
At NLG Law Group, we regularly obtain accident reports for our clients as part of handling their cases. If you’ve been injured in a Houston accident, contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll take care of the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.