Get an Accident Report[1] 
DMV keeps accident reports for only 4 years from the date of the accident, except for rare instances that are described in Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 201. 

How can I get a copy of an Accident Report? 


By mail 
Use the Request for Copy of Accident Report PDF [2] MV-198C to order a copy of an accident report by mail. the plate number of a vehicle involved in the crash / accident , and/or the driver license number of a person who was involved in the crash / accident , and/or the name and date of birth of a person who was involved in the crash / accident Accident reports are certified copies. If DMV cannot find an accident based on the information you provide , you will be notified by DMV in a certified letter. 

Online 
To order a copy of an accident report in PDF format , use the Order and Access Motor Vehicle Accident Reports online [3] transaction. Before you order online , please read the following information : Accident reports available through this transaction are certified copies that include an attestation and signature of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. To place an order , you will need one of the following : the plate number of a vehicle involved in the crash / accident , and/or the driver license number of a person who was involved in the accident , and/or the 8-digit DMV case number starts with the number 3 You can access an accident report that you purchased online within the last 7 calendar days. No fee is charged to access a report that you previously purchased. Enter your email address and the Report Confirmation Number the number that displayed during the report purchase transaction and was emailed to you in the transaction confirmation. enter the Search Confirmation Number. Note : Some customers have experienced problems downloading PDF documents [4] from our website. Make sure your operating system and web browser have been updated with all recent updates. 

How long after an accident does it take for the rep

user: Good afternoon. I have some doubts about accident reports.

assistant: If that doubt is concerning the time DMV keeps those records, then you must know they're kept for only 4 years from the date of the accident. There are, thought, a few situations that requires records be kept for little longer, as you can see in Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 201.

assistant: Do you want information about how to get a copy of an accident report?

user: Yeah, I would like that, thanks.

assistant: Do you want to know the procedures to do that by mail?

user: No, not for mail, i don't like it.

assistant: Maybe you would find more attractive the online option, then?

user: Yeah, that would be fine. I think is more easy that way.

assistant: Excellent, Then again, Are you interested in getting a copy on PDF format?

user: Oh, yes, please, if you're so kind.

assistant: No problem. All you have to do is, going online and then use he Order and Access Motor Vehicle Accident Reports  transaction.

user: That's what i call easy!. Look, a little doubt i have here. When an accident is reported to the police, and they took declaration and write it down in paper, how much time i need to let it pass before i can get a copy?

assistant: When paper is involved, you'll have to let pass at least 30 days from the date of the accident, before you can search for the report.