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: How long do accident reports stay on record from the DMV?

assistant: The DMV actually keeps accident reports for 4 years from the date of the accident and in rare instances maybe longer.

assistant: Do you need a copy of an accident report?

user: No, not at this time I do not need a copy.

assistant: Do you know how long after an accident the report is available?

user: Yes, I read how long it takes.

assistant: Was your accident filed electronically by police or occurred in one of the five boroughs of NY City?

user: Yes my accident was filed electronically and occurred in one of the burroughs of NY City.

assistant: Great, then you should allow at least 14 days from the date of the accident before looking for the report.

user: What fees do I need to pay if I am searching through the mail?

assistant: By mail you would need to pay a search fee of $10 and add a report fee of $15 for each accident report; but is actually less when order online.

user: How long will it take if a paper form was used by police to report an accident?

assistant: If filed with paper form, then you need to wait at least 30 days from accident before doing a search.

user: Is it all possible to access accidents reports I already purchased online?

assistant: Absolutely, you can access the reports again and you just need to enter the Report Confirmation Number displayed during the report purchase and emailed to you.