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: Hello, I could use some help with getting an accident report.

assistant: Of course.

assistant: Did you purchase accident reports online within the last 7 calendar days?

user: No, I didn't.

user: Can you propose a topic?

assistant: I propose DMV Records.

user: That's not exactly what I wanted to talk about. Can you tell me what I need if I want to place an order instead?

assistant: Yes. To place an order, you will need the plate number of a vehicle involved in the crash or accident.

user: That's what I thought. Back to accident reports. How long does DMV keep these records?

assistant: 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.

user: Now that is a piece of useful information, thank you. Can I access reports I bought online at a later point in time as well?

assistant: Yes, you can access the reports again. Enter the Report Confirmation Number displayed during the report purchase transaction and emailed to you in the transaction confirmation. Then, enter the Search Confirmation Number.

user: Can I also order a copy of the report as PDF?

assistant: Yes, for this you need to use the Order and Access Motor Vehicle Accident Reports online transaction.