How to get your Texas crash report
Where to find the officer's crash report after a Houston-area accident, who can get it, and how long it takes.
A Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report, often called a CR-3, is what the investigating officer writes after a crash. Insurance companies and attorneys often ask for it.
Who can get it
Texas crash reports aren't fully public. People involved in the crash can buy a copy, as can others with a legal right to it, such as vehicle owners, insurers handling the claim and attorneys representing someone involved. You'll be asked to confirm why you're entitled to it.
How to get it
- Wait for it to be filedOfficers have up to 10 days to submit the report to TxDOT, and processing can take longer. If you can't find it right away, check back in a few days.
- Gather what you knowHave the crash date, the county (for example Harris or Fort Bend), and your name or driver's license number. A report or case number from the officer makes the search faster.
- Search TxDOT's CRIS siteGo to TxDOT's Crash Report Online Purchase System at cris.txdot.gov, search for your crash and buy the copy. Regular and certified copies are both offered; a certified copy costs a little more. Check the site for current fees.
- Or ask the agencyYou can also ask the agency that responded, such as HPD, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, a constable's office or the Texas Department of Public Safety. Each agency has its own process.
- Read it carefullyCheck names, plates, insurance details and the description. If something is factually wrong, contact the agency that wrote it. Fixing an officer's opinion is harder than fixing a typo.
Sources
TxDOT Crash Records Information System: cris.txdot.gov. Texas Transportation Code ch. 550: statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Texas crash report?
It usually takes from a few days to about two weeks. Officers have up to 10 days to submit the report to TxDOT, and it has to be processed after that.
Where do I get a Houston police crash report?
Most Texas crash reports, including many written by Houston-area agencies, can be bought online through TxDOT's Crash Records Information System (CRIS). You can also ask the agency that responded.
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