How to Get a CHP Accident Report in Northern California
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your California Highway Patrol crash report — online for free, by mail, or in person at Bay Area CHP offices.
The fastest way to get your CHP crash report is through the Online Crash Portal at crashes.chp.ca.gov — it's free and available within 8 business days. Scan the QR code on the crash card the officer gave you, or enter your crash details manually. For paper copies, submit a CHP 190 form with $10-$25 to any CHP office. The Contra Costa office is at 5001 Blum Road, Martinez — call (925) 646-4980.
3 Ways to Get Your CHP Crash Report
If your accident happened on a California highway — I-680, I-580, Highway 4, Highway 24, or any unincorporated road — the California Highway Patrol investigated it. Here are your options for getting a copy of the official report:
Online Portal
Scan QR code from crash card or enter details at crashes.chp.ca.gov
In Person
Visit any CHP office with ID and payment during business hours
By Mail
Submit CHP 190 form with check/money order and copy of ID
Option 1: Get Your Report Online (Free)
In 2024, CHP launched the Online Crash Portal to make getting your report faster and easier. Here's how to use it:
How to Use the CHP Online Crash Portal
Find Your Crash Card
The responding officer should have given you a small card with a QR code at the scene. If you have it, scan the code with your phone.
Or Go to the Portal Directly
Visit crashes.chp.ca.gov and enter the crash date, time, officer ID, and NCIC number from your crash card.
Verify Your Identity
The system will ask you to confirm you're a "party of interest" — this is secure and prevents unauthorized access to accident details.
Download Your Report
Once processed (typically 1-8 business days after the crash), you can download a free PDF of your official CHP 555 crash report.
If you didn't receive a crash card or lost it, you can still access the portal — but you'll need the crash date, approximate time, and location. Call your local CHP office to get the NCIC number and officer ID needed to retrieve your report online.
Option 2: Request In Person at a CHP Office
If you prefer a paper copy or your report isn't available online yet, you can visit any CHP office in California. You don't have to go to the office that handled your crash — any office can retrieve it for you.
Bring Valid Photo ID
A California driver's license or state ID is required. CHP needs to verify you're a proper "party of interest" before releasing the report.
Bring Payment
Paper copies cost $10-$25 depending on the number of pages. Check or money order preferred — call ahead to confirm exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Know the Crash Details
Date, approximate time, and location of the accident. If you have the report number from the crash card, bring that too — it speeds up the process.
Visit During Office Hours
CHP offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Wait at least 7-10 business days after the accident for the report to be processed and available.
CHP Offices Serving the Bay Area
Here are the CHP offices closest to Contra Costa County and the East Bay. All are part of the Golden Gate Division and can access any CHP crash report statewide.
CHP Contra Costa Area Office
Golden Gate DivisionCHP Dublin Area Office
Golden Gate DivisionCHP Hayward Area Office
Golden Gate DivisionCHP Oakland Area Office
Golden Gate DivisionOption 3: Request by Mail (CHP 190 Form)
If you can't visit an office or access the online portal, you can request your report by mail using the CHP 190 form. This takes 2-3 weeks but works from anywhere.
Download CHP 190 Form
Official "Application for Release of Information" form required for mail-in requests.
Download CHP 190 FormComplete the CHP 190 Form
Fill in the crash date, location, your role (driver, passenger, owner), and your contact information. Check only ONE "party of interest" box.
Attach a Photocopy of Your ID
Include a legible copy of your driver's license or state ID. If you can't provide photo ID, the form must be notarized.
Include Payment
Send a check or money order payable to "California Highway Patrol." Call the office first to confirm the exact amount — typically $10-$25. No cash.
Mail to the Correct CHP Office
Send your packet to the CHP office that investigated the crash. If you're unsure, any CHP office can route it for you.
CHP Report Fees
CHP charges a nominal fee to cover reproduction costs for paper copies. Fees vary by report length:
| Request Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online Crash Portal (crashes.chp.ca.gov) | FREE |
| Paper copy (1-25 pages) | $10 |
| Paper copy (26-50 pages) | $15 – $20 |
| Paper copy (51+ pages) | $20 – $25+ |
| Photos or supplemental media | Additional fees |
Your insurance company can often obtain the CHP report on your behalf — and may waive the fee for you. Ask your claims adjuster if they can pull the report and send you a copy. This saves you time and money.
Who Can Request a CHP Crash Report?
CHP reports are confidential and only released to "Parties of Interest" — people directly connected to the accident. You qualify if you are:
Driver, Bicyclist, or Pedestrian
Anyone who was directly involved in the crash as a party to the collision.
Passenger
Anyone who was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved in the crash.
Vehicle or Property Owner
The registered owner of a vehicle involved, or the owner of property damaged in the crash.
Parent or Legal Guardian
Parent of a minor involved in the crash, or legal guardian of an involved party.
Attorney or Insurance Company
Legal representatives and insurance companies with a valid claim or policy number can also request reports.
CHP only investigates accidents on state highways and unincorporated roads. If your crash happened on a city street, contact the local police department — not CHP. Call (800) 835-5247 if you're unsure which agency investigated your accident.
What's in a CHP Crash Report (CHP 555)?
The official CHP Traffic Collision Report (Form CHP 555) contains critical information for insurance claims and legal cases:
Crash Details
Date, time, exact location, weather conditions, road conditions, and lighting at the time of the accident.
Party Information
Names, addresses, license numbers, and insurance information for all drivers involved.
Vehicle Information
Make, model, year, license plate, VIN, and vehicle damage descriptions for each vehicle.
Officer's Narrative
The investigating officer's description of what happened, including any witness statements and their assessment of contributing factors.
Citations Issued
Any Vehicle Code violations cited at the scene. While not determinative of fault, citations can strongly support liability claims.
Collision Diagram
A sketch showing the positions and movements of vehicles, helping to clarify how the crash occurred.
The CHP report is a critical piece of evidence for your injury claim, but it's not infallible. Officers arrive after the crash and base their narrative on statements and physical evidence. If the report contains errors or the officer's conclusions don't match the facts, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you challenge inaccuracies and build your case with additional evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The post How to Get a CHP Accident Report in Northern California first appeared on Scranton Law Firm.
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