How To Get a Philadelphia Car Accident Report?

After a crash, obtaining the official police crash report is critical. Below are the steps to take for getting a Philadelphia car accident report.

Step 1: Identify Who Investigated the Crash

Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) handles most city crashes. If the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) handled the crash—for example, on a state highway or under certain circumstances—then the PSP report is the correct record. Confirm the investigating agency by checking any paperwork left at the scene, the officer’s business card, or the district that responded.

Step 2: Search the City’s Online Portal First

Philadelphia maintains a public-safety reports portal where many crash reports appear and can be requested online. Use the portal to search by date, location, or names. If the crash report is available online, the portal usually allows a direct request or download without a separate trip to City Hall.

Step 3: Use the Department of Records Application if Needed

If the online portal does not return the report, submit the Department of Records’ “Application and affidavit for crash report.” The Department of Records processes crash-report requests, and the form guides applicants through eligibility and required information. The Department’s online forms page lists the crash-report application and current instructions.

Step 4: Requesting a Crash Report through the Department of Records

Philadelphia charges a fee of $25 per report. To apply for a report online you must first create an account. If you do not want to request the report online, you may do so:

• In person: Visit the Department of Records or the Accident Investigation District (AID) Records Unit for immediate processing if available; bring photo ID, exact crash details, and payment.

Public Safety Records Unit

City Hall, Room 170

1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19107

• By mail: Print and complete the crash-report application, enclose the required fee and identification, and mail to the Department of Records or PSP depending on the investigating agency. Allow processing time for mailed requests.

If not paying online, you can pay by cash, money order, business check, or certified check.

Step 4: Requesting a Crash Report through the Pennsylvania State Police

If the PSP handled the crash, it is a $22 fee. A report can be requested online by searching with the CAD/Case number or a last name and date of the incident. If you would rather request an accident report by mail, first download the form, complete it, and send it to the following address with a money order or certified check.

PA State Police

Crash Reports Unit

1800 Elmerton Avenue

Harrisburg, PA 17110

How Soon Can I Access an Accident Report after a Crash?

Crash reports do not appear immediately in every system. State Police reports are not available until at least 15 days after the crash. City reports can take a few days to be written and uploaded; time varies by workload and whether the crash required extended investigation. If a report does not appear within a reasonable window, contact the police district that responded or the Department of Records.