How to Get an Accident Report in San Jose

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

January 17, 2026

Car Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a collision in San Jose or need information about a vehicle accident, obtaining an official accident report from the city’s police department can be an important step for insurance, legal, or personal purposes.

Are you wondering how to get an accident report? The San Jose Police Department provides multiple ways to request these reports, including online, by mail, or in person, depending on the type of accident and your eligibility. 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help with the request, consulting a San Jose car accident lawyer can make the process easier and ensure your rights are protected at all times.

How to Obtain a Car Accident Report From the San Jose Police Department

Vehicle accident reports can be provided to people who have a legitimate interest in the report or any required supplemental reports, as outlined in California Vehicle Code Section 20012. Those who are eligible to request a car accident police report include:

• Drivers involved in the accident, or their employer, guardian, or conservator
• Parents of a minor driver
• Authorized representatives acting on behalf of a driver
• Anyone specifically named as injured in the accident
• Owners of vehicles or other property that were damaged
• Individuals who could be held legally responsible for the accident, including liability related to breach of warranty
• Insurance companies for the drivers, injured parties, or owners of damaged property
• Attorneys who provide a sworn declaration under California law that they represent one of the above parties

Police reports of car accidents may be obtained from the San Jose Police Department Records Unit at:

• Address: 201 West Mission Street, San Jose, CA 95110
• Records Unit Phone: (408) 277-4261

Requests for police accident reports may be made in the following ways:

• Online
• In person
• By mail

Report costs are listed on the applicable Fee Schedule. All requests for information are processed in accordance with State of California data privacy laws and San Jose Police Department policy.

Please allow a minimum of 45 days from the date of the collision to inquire online. You may submit an inquiry before 45 days; however, due to the large volume of incidents, your report may not yet be located.

How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in San Jose Online

Vehicle accident reports may be obtained from the San Jose Police Department online in English or Spanish. You may use the online request forms to submit your information and obtain a copy of the vehicle accident report electronically, when eligible.

Reports that involve emergency vehicles, a fatality, a felony hit-and-run, or a juvenile who is facing a criminal citation are not available online and must be requested either by U.S. mail or in person.

Additionally, vehicle accident reports issued prior to December 31, 2017, must also be requested by U.S. mail or in person.

Getting Vehicle Accident Reports via United States Mail

To request a vehicle accident report by United States Mail, you must download and complete the Vehicle Accident Report Request Form and mail it with a $16.00 check or money order made out to the City of San Jose to the following address:

San Jose Police Department
Records Unit
201 W. Mission Street
San Jose, CA 95110

If you are unable to print or view the request form, your written request must include all required information. 

This includes the following required information:

• Type of report requested (Vehicle Accident)
• Requestor’s name, address, and telephone number
• SJPD report number and/or incident number, if known
• Requestor’s date of birth
• Name(s) of the party or parties listed in the report
• Date and time of the occurrence
• Location of the occurrence
• License plate number and state of registration for the involved vehicle(s)

You must also state your interest in the report, consistent with the eligibility categories outlined under California Vehicle Code Section 20012.

Authorized parties and insurance companies must include any required release forms, and parents or guardians must provide proof of their relationship.

Why Is an Accident Report Needed?

Now that you’re aware of how to get a San Jose accident report (online & in-person), you need to know why obtaining an accident report is important.

An accident report is a crucial piece of documentation that can help strengthen your car accident claim. It provides an official, detailed record of the collision, including the parties involved, vehicle information, the location and time of the accident, and any injuries or damages reported. 

Insurance companies and San Jose personal injury lawyers often rely on these reports to verify facts, establish liability, and support claims for compensation. Having an accurate accident report could make it easier to prove your case, resolve disputes, and pursue compensation.

Can You Claim a Car Accident Without a Police Report?

It is possible to pursue a claim after a minor car accident where no police report has been filed, but having an accident police report can significantly strengthen your case.

Insurance companies often rely on official documentation to verify details, establish liability, and process claims efficiently. In some situations, you may be able to obtain a police accident report online if one exists, even after the fact.

Keep in mind that “Can a police report be changed after an accident?” is a question some drivers face if initial details are incorrect or incomplete. For accidents on state-managed roads or highways, highway patrol crash reports may also be relevant, as they provide additional documentation for claims or legal matters.

Get Help After an Accident With a San Jose Car Accident Lawyer From J&Y Law

Now you know how to get an accident report in San Jose; which is an important step after a collision, whether for insurance purposes, legal matters, or your own records. The process can be completed online, by mail, or in person, depending on the type of accident and your eligibility. 

If you have questions or need guidance, the experienced car accident lawyers at J&Y Law can help and offer a free consultation to discuss your case. To learn more about accident reports and related procedures, visit our car accident FAQs.