How to Get a Crash Report in New Hampshire

To obtain a crash report in New Hampshire, you must submit a completed Request for Motor Vehicle Records (DSMV 505)^[3] form to the NH Division of Motor Vehicles^[8]. Unlike many states, New Hampshire does not offer an online portal for purchasing crash reports^[1]. All requests must be submitted by mail or through the Concord drop box^[1].

Mail your completed form and payment to: NH Dept. of Safety, DMV - FR / Accidents, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305^[1]. You can include a check for $5.00 (the minimum fee), and the DMV will contact you if the total cost is higher based on the number of pages^[1]. Alternatively, you can email NH.DMVHelp@dos.nh.gov or call (603) 227-4010 to determine the exact cost before sending payment^[1].

For crashes investigated by local police departments, you may also be able to obtain a copy of the report directly from the investigating agency. Contact the police department that responded to the scene to ask about their process and fees for report copies.

The most important item is the DSMV 505 form^[3] (Request for Motor Vehicle Records), which you can download from the NH DMV website^[8]. Complete all applicable fields, including the date of the crash, names of the parties involved, and the location where the crash occurred.

You will need to include payment with your request. The fee is $1.00 per page with a $5.00 minimum^[1]. New Hampshire DMV accepts checks and money orders only; credit cards are not accepted for mail-in crash report requests^[1]. Make your check or money order payable to the State of New Hampshire.

If you are unsure about the total cost, you have two options: include a $5.00 check along with your phone number or email address (the DMV will contact you if the cost exceeds this amount), or contact the DMV beforehand at (603) 227-4010 or NH.DMVHelp@dos.nh.gov to get an exact quote^[1].

New Hampshire crash reports contain detailed information about the collision, including the date, time, and location of the crash, weather and road conditions, and a description of the roadway. All vehicles involved are identified by make, model, year, and registration information, along with driver and passenger details.

The report includes the investigating officer's narrative account of the crash, which describes what happened based on physical evidence, driver and witness statements, and the officer's professional judgment. A crash diagram typically accompanies the narrative, illustrating vehicle positions, travel directions, and points of impact.

Pay attention to the contributing factors identified in the report. These may include driver actions (such as following too closely or failure to yield), environmental conditions (such as ice or poor visibility), or vehicle conditions (such as tire failure). Insurance companies and attorneys use these factors to assess liability. New Hampshire follows a modified comparative fault system^[7], meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault and eliminated if you are found to be 51% or more responsible^[7].

After a crash in New Hampshire, the investigating officer typically completes and submits the report within 5 to 10 business days^[1]. Complex crashes involving serious injuries or fatalities may take longer as they require more thorough investigation.

Once you submit your DSMV 505 form^[3] and payment by mail, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing and delivery^[1]. This includes time for the DMV to receive your request, locate the report, process payment, and mail the copy back to you. Using the Concord drop box may speed up the intake process slightly^[1].

If you need the report urgently for an insurance claim or legal matter, consider contacting the local police department that investigated the crash. They may be able to provide a copy more quickly than the state DMV process. You can also call the DMV at (603) 227-4010 to check on the status of a pending request^[1].

File your Operator's Report on time. If you were involved in a crash causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000^[5], you must file a written Operator's Report (DSMV 400)^[4] with the DMV within 15 days^[4]. This is a separate requirement from the police report and applies even if law enforcement responded to the scene (unless an officer has already filed a report on your behalf)^[4].

Try the local police department first. Since New Hampshire does not have an online portal for crash reports^[1], the fastest route may be to contact the police department that investigated your crash directly. Many local departments can provide copies of reports at their records office, sometimes on the same day.

Double-check your form. Incomplete DSMV 505 forms^[3] are a common cause of delays. Make sure all fields are filled in accurately, your payment is included, and your return address is clearly written. Include a phone number and email address so the DMV can contact you if needed.

Keep copies of everything. New Hampshire's unique mail-based system means you should keep copies of your DSMV 505 form^[3], your check or money order, and any correspondence with the DMV. If your request is lost or delayed, these records will help you follow up.

The crash report is a key document for filing an insurance claim in New Hampshire. As an at-fault state, New Hampshire holds the responsible driver liable for damages. Notably, New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require drivers to carry auto insurance^[2], though drivers who choose not to carry insurance must be able to demonstrate financial responsibility after a crash. The crash report helps establish who was at fault.

For personal injury and property damage claims, New Hampshire provides a 3-year statute of limitations^[6] for both types of cases. The crash report provides the evidentiary foundation you need to pursue compensation within this timeframe, documenting the officer's findings, witness information, and the circumstances of the collision.

The crash report is also important for your personal records. It provides an official, objective account of the crash that can be referenced when dealing with medical providers, explaining the incident to employers, or addressing vehicle damage history when selling or trading your car.