Washington State Patrol
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Publications · Collision Records FAQ'sQUESTION: How do I get a copy of my collision report? ANSWER: A written application and $9.50 fee is required. The $9.50 fee is non-refundable whether a record is found or not. We accept checks and money orders through the mail and also cash at the office. We do not accept credit cards. If you have internet access, Please go to www.wsp.wa.gov, then "Hot Topics" on the right hand side of the page, and select "Collision Reports". At the top of the page, select the link to the form Request for Copy of Collision Report. Complete and print the form, attach the $9.50 fee and mail or bring it into our office. If you do not have computer/internet access, you can write to us and provide your full name, date of collision, and a location of the collision. We can also mail or fax a request form to you. QUESTION: Why do I have to pay $9.50? ANSWER: We are directed by RCW 46.52.085 to recover the costs for searching for the record. QUESTION: Can I go to your office and get my report? ANSWER: Yes, you can come into our office and request a report. We may not have a copy of the collision report if your collision occurred recently. You should allow 2-4 weeks prior to requesting the report again. You will receive a no record letter if we do not have the report 30 days from the date of the collision. We are located at 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater 98501. Our office hours are 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday except for Holidays. We ask that you arrive by 4:30pm to allow us enough time to do the search. Please bring the exact fee, as we do not have change. QUESTION: I sent my request in 5 days ago, and you have cashed my check already, but I still don't have the report. ANSWER: We are required to turn money around and deposit within 24 hours. We can verify that we have received your request. If you haven't heard from us in 30 days, please call back. Most of our requests are completed within 30 days, but we can research further if yours is not completed. QUESTION: Why does it take so long? ANSWER: Troopers complete their collision reports and give them to their sergeants for approval. The reports then get sent to our office, looked over, then entered into our system. It typically takes 2-4 weeks from the date of the collision for us to receive a finalized report in our office. QUESTON: If I need to know that you have a collision report on file or I need the report number can you tell me over the phone? ANSWER: We do not give information over the phone, and we require a written request and fee prior to performing a records search. We can provide a number in the event a citizen needs the report number assigned to hislher motor vehicle collision report. QUESTION: My insurance company says I have an at-fault collision on my driving record. ANSWER: There is no way for anyone to tell whether or not you were at fault in a collision just by looking at your driving record. The driving record does not show fault; it simply shows you and your vehicle was involved in a collision. QUESTION: I have a collision reported on my driving record; can you remove it from my driving record? ANSWER: No, Department of Licensing maintains and updates your driving record with Police Traffic Collision Reports and Motor Vehicle Collision Reports. Unless there is a mistake on a report used to update your drive record, the collision will remain. QUESTION: If I have a mistake on my collision report, how do I fix it? ANSWER: Only the officer who wrote the report is able to correct the report. You will need to contact the writing officer or the investigating agency. QUESTION: If I am in a hurry and need my collision report now, can you fax it to me. ANSWER: If you are in a hurry, you can come to our office in Tumwater. You can also use an overnight mail service and, in some places, you can find a courier service. QUESTION: I was not involved in the collision; can I get a copy of the whole report? ANSWER: You can obtain the report with a subpoena or with written authorization from an entitled party, otherwise you will receive a redacted copy.. QUESTION: I have a Carfax report for a vehicle I would like to buy. I need a copy of the collision report to see what kind of damage the vehicle had. ANSWER: If the number starts with a "C", the report is a civilian report: if it is a seven-digit number, it is an officer's report. You can request a copy of the officer's report. Certain information would be withheld. You would not be able to get a copy of the civilian report, as that report is confidential and access is restricted to the signed author and his or her attorney. QUESTION: I want reports for all the collisions that occurred on 1-5 from milepost 114- 116. ANSWER: These requests are referred to our Public Disclosure Officer, Gretchen Dolan at (360) 596-4137. QUESTION: How far back do you keep reports? ANSWER: Our retention schedule requires us to keep reports for the current year plus six years back. QUESTION: Can I get a certified copy of my collision report? ANSWER: Yes, but it will take 5-7 business days to complete. QUESTION: I received a "No Record": response from you, and I know there has to be a report, Why? ANSWER: A collision is reportable if there is $700 or more damage and/or an injury. You may need to contact the district or trooper and/or the investigating agency to ask if a report was completed. You can resubmit your request within 30 days at no extra charge. QUESTION: I received a 5-day response notice, Does this mean there is no record found? ANSWER: No, it just means we do not have a record on file at this time. We will continue to do a search 30 days from the collision date. |
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