How to Get a Memphis Police (MPD) Accident Report in 2026: Online, In-Person, Fees & the Fastest Way
Written by Attorney Larry “Jimmy” Peters • Legally reviewed • Last updated March 2026
Pay Nothing Unless YOU Win
Schedule A Free Consultation
The fastest method is to purchase your report through Tennessee’s official Crash Purchase Portal ($10) if you were directly involved—you can download it instantly. If a THP trooper investigated, visit THP District 4 in person ($4, available approximately 7 days after the crash). Alternatively, request the report from MPD Central Records (Tennessee residents: $0.15/page; non-residents: $15 flat fee). Need help? We’ll pull it for free: 901-300-5001. In many cases, a Memphis car accident lawyer can obtain this report on your behalf, saving you time and hassle.
Table of Contents
Where This Guide Applies
This guide covers accident reports for crashes in Memphis and Shelby County, including Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Midtown, Downtown, Whitehaven, Frayser, and Raleigh. Whether your crash was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) or the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), we’ll show you exactly how to get your report.
Fees at a Glance (2026)
Method | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
Online (TN Crash Portal) | $10.00 | Instant download |
MPD Central Records — TN resident | $0.15 per page | Same day (in person) or 1–2 weeks (mail) |
MPD Central Records — non-resident | $15.00 flat fee | Same day (in person) or 1–2 weeks (mail) |
MPD — emailed report | $15.00 flat fee | Varies |
THP District 4 Office | $4.00 | Same day (in person) or 2–3 weeks (mail) |
Photos from MPD (CD/pickup) | $10.00 per accident | Varies |
Photos from MPD (emailed) | $5.00 per accident | Varies |
Individual photo prints (pickup) | $1.50 per photo | Varies |
If you’ve been in a car accident in Memphis, one of the first things you’ll need to do is obtain a copy of your official police accident report. This document is essential for filing an insurance claim, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, or simply understanding what happened during the crash. The Memphis Police Department (MPD) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) are the two primary agencies that investigate crashes in the Memphis area, and each has its own process for obtaining reports.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of getting your Memphis accident report. Whether you prefer to get it online, in person, by mail, or with the help of an attorney, we’ll explain all your options, the associated fees, and the fastest way to get the information you need. We’ll also answer the most common questions about Memphis crash reports and provide tips for avoiding common problems.
Understanding the Importance of Your Accident Report
Before diving into the specific steps for obtaining your report, it’s important to understand why this document is so critical. A police accident report is an official record of what happened during your crash. It contains detailed information that can make or break your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Insurance companies rely heavily on accident reports to determine who was at fault for the crash. The report includes the investigating officer’s observations, statements from drivers and witnesses, a diagram of the accident scene, and any citations issued. If the report shows that the other driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was otherwise negligent, it can significantly strengthen your claim.
For personal injury cases, the accident report is often one of the first pieces of evidence your attorney will review. The report can help establish liability, document the severity of the crash, and identify all parties involved. Without an official accident report, it can be much more difficult to prove your case and recover the compensation you deserve.
Areas We Serve
Accidents We Handle
Which Agency Has Your Report? (MPD vs. THP)
After a car accident in Memphis, the first step to getting your official crash report is figuring out which law enforcement agency responded to the scene. In most cases, if the crash occurred on city streets, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) will have the report. If the accident happened on a state highway or interstate, a state trooper from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) likely investigated and will have the report.
Understanding which agency has your report is crucial because each agency has different procedures, fees, and locations for obtaining reports. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you determine which agency to contact:
Memphis Police Department (MPD) typically handles crashes that occur on:
- City streets and roads within Memphis city limits
- Local neighborhoods and residential areas
- Most surface streets, including Poplar Avenue, Union Avenue, and Madison Avenue
- Parking lots and private property within the city
Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) typically handles crashes that occur on:
- Interstate highways (I-40, I-55, I-240, I-269)
- State highways and routes
- Some major thoroughfares like Bill Morris Parkway
- Rural highways outside city limits
If you’re unsure which agency responded to your crash, check any paperwork you received at the scene. The officer should have given you an exchange slip or incident number that indicates which agency investigated. You can also call the MPD non-emergency line at 901-545-2677 or the THP District 4 office at (901) 543-6256 to ask which agency has your report.
Option 1 — Get Your Report Online (State Portal)
For the quickest access to your crash report, the official Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal is your best option. This portal allows you to purchase and download a copy of your report instantly, without having to visit an office or wait for mail delivery.
The online portal is managed by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and provides access to crash reports from both the Memphis Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. This is the fastest and most convenient option for most people, especially if you need your report right away for an insurance claim or attorney consultation.
When to Use the Online Portal
You can use the online portal if you meet the following criteria:
- You were directly involved in the crash as a driver, vehicle owner, or passenger
- You are a legal agent or representative of someone involved in the crash
- You have the basic information about the crash (date, location, names)
- You have access to a credit card for payment
- The crash occurred at least a few days ago (reports typically take 7 days to become available)
Cost and Payment
The cost to purchase a crash report online is $10.00. This fee applies regardless of whether the report was filed by MPD or THP. Payment must be made by credit card, and the portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Important: Prepaid cards and debit cards that function as prepaid cards are not accepted.
Once you complete your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a receipt. The report will be available for immediate download as a PDF file, which you can save to your computer or print for your records.
What You will Need
Before you begin the online process, gather the following information:
- Last name of at least one driver involved in the crash
- Crash date (the exact date the accident occurred)
- Reporting agency (Memphis Police Department or Tennessee Highway Patrol)
- Driver’s license number of at least one driver involved
And one of the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Case number or tracking number
If you don’t have all of this information, you may still be able to search for your report by trying different combinations. The system is designed to be flexible, but having as much information as possible will make the search easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Online Purchase
Follow these detailed steps to purchase your crash report online:
Step 1: Navigate to the Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal
Open your web browser and go to apps.tn.gov/purchasetncrash. This is the official state portal for purchasing crash reports. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge additional fees or claim to provide faster service. The official state portal is the most reliable and cost-effective option.
Step 2: Verify Your Involvement
The portal will ask you to confirm that you were involved in the crash or that you are authorized to obtain the report. This is a legal requirement to protect the privacy of those involved in accidents. Only involved parties and their legal representatives are allowed to purchase reports through the online system.
Step 3: Enter Crash Details
Fill out the search form with the information you gathered earlier. Start by entering the last name of a driver involved, the crash date, and the reporting agency. Then, enter the driver’s license number and at least one additional identifier (VIN, license plate, or case number).
Step 4: Review Search Results
The system will search its database and display any matching crash reports. Review the results carefully to make sure you’ve found the correct report. Check the date, location, and names of involved parties to confirm it’s your accident.
Step 5: Add to Cart and Check Out
Once you’ve confirmed the correct report, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. You’ll be prompted to enter your credit card information. Remember that prepaid cards are not accepted. The portal uses secure encryption to protect your payment information.
Step 6: Confirm and Download
After your payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a receipt. The crash report will be available for immediate download as a PDF file. Click the download link and save the file to your computer. It’s a good idea to save multiple copies and print at least one for your records.
Tips for a Successful Online Search
If you’re having trouble finding your report online, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Switch the reporting agency: If you searched for MPD and didn’t find your report, try searching for THP instead (or vice versa). Sometimes crashes near city limits or on major thoroughfares can be handled by either agency.
- Try different identifiers: If searching by case number doesn’t work, try using the VIN or license plate number instead. The system allows multiple search methods.
- Check the date: Make sure you’re entering the correct crash date. If you’re not sure of the exact date, try searching a day before or after.
- Wait a few days: Reports typically take about 7 days to become available online. If your crash was very recent, you may need to wait before the report is uploaded to the system.
- Check for name variations: If your name has multiple spellings or you go by a nickname, try different variations. Also make sure you’re entering the last name correctly.
Advantages of the Online Portal
The online portal offers several advantages over other methods of obtaining your crash report:
- Speed: Instant access to your report as soon as payment is processed
- Convenience: Available 24/7 from any device with internet access
- No travel required: No need to visit an office or wait in line
- Digital format: Easy to email to your insurance company or attorney
- Secure: Official state portal with encrypted payment processing
For most people, the online portal is the best option for obtaining a Memphis crash report quickly and efficiently.
Option 2 — Get Your Report from MPD Central Records
If the Memphis Police Department investigated your crash, you can obtain a copy of your report directly from MPD Central Records. This option is particularly useful if you are a Tennessee resident (since the per-page fee is much lower than the online portal), if you need an unredacted copy, or if you prefer to deal directly with the investigating agency.
MPD Central Records Contact Information
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Address | 170 North Main St., 7th Floor, Suite 7-11, Memphis, TN 38103 |
Phone | 901-636-3650 |
Hours | Monday–Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Website |
Fees for MPD Reports
Tennessee residents pay $0.15 per page (valid ID required). Non-residents pay a $15.00 flat fee. If you need photos associated with your accident, the fee is $10.00 per accident for a CD/pickup or $5.00 if you want photos emailed to you. Individual photo prints are available at $1.50 per photo (pickup). If you would like MPD to email your report to you rather than picking it up in person, there is a $15.00 email delivery fee.
Accepted payment methods: Cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Cash App. No personal checks are accepted. No refunds.
How to Request In Person
Visit MPD Central Records at 170 North Main St., 7th Floor, Suite 7-11, during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (required for Tennessee resident pricing). Provide the date of the crash, the names of drivers involved, and your case number if you have it. Staff will locate your report and provide a copy on the same day in most cases.
How to Request by Mail
To request your report by mail, send a written request to MPD Central Records at the address above. Include your full name and mailing address, the date of the crash, the names of all drivers involved, your case number (if available), and a money order or cashier’s check for the appropriate fee. Personal checks are not accepted. Allow 1–2 weeks from the mailing date to receive your report.
Option 3 — Request from THP District 4 (If a State Trooper Investigated)
If a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper investigated your crash, you’ll need to obtain your report from the THP District 4 office in Memphis rather than from MPD. This applies to crashes that occurred on interstates (I-40, I-55, I-240, I-269), state highways, and other roads patrolled by THP.
THP District 4 Contact Information
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Address | 6348 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38134 |
Phone | (901) 543-6256 |
Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST |
Cost for THP Reports
The cost to obtain a crash report from a THP District Office is $4.00, which is significantly less than the online portal fee or the MPD non-resident fee. This lower cost applies whether you visit in person or request the report by mail. However, if you use the online Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal to get a THP report, you’ll still pay the $10.00 online fee.
According to Tennessee state law, law enforcement agencies have 7 days from the date of the crash to submit their report to the state. In most cases, THP reports are available approximately 7 days after the crash date. However, in some circumstances, investigations may take longer, especially for serious crashes involving injuries or fatalities.
Step-by-Step Instructions for THP Reports
Step 1: Confirm THP Was the Investigating Agency. Check the information slip or exchange form you received at the scene. If you’re not sure, call the THP District 4 office at (901) 543-6256.
Step 2: Choose Your Method. You have three options: visit the District Office in person; request by mail; or use the online Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal (faster but costs $10 instead of $4).
Step 3: Visit the District Office (In-Person Option). Go to 6348 Summer Ave. during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). Bring a valid ID and information about your crash. Payment of $4.00 is required.
Step 4: Request by Mail (Mail Option). Send a written request to:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Financial Responsibility Division
PO BOX 945
Nashville, TN 37202-0945
Include your full name and mailing address, the date of the crash, the county where the crash occurred, the names of all drivers involved, the agency tracking number (if available), and a cashier’s check, money order, or personal/business check for $4.00. Allow 2–3 weeks from the mailing date to receive your report.
Step 5: Use the Online Portal (Fastest Option). For the fastest access, use the Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal at apps.tn.gov/purchasetncrash. This option costs $10 instead of $4, but you’ll get instant access to your report. Select “Tennessee Highway Patrol” as the reporting agency.
What's Inside a Memphis Crash Report (and Why It Matters)
A Memphis crash report is a critical document that contains the official details of your accident. Insurance companies and attorneys rely on this report to determine fault and evaluate the extent of damages. Understanding what’s in the report and why each section matters can help you better navigate the claims process and protect your rights.
Every crash report contains several standard sections. The Involved Parties section lists the names, addresses, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers of all drivers involved, as well as information about passengers and pedestrians. The Vehicle Information section includes the make, model, year, color, VIN, and license plate number of each vehicle, along with the registered owner and whether the vehicle was towed. Insurance Information for each driver’s company and policy number is also listed, which is crucial for filing claims.
The Location and Time section specifies the exact location of the crash, the direction each vehicle was traveling, and the date and time. The Crash Diagram drawn by the investigating officer is one of the most valuable parts of the report—this visual representation shows the position of each vehicle before, during, and after the crash, and can be crucial evidence in disputed liability cases.
The Contributing Factors section notes any factors that contributed to the crash, such as speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, running a red light, distracted driving, impaired driving, or adverse weather and road conditions. This section is often the most important for determining fault and liability. Any Citations and Violations issued at the scene are also noted, and a citation for a traffic violation can be strong evidence of fault in a personal injury case.
The Officer’s Narrative is the officer’s written description of what happened, including their observations, statements from drivers and witnesses, and their professional assessment of how the crash occurred. Witness Information including names and contact details is also included, and witness testimony can be invaluable in cases where drivers have conflicting accounts.
It’s equally important to understand what a crash report does not include: detailed medical diagnoses or treatment plans, an official legal determination of fault (that’s up to the insurance companies and courts), specific repair estimates, or documentation of long-term consequences such as ongoing pain or lost wages. This is why it’s important to gather additional evidence beyond the crash report.
Can I File a Police Report Online in Memphis?
The Memphis Police Department offers a Citizens Online Police Reporting System for certain types of non-emergency incidents at memphispolice.org/citizens-online-police-reporting-system/. This system allows you to file a report for certain types of incidents without waiting for an officer to arrive at the scene. However, it is important to understand the limitations of this system, especially when it comes to vehicle crashes.
The MPD Citizens Online Police Reporting System is designed for non-emergency incidents such as property damage (without injury and no known suspects), lost property, theft with no known suspects and no one present during the incident, telephone harassment, and vandalism with no known suspects.
You cannot use the online reporting system for vehicle crashes that involve injuries. If anyone was hurt in the crash, even if the injuries seem minor, you must call 911 or the non-emergency police line (901-545-2677) to have an officer respond to the scene. You also cannot use the online system if the incident is an emergency, occurred outside Memphis city limits, occurred on a state freeway or interstate, involves known suspects, or requires an officer to respond for any reason.
The only time you might use the online reporting system for a vehicle-related incident is if your parked car was damaged while you were away (hit-and-run with no witnesses), property was stolen from your vehicle with no known suspects, or your vehicle was vandalized with no known suspects. In these cases, the online system can be a convenient way to file a report for insurance purposes.
Even if your crash seems minor and no one appears to be seriously hurt, it’s crucial to call for an officer to respond to the scene. Many crash injuries—like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms until hours or days later. Having an official report that documents the crash is essential for any future medical claims. Without an official police report, the other driver may later claim injuries, and insurance companies may refuse to process your claim.
Common Problems & Quick Fixes
Sometimes, finding your accident report isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Here are the most common problems people face when trying to get their Memphis crash reports, along with practical solutions.
“I Can’t Find My Report Online” is one of the most frustrating issues. The most common causes are that the report hasn’t been uploaded yet (it typically takes about 7 days), the wrong reporting agency was selected (try both MPD and THP), an incorrect crash date was entered, or there are name spelling errors. If searching by case number doesn’t work, try using the VIN or license plate number instead.
Name or Plate Mismatch can occur when officers make typos during data entry. Try common variations of your name or license plate number. If you go by a nickname, the report may have your legal name. If you were driving someone else’s vehicle, try searching with the vehicle owner’s name.
Redacted Information is common in reports provided to the public. Certain information is redacted to protect privacy, including social security numbers and dates of birth. If you’re an involved party or an authorized legal representative, you can request an unredacted copy from the investigating agency.
The Report Contains Errors is a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly. Contact the investigating agency and ask about their process for correcting errors. You’ll generally need to document the error in writing, provide evidence of the correct information, and submit a request for an amended or supplemental report. Your attorney can also help you address errors and present alternative evidence.
Can’t Afford the Fee is not a barrier if you contact Southern Injury Attorneys at 901-300-5001. We’ll obtain your crash report for you at no cost as part of our free case evaluation.
Understanding Tennessee Accident Reporting Laws
To fully understand the process of obtaining a crash report, it’s helpful to know the legal requirements for accident reporting in Tennessee.
When Must a Crash Be Reported?
Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-106, a driver involved in an accident must immediately notify law enforcement if anyone was killed or injured, or if there is property damage to an apparent extent of $50.00 or more. This threshold is intentionally low—virtually every collision involving vehicle contact will meet it. The reporting requirement applies not only to public highways but also to shopping center parking lots, trailer parks, apartment complexes, and other premises generally frequented by the public.
Written Report Requirements
In addition to calling law enforcement to the scene, Tennessee Code § 55-10-107 requires drivers to file a written report with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days of the crash if: (1) the crash resulted in bodily injury or death to any person; or (2) damage to the property of any one person, including the driver’s own vehicle, exceeds $1,500. A separate, lower threshold of $400 applies when the damage is to state or local government property. If law enforcement investigated the crash and filed an official report, you generally do not need to file an additional written report.
Fault and Comparative Negligence
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the crash. If you are 49% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 49%. If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes the contents of the crash report—particularly the contributing factors, citations, and officer’s narrative—critically important to your case.
New 2026 Tennessee Traffic Laws Affecting Crash Investigations
Effective January 1, 2026, Tennessee’s implied consent law was strengthened. If a driver refuses a requested blood test during a suspected DUI investigation, that refusal now triggers an implied consent charge and can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to 18 months (for a misdemeanor DUI suspect with no related conviction in the last 10 years). Saliva tests are now authorized and their results are admissible in court. These changes affect how DUI-related crash investigations are conducted and can significantly impact liability in crashes where impairment is suspected.
Statute of Limitations
Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to sue entirely. Property damage claims have a three-year statute of limitations. Do not wait to consult an attorney—the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
How Crash Reports Affect Your Insurance Claim
Your crash report plays a central role in the insurance claims process. After a crash, you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company. The insurance company will then obtain a copy of the official crash report from the investigating agency. Some insurance companies have agreements with law enforcement agencies that allow them to access reports electronically.
Insurance adjusters use the crash report to determine fault by reviewing the officer’s narrative, contributing factors, citations issued, the crash diagram, and statements from drivers and witnesses. Based on this information, the adjuster will assign a percentage of fault to each driver. In Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system, your recovery is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault.
If the crash report contains errors that hurt your claim, you have options. You can request a correction from the investigating agency for factual errors. Your attorney can challenge the report in negotiations or at trial by presenting alternative evidence and questioning the officer’s conclusions. Remember that the crash report is not the final word on what happened—it is one piece of evidence that can be challenged and supplemented with other information.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Serious Crash
While you can obtain your crash report on your own, navigating the aftermath of a serious accident often requires the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
At Southern Injury Attorneys, we’ll obtain your crash report for you at no cost. We’ll also review the report and explain what it means for your case. An experienced attorney knows how to analyze a crash report and use it to build a strong case—identifying key evidence that supports your claim, spotting errors or inconsistencies, establishing liability and damages, and challenging the report if it contains inaccuracies.
The crash report is just the starting point. A good attorney will gather additional evidence to support your case, including photos and videos from the scene, witness statements, medical records and expert medical testimony, accident reconstruction analysis, employment records for lost wage claims, and expert testimony on damages and future needs.
Insurance companies are businesses that want to minimize their payouts. They may use the crash report to try to shift blame to you or minimize your injuries. An attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, counter lowball settlement offers, present evidence that supports your claim, and protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.
Tennessee has specific laws that affect personal injury cases, including the one-year statute of limitations, comparative fault rules, damage caps on certain types of damages, and insurance requirements and coverage issues. An experienced Tennessee attorney understands these laws and how they apply to your specific situation.
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a serious crash, especially if you or a loved one was seriously injured, the other driver was clearly at fault, the insurance company is denying your claim or offering a low settlement, you’re facing significant medical bills and lost wages, the crash involved a commercial vehicle or government entity, or there are disputes about what happened or who was at fault.
We'll Pull or Review Your Report Free
Navigating the process of obtaining and understanding your accident report can be confusing, especially when you are recovering from an injury. The experienced team at Southern Injury Attorneys is here to help. We will pull your accident report for you or review your existing report at no cost.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident cases in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. We know how to obtain crash reports quickly, analyze them effectively, and use them to build strong cases for our clients. Whether your crash was investigated by the Memphis Police Department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol, we can help.
When you call us, we’ll obtain your crash report at no cost to you, review the report and explain what it means for your case, identify any errors or issues that need to be addressed, gather additional evidence to support your claim, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call us 24/7 at 901-300-5001 or fill out our online form for a free case review. We promise to call you back within one business hour. Don’t wait to get the help you need—the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case.
Local Proof & Useful Links
Below are the official links and contact information for obtaining your Memphis crash report.
MPD Central Records:
- Address: 170 N. Main St., 7th Floor, Suite 7-11, Memphis, TN 38103
- Phone: 901-636-3650
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except holidays)
- Website: memphispolice.org/divisions/administrative/central-records/
Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal (Online):
- Website: apps.tn.gov/purchasetncrash
- Cost: $10.00 (credit card required)
- Available 24/7 for instant access
THP District 4 Office:
- Website: tn.gov/safety/tnhp/crashreport.html
- Address: 6348 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38134
- Phone: (901) 543-6256
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST
MPD Citizens Online Police Reporting System:
- Website: memphispolice.org/citizens-online-police-reporting-system/
- For non-emergency incidents only (not for injury crashes)
City of Memphis Police FAQs:
- Website: memphistn.gov/police-faqs/
- General information and contact details
Get Answers To Your Most Asked Questions
Tennessee residents pay $0.15 per page (valid ID required). Non-residents pay a flat fee of $15.00. Payment can be made by cash, money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or Cash App. No personal checks are accepted.
Reports are typically available on the Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal approximately 7 days after the date of the crash. If your crash was very recent, you may need to wait a few more days before the report appears in the system.
If you request your report in person from MPD Central Records, you can generally receive it the same day during business hours. Mail requests typically take 1–2 weeks. THP reports requested by mail take 2–3 weeks. If you request your report in person from MPD Central Records, you can generally receive it the same day during business hours. Mail requests typically take 1–2 weeks. THP reports requested by mail take 2–3 weeks.
Yes, for certain non-emergency incidents. The MPD Citizens Online Police Reporting System allows you to file and retrieve reports for property damage, lost property, theft, telephone harassment, and vandalism (all without known suspects). This system cannot be used for vehicle crashes involving injuries.
Yes. Insurance companies are authorized parties under Tennessee law and can obtain crash reports directly from the investigating agency. However, obtaining your own copy ensures you have access to the same information your insurer is reviewing.
You can still search for your report on the Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal using the last name of a driver, the crash date, the reporting agency, and a driver’s license number plus one of the following: VIN, license plate number. If you’re requesting in person from MPD or THP, providing the date, location, and names of involved parties is usually sufficient.
The crash report includes a diagram drawn by the investigating officer. Photographs taken at the scene are not automatically included in the report but can be requested separately from MPD Central Records. The fee is $10.00 per accident for a CD/pickup, $5.00 if you want the photos emailed to you, or $1.50 per individual photo print (pickup).
Yes. Attorneys and their authorized representatives are permitted parties under Tennessee law and can obtain crash reports on your behalf. At Southern Injury Attorneys, we obtain reports for our clients at no charge as part of our free case evaluation.
Contact THP District 4 at 6348 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38134, phone (901) 543-6256, or use the online Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal at apps.tn.gov/purchasetncrash.
MPD Central Records offers email delivery of reports for a fee of $15.00. Contact Central Records at 901-636-3650 for details on how to submit an email request.
Crashes on interstate highways (I-40, I-55, I-240, I-269) and state highways are typically investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, not MPD. Contact THP District 4 or use the online portal to obtain your report.
Yes. A valid government-issued photo ID is required to qualify for the Tennessee resident rate of $0.15 per page.
MPD Central Records accepts cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Cash App. No personal checks. THP accepts cashier’s checks, money orders, and personal/business checks by mail; call ahead for in-person payment options. The online portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover (no prepaid cards).
If an officer responded to the scene, a report was filed and you can obtain it through the normal channels described above. If no officer responded, you should file a report with MPD (call 901-545-2677) or use the online reporting system if no one was injured and there are no known suspects. Contact Southern Injury Attorneys for help navigating hit-and-run claims.
If your crash meets the reporting thresholds under Tennessee law (any injury, death, or property damage of $50 or more), you may still be required to file a written report with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days. Contact an attorney immediately to understand your obligations and protect your rights.
Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Property damage claims have a three-year statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines almost always means losing your right to sue.
Tennessee requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. If the other driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply. Contact Southern Injury Attorneys to discuss your options.
Generally, crash reports are available only to involved parties (drivers, vehicle owners, passengers), their legal representatives, insurance companies with proper authorization, law enforcement agencies, and courts. Members of the general public are not entitled to obtain crash reports for crashes in which they were not involved.
