How to Get a Memphis Police (MPD) Accident Report in 2025: Online, In-Person, Fees & the Fastest Way

Sometimes, finding your accident report isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Whether you’re searching online or requesting a report from an agency, you may encounter obstacles. Here are some of the most common problems people face when trying to get their Memphis crash reports, along with practical solutions.

Problem 1: “I Can’t Find My Report Online”

This is one of the most frustrating issues. You go to the Tennessee Crash Purchase Portal, enter your information, and the system says it can’t find your report. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

Cause: The report hasn’t been uploaded yet

Solution: Remember that it typically takes about 7 days for a crash report to be uploaded to the online system. If your crash was very recent, you may need to wait a few more days. Call the investigating agency to check on the status.

Cause: Wrong reporting agency selected

Solution: If you selected Memphis Police Department and can’t find your report, try searching again with Tennessee Highway Patrol selected (or vice versa). Crashes near city limits or on major thoroughfares can sometimes be handled by either agency.

Cause: Incorrect date

Solution: Double-check that you’re entering the correct crash date. If you’re not 100% certain of the date, try searching a day before or after.

Cause: Name spelling errors

Solution: Make sure you’re spelling the driver’s name exactly as it appears on their driver’s license. Try different variations if you have a common name or if your name has multiple spellings.

Cause: Missing or incorrect identifier

Solution: If searching by case number doesn’t work, try using the VIN or license plate number instead. The system allows multiple search methods.

Cause: The crash wasn’t reported

Solution: If the crash was very minor and no officer responded to the scene, there may not be an official report on file. In this case, you may need to file a report yourself or work directly with the insurance companies.

Problem 2: Name or Plate Mismatch

Sometimes the information in the system doesn’t match what you’re entering, even though you’re sure it’s correct.

Cause: Typos in the original report

Solution: Officers sometimes make typos when entering information. Try common variations of your name or license plate number. For example, if your plate is “ABC123,” try “ABC 123” or “ABC-123.”

Cause: Nickname vs. legal name

Solution: If you go by a nickname, the report may have your legal name instead (or vice versa). Try both versions.

Cause: Multiple vehicles involved

Solution: If you were driving someone else’s vehicle, try searching with the vehicle owner’s name instead of yours.

Cause: Incorrect VIN

Solution: VINs are long and easy to mistype. Double-check the VIN on your vehicle registration or insurance card.

Problem 3: Redacted Information

When you first receive your crash report, you may notice that some information is blacked out or redacted.

Cause: Privacy protection

Solution: Certain information is redacted to protect the privacy of those involved. This may include social security numbers, dates of birth, or other sensitive data. If you’re an involved party or an authorized legal representative, you can request an unredacted copy from the investigating agency.

Cause: Ongoing investigation

Solution: In some cases, information may be redacted because the investigation is ongoing, especially in serious crashes involving injuries or fatalities. Once the investigation is complete, you may be able to obtain a full copy.

How to request an unredacted copy:

Contact the Central Records office (for MPD reports) or the THP District Office (for THP reports) and explain that you need an unredacted copy. You’ll need to prove that you’re an involved party or authorized representative, which usually means providing your driver’s license and proof that you were in the crash.

Problem 4: The Report Contains Errors

If you review your crash report and notice that it contains incorrect information, it’s important to address the errors as soon as possible.

Common errors include:

• Wrong names, addresses, or contact information
• Incorrect vehicle information
• Inaccurate description of how the crash occurred
• Missing witness information
• Wrong contributing factors or citations

Solution:

Contact the investigating agency and ask about their process for correcting errors in crash reports. In most cases, you’ll need to:

1. Document the error in writing
2. Provide evidence of the correct information
3. Submit a request for an amended or supplemental report

Keep in mind that officers generally won’t change their assessment of what happened or who was at fault, but they should correct factual errors like names, addresses, and vehicle information.

Your attorney can also help you address errors in the report and present alternative evidence to support your version of events.

Problem 5: Multiple Reports for Multi-Car Crashes

In crashes involving multiple vehicles, there may be more than one report, especially if multiple agencies responded or if the crash occurred over a large area.

Solution:

Ask the investigating agency if there are multiple reports for your crash. You may need to obtain reports from both MPD and THP, or there may be supplemental reports that contain additional information.

Problem 6: No Photos or Diagrams

Some crash reports don’t include photos or detailed diagrams, especially if the crash was minor or if the officer didn’t have time to take photos.

Solution:

If photos were taken but aren’t included in your report, you can request them separately from the Central Records office. There’s an additional fee for photos ($10 per accident/incident or $1.50 per photo).

If no photos were taken, you should take your own photos of the vehicles and scene as soon as possible after the crash. Your attorney can also hire an accident reconstruction expert to create diagrams and analyze the crash.

Problem 7: Report Doesn’t Match What Happened

Sometimes you’ll get your report and find that the officer’s description doesn’t match your recollection of what happened.

Solution:

Document your version of events as soon as possible after the crash. Write down everything you remember, take photos, and get contact information for witnesses. Your attorney can use this evidence to challenge the report or present an alternative theory of what happened.

Remember that the crash report is just one piece of evidence. It’s not the final word on what happened or who was at fault.

Problem 8: Insurance Company Won’t Accept the Report

In rare cases, an insurance company may claim that the report you provided isn’t official or complete.

Solution:

Make sure you’re providing a complete, official copy of the report. If you downloaded it from the online portal, it should be accepted. If you’re having trouble, ask the insurance company specifically what they need and contact the investigating agency to get a certified copy if necessary.

Problem 9: Can’t Afford the Fee

If you’re struggling financially after a crash and can’t afford the fee to obtain your report, you have options.

Solution:

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. We can also review the report and explain what it means for your case.

Problem 10: Report Is Taking Too Long

If you’ve requested your report by mail and it’s taking longer than expected, follow up with the agency.

Solution:

Call the investigating agency and ask about the status of your request. Make sure they received your payment and that your mailing address is correct. If it’s been more than 3 weeks, ask them to resend the report or offer to pick it up in person.