A WSP accident report, which Washington calls a collision report, can be searched online through the State Patrol’s WRECR system, and a copy costs $10.50.
Reports can take up to 2 to 4 weeks to become available, though many post sooner.
Officer Report or Your Own? Washington Has Two Collision Reports
Washington has two kinds of collision reports. An officer writes the first, and in some crashes the people involved must write the second themselves.
The State Patrol says any driver, pedestrian, pedalcycle rider or property owner in a collision with $1,000 or more of damage to any one unit, or injury to anyone, must complete a Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR). There is one exception. If an officer at the scene says they will complete a Police Traffic Collision Report, you do not need to file an MVCR.
If you need to file, the State Patrol offers its Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting (OMVCR) system. OMVCR lets you complete and submit your report electronically and gives you your collision report and report number immediately.
A paper MVCR is also accepted, but the paper process takes longer to produce a collision report number.
Timing matters too. Under RCW 46.52.030, a driver’s written report is due within four days after the crash, unless a law enforcement officer will be reporting it.
| Feature | Police Traffic Collision Report | Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR) |
|---|---|---|
| Who writes it | The officer who responded | A driver, pedestrian, pedalcycle rider or property owner involved |
| When it applies | An officer says they will complete one | $1,000 or more damage to one unit, or any injury, with no officer report |
| How it is filed | The officer completes it and a supervisor approves it | Online through OMVCR, or on a paper form |
| How you get a copy or number | Search WRECR, then pay $10.50 for a copy | OMVCR gives your report and report number right away; paper takes longer |
Searching WRECR for a WSP Accident Report
WRECR stands for Washington State Patrol Requests for Electronic Collision Records. It lets you search for a report from any computer with internet access and an email account.
- Give it time. Officers have 2 to 4 weeks to finish their investigation and get supervisor approval. The State Patrol calls that a guideline and says reports are often ready much sooner.
- Open WRECR from the WSP Collision Records page.
- Enter the basics. Type the name of an involved party and the date of the collision, then select Search.
- Review the match. A report that fits your search will be displayed.
- Buy your copy. A fee of $10.50 applies under RCW 46.52.085.
Will Your Washington Copy Be Redacted?
It depends on your connection to the crash. The State Patrol gives entitled parties a non-redacted copy of the record. Anyone who does not meet the definition of an entitled party, whether a person or an agency, receives a redacted copy under Washington’s Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
If the copy you receive has blacked-out details you expected to see, call the Collision Records Section at (360) 570-2355 and ask whether you qualify as an entitled party.
What a “No Record Found” Result Means in Washington
An empty search can be worrying, and there are a few possible reasons. The report may still be in review, since officers have up to several weeks to finish it.
There is a second possibility. At the scene, an officer may have judged that damage did not reach the $1,000 threshold. In that case, the officer would typically give you an exchange of information or send you to the WSP website to complete a citizen report.
If you are still unsure what happened, you can contact the officer or department that came to the scene. Only the officer who completed the report has the authority to change it, so that is also where to start if you spot an error.
Requesting a WSP Collision Report by Mail or Appointment
WRECR is not the only route. To request by mail, fill out the Request for Copy of Collision Report Form and send it with a $10.50 check or money order payable to the Washington State Patrol.
Mail the form and payment to P.O. Box 42628, Olympia, WA 98504-2628.
A few rules apply to these requests:
- The Collision Records office is open by appointment only.
- The office does not accept cash, by mail or at its kiosk.
- The kiosk takes credit cards.
- Questions can go to [email protected].
If you do not want or can’t handle the request yourself, our site offers free assistance to help you request your police report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a WSP Accident Report
How much does a WSP accident report cost?
A copy costs $10.50 under RCW 46.52.085.
How long until my Washington collision report is available?
It can take up to 2 to 4 weeks. The State Patrol says reports are often available much sooner.
Do I have to file my own collision report in Washington?
You must complete an MVCR if the crash caused $1,000 or more in damage to one unit or injured anyone. You do not need one if an officer says they will complete a police report.
Can I pay cash for a WSP collision report?
No. The Collision Records office does not accept cash, either by mail or at its kiosk.
Free Support With Your Washington Collision Report
Searching a database while you recover is hard enough without guesswork. At Local Accident Reports, we offer free assistance to help you gather your official police report.
If you have any questions, you can contact our team at 888-657-1460. We are here to assist you however we can.
Last reviewed: November 2026
This post was reviewed by Hernán Beresnak, Lead Editor, Local Accident Reports.
Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Local Accident Reports is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See our full disclaimer at https://localaccidentreports.com/disclaimer/ .
