Missouri Highway Patrol crash reports are requested from the Patrol itself, either online through its Traffic Crash Report Request or by mailing Form SHP-842M, and each basic report costs $6.00. A crash handled by a city police department or county officers is requested from that agency instead.
Which Agency Wrote Your Missouri Crash Report?
The agency that investigated your crash is the one that holds the report. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that in most cases it does not work traffic crashes inside city limits unless the local police department asks it to. So a trooper at the scene points to the Patrol, while a city officer or county deputy points to that local department.
Look at any card or paperwork the officer gave you. It typically shows the agency name and an incident number, and both make the request easier.
Requesting a Missouri Highway Patrol Crash Report Online
You can start a request online. The Patrol Records Division asks you to wait 10 days from the date of the crash investigation before you submit.
- Go to the Patrol’s website at statepatrol.dps.mo.gov.
- Scroll to “Popular Links” and select “Patrol Records Request.”
- Choose “Traffic Crash Report Request” and enter what you know about the crash.
- Pay the fee. The Patrol accepts a check or money order, or a debit or credit card.
The same electronic process handles copies of the Missouri Uniform Crash Report and related crash reconstruction reports, photographs and videos.
Be ready for a wait. The Patrol says it is currently experiencing a backlog of crash reports, and you may not receive your report for an extended period.
Mailing Form SHP-842M to the Patrol
Some people prefer paper. The Patrol’s Request for Traffic Crash Report, Form SHP-842M, asks for:
- The date of the crash
- The complaint or incident number, if you know it
- The names of the drivers or vehicle owner
- The county and roadway where the crash happened
Pay with a U.S.-issued check or money order made out to DPS Missouri State Highway Patrol. Cash is not accepted and will be returned.
Send the form to the troop headquarters for the area where the crash happened, or to the Patrol Records Division, PO Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
| What you are requesting | Where it is handled | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Patrol crash report | Troop headquarters or Patrol Records Division | $6.00 per report |
| Notary certification | Requested on the same form | $2.00 per certification, on top of the report fee |
| Photos or reconstruction report | Patrol Records Division only | Ask the division for fees |
| City or county crash report | The local agency that investigated | Set by that agency |
Will You Get a Redacted Missouri Crash Report?
That depends on why you are asking for it. Form SHP-842M follows the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and lists a set of criteria, and requesters who do not meet one of them receive a crash report with personal information redacted. One criterion is simply being a party involved in the crash.
Other criteria on the form include:
- Written consent from a party involved in the crash, sent with the request
- An insurer working on claims investigation, antifraud activities, rating or underwriting
- Use in a civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding
- A government agency or its representative carrying out its functions
- Notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles
The form also has a box for people who do not meet any criterion and still want a redacted copy. To learn more, you can read our guide to requesting someone else’s accident report which covers why these limits exist.
Getting a Missouri Crash Report From City Police or a Sheriff
Each department sets its own request steps, fees and timelines, so check the website of the agency that responded. As one example, the Springfield police say accident reports can be obtained electronically through LexisNexis BuyCrash. Springfield also asks you to allow 7-10 business days from the time of the accident before the report will be available.
Older Springfield reports follow a different path. For an accident before March 1, 2012, you can ask at the front desk of police headquarters, or mail a request with the report number and the $3 fee.
Other cities and counties may handle requests differently. You can find more state-specific help on our Missouri accident resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Highway Patrol Crash Reports
How much do Missouri Highway Patrol crash reports cost?
The Patrol charges $6.00 for each basic crash report. Certified copies, photos and reconstruction reports cost extra.
How soon can I request my Missouri crash report?
The Patrol asks you to wait 10 days from the crash investigation. It also reports a backlog, so delivery may take longer.
Can I get a Missouri crash report if I was not involved?
Yes. Unless you meet one of the criteria listed on Form SHP-842M, the personal information in your copy will be redacted.
Where do I get a report if city police handled my crash?
Request it from that police department. Each local agency sets its own process and fees.
Talk With Us About Your Missouri Report
Agencies, forms and redaction rules are a lot to handle after a crash, and Local Accident Reports is here to help. You can request your police report through our site for free, with assistance 24/7.
Contact our team at 888-657-1460 if you have any doubts. We are here to guide you.
Last reviewed: October 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/
