Minnesota State Patrol accident reports are requested through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division, using the Crash Record Request Form , and each copy costs $5.
Only people involved in the crash, or someone they authorize, can get one, and reports are available about three weeks after the incident.
Two Different Things People Call a “State Patrol Report” in Minnesota
When people search for Minnesota State Patrol accident reports, they are usually looking for one of two very different records. Knowing which one you need saves time.
The first is the public incident listing. The Minnesota State Patrol runs a media information site that posts serious and fatal crashes in Minnesota where the State Patrol is the primary reporting agency. It is meant to keep the media and the public informed.
The State Patrol notes that entries reflect the last time its staff edited the data, so they may not be up to the minute during busy periods. This listing is a quick summary, not your official report.
The second is the full crash report. This is the official record of the crash, and it is the document insurers and attorneys typically ask for it.
The full report is not posted publicly. You request it from DVS, and access is limited to people with a direct connection to the crash.
Who Can Request a Minnesota Crash Report?
Minnesota keeps crash reports private to the people involved. DVS states that reports are available only to the individuals involved in the crash or their authorized agent.
The request form lets you check one of these roles:
- Driver, passenger or pedestrian involved in the crash
- Owner of a vehicle or other damaged property
- Next of kin or a parent or guardian
- Insurance representative
- Legal representative
If someone died in the crash, the next of kin or legal representative must include proof of death. DVS lists a death certificate, an obituary or a memorial card as examples. This step can feel painful at an already hard time, so it helps to gather the document before you fill out the form.
How to Request Your Report From DVS, Step by Step
Requests for Minnesota crash reports go to DVS on the form. Here is how to put one together:
- Wait about three weeks. DVS says reports are available three weeks after the incident, so an earlier request may come back empty.
- Download the Crash Record Request Form (PS2503) from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
- Fill in every field you know. Include the date, time, location and the names of the drivers. DVS warns that if there is not enough crash information, the request cannot be completed.
- Sign the form. Requests are not processed without a signature from an authorized requester.
- Prove who you are. You will need a driver’s license, a government-issued ID or a notarized signature.
- Pay the $5 fee for each copy. If you mail your request, make the check or money order payable to DVS.
- Submit it in person at DVS or a full-service deputy registrar office, or by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 161, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
If the officer gave you a case or report number at the scene, include it. The more detail you provide, the easier it is for DVS to find the right record.
What You Will See on a Minnesota Crash Report
A full crash report usually records the date, time and location of the crash, the people and vehicles involved, insurance information, road and weather conditions, a diagram and the officer’s narrative.
You can read our site’s guide on what a police crash report includes to learn what each section shows so you can read yours with confidence.
Read it carefully as soon as it arrives. If a name, plate number or insurance detail is wrong, contact the agency that wrote the report and ask how it handles corrections. Small errors are easier to fix early.
Comparing Your Options for Crash Information in Minnesota
The table below shows how the public State Patrol listing and the official DVS report differ.
| Feature | State Patrol media listing | Official crash report from DVS |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Serious and fatal crashes where the State Patrol is the primary agency | The full record of a reported crash |
| Who can see it | The public | People involved and their authorized agents |
| Cost | Free to view | $5 per copy |
| How to get it | Online listing | PS2503 form, in person or by mail |
| When it is ready | Updated as State Patrol staff edit the data | About three weeks after the crash |
| Best used for | Quick confirmation of what happened | Insurance claims and legal questions |
For more state-specific help, including support resources for families, visit our Minnesota accident resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota State Patrol Accident Reports
How do I get a Minnesota State Patrol accident report?
Submit the Crash Record Request Form (PS2503) to Driver and Vehicle Services in person or by mail with the $5 fee. You must be involved in the crash or authorized by someone who was.
How long does it take to get a crash report in Minnesota?
DVS says reports are available three weeks after the incident.
Can anyone look up a Minnesota crash report?
No. Full crash reports are available only to the people involved or their authorized agents. The State Patrol’s public media listing shows basic details of serious and fatal crashes.
What do I need to request a crash report in Minnesota?
You need a completed and signed PS2503 form, a valid ID or notarized signature, and the $5 fee. Fatal crash requests also need proof of death.
Get Help Requesting Your Minnesota Crash Report
You do not have to sort out forms and fees alone while you are recovering. Local Accident Reports offers free police report help, and we are available 24/7.
To learn more, reach out to our team at 888-657-1460.
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/.
