# How Can I Get a Police Report After a Crash in Houston? ![A Texas police officer stands in the road and writes down information about a Houston car accident. How can I get a police report after an accident in Houston?](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-Can-I-Get-a-Police-Report-After-an-Accident-in-Houston-300x200.jpg) If you’re asking, “How can I get a police report after an accident in Houston?”, you should know that you can **purchase your crash report online** through the Texas Department of Transportation for a small fee. Crash reports are important because they provide your [Houston car accident lawyer](https://www.omegalaw.com/houston/car-accident-lawyer/) with an official, third-party record of the accident’s details, which can help establish fault, support your injury claim, and strengthen negotiations with insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Houston auto accident, it’s time to get a**free consultation**with our law firm. Call us today; we can help you gain access to your Houston crash report and build a strong claim for compensation on your behalf. ## Buying a Houston Accident Report Online You can purchase a copy of a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) through the [online crash report system](https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/). After completing your purchase, the report will be emailed to you. A small service fee is added when you use the online system. ### Requesting Crash Data or Multiple Reports If you need crash data or multiple crash IDs, you can submit an online Crash Data Request Form. Some users may also find it helpful to search public crash information using the CRIS Query Tool or review annual data reports. ## How Much Does It Cost to Get a Crash Report? To get an accident report in Houston, TX, you will need to pay a small fee. Crash reports cost: - $6 for a regular copy - $8 for a certified copy, which is often needed for court or official use Extra processing fees may apply if you pay by credit card. Subpoenas and affidavits cost $8 each, whether they are for state court, federal court, or a sworn affidavit. ### Hurt in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers in are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Why Is a Houston Crash Report So Important? The police report often serves as a**foundational piece of evidence** after a Houston motor vehicle accident. Insurance adjusters review it when assessing fault, and attorneys frequently rely on it to begin investigating liability. Within the report, you may find information that establishes a timeline, identifies witnesses, or references potential traffic violations. Even when responsibility seems obvious, this official record can help reinforce your position and reduce the likelihood of disputes. It may also help support your claim for compensation. ## Important Things to Know Before Filing The Texas Department of Transportation keeps crash records for the past ten full calendar years plus the current year. Under the [Texas Transportation Code](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?link=TN), crash reports must be purchased individually. This means bulk copies of reports cannot be provided all at once. Instead, you will receive crash ID numbers so you can buy the reports you need later. The law also limits access to certain confidential information. For example, you generally cannot request a list of all crashes involving a specific person unless you are legally entitled to that information. ### Injured in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers in are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Filing a Subpoena or Affidavit Request All requests for [car crash](https://www.omegalaw.com/blog/the-worst-car-crash-injuries/) records must follow the requirements set by the Texas Transportation Code. You can now submit subpoena or affidavit requests electronically through the CRIS Request System. This online system, introduced in August 2024, allows users to search for crash reports, upload legal documents in PDF format, and submit requests digitally. Beginning January 1, 2025, requests will no longer be accepted by mail. The older CR-91 form is no longer required, and mailed requests will simply be returned. After you submit your request and pay the $8 fee plus a small service charge, the system will send you updates on your request status. Once processed, you will receive an email with a download link for your documents. ### Processing Times Typical processing times are: - Affidavit only: about 10 business days - Affidavit with a state or federal subpoena: about 10 business days - State or federal subpoena only: about 20 business days Questions about subpoena or affidavit requests can be directed to the Texas Department of Transportation. If you need records from the Texas Department of Public Safety, you must submit a separate request to that agency, as it will not be included in the transportation department request. ### Have you been involved in an accident? [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Let a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help You With Your Crash Report Now you know the answer to, “How can I get a police report after an accident in Houston?” Obtaining a police report after a crash is a practical step that can help protect your rights and organize your claim. By requesting the document promptly, confirming its accuracy, and keeping it accessible, you place yourself in a stronger position if questions arise later. If you would like more information about accident claims or the legal process, visit our [FAQ page](https://www.omegalaw.com/faqs/) to learn more. You can also contact Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys to request a **free consultation** and discuss how we may be able to assist you after your accident. --- Source: https://www.omegalaw.com/faqs/how-can-i-get-a-police-report-after-an-accident-in-houston/