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How to get a crash report from the San Francisco Police Department
The San Francisco Police Department takes crash report requests through its Incident Report Request Portal at cisu-sanfranciscopd.govqa.us. Usually ready at least 5 business days after the collision (the SFPD asks you to wait that long before requesting a copy).
From the San Francisco Police Department's own pages, checked October 5, 2026
Requesting the report
| Covers | traffic collisions inside San Francisco worked by SFPD |
|---|---|
| Request online | cisu-sanfranciscopd.govqa.us |
| Usually ready | at least 5 business days after the collision (the SFPD asks you to wait that long before requesting a copy) |
| What you need | A valid ID uploaded with the request (a driver's license, SF City ID, state ID or passport); attorneys also upload a business card showing a State Bar number and written proof they represent the victim |
| In person | SFPD Police Headquarters, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, closed on holidays |
| Phone | 1-415-575-7232 (traffic collision report contact line) |
Fatal crashes in San Francisco
189 people died in 178 crashes in San Francisco from 2020 through 2024 (NHTSA FARS), more of them on US-101 than on any other road. In 2024, 47 were killed, 47% more than in 2020.
After you have the report
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Get the crash report
Statewide copies come from California Highway Patrol (CHP), through its Online Crash Report System (Crash Portal) or any CHP Area office, cost CHP 190 by mail or in person: $10.00 for 1-25 pages, $20.00 for 26-50 pages, $30.00 for 51-75 pages, $40.00 for 76-100 pages, with no extra charge for handling or mailing. The online portal fee is not stated on the CHP web pages. and are usually ready typically within eight (8) business days from the date of the crash.
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Know your deadline
California gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). If a city, county or state vehicle was involved: A written claim for death, injury to person or injury to personal property must be presented to the public entity within six months after the cause of action accrues (one year for other claims).
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Who pays
California is an at-fault state: the driver who caused the crash, through their liability insurance, pays for the injuries and damage.
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If you were partly at fault
If you were partly at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and you can still recover even if you were mostly (even 99%) at fault.
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The other driver’s minimum coverage
The legal minimum liability coverage in California is $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash and $15,000 for property (30/60/15).
Check your deadline and a rough claim range
A filing date and a rough value range for California. Both take under a minute.
More crash report help in California
How to get a California crash report · San Jose Police Department crash reports · Bakersfield Police Department crash reports · Fresno Police Department crash reports
Questions
How long does it take to get a San Francisco crash report?
Usually at least 5 business days after the collision (the SFPD asks you to wait that long before requesting a copy).
Can I get my San Francisco crash report online?
Yes, at cisu-sanfranciscopd.govqa.us. You need: A valid ID uploaded with the request (a driver's license, SF City ID, state ID or passport); attorneys also upload a business card showing a State Bar number and written proof they represent the victim.
Sources
- San Francisco Police Department crash reports: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/get-service/police-reports/obtain-copy-existing-polic
SFPD: "Request and receive all types of San Francisco Police Incident Reports through an online portal. Report types include traffic collisions, domestic violence, and all other incidents of general crime." "Traffic Collision Reports : Before attempting to obtain a copy of a collision report, please allow a minimum of five (5) business days from the date of the collision to allow the report to be reviewed and approved for release." "requests may still be submitted in person at SFPD Police Headquarters during our normal business hours of 8 am-5 pm, Monday - Friday (closed on holidays)."
- Request portal: CISU-sanfranciscopd.govqa.us/webapp/_rs/supporthome.aspx?LP=3
Read October 5, 2026. Laws and fees change; the linked page is the authority.