How to Get Your Texas Crash Report (CR-3) - Houston Car Accident Lawyers

To get your Texas crash report (Form CR-3), buy a copy from the Texas Department of Transportation through the Crash Records Information System (CRIS) at cris.dot.state.tx.us. The public can purchase certified or regular copies for a small fee. This is general information, not legal advice.

What the CR-3 is and why it matters

When a police officer responds to a crash in Texas, they typically complete a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, officially Form CR-3. It records the essentials of the collision: date, time, and location; the drivers and vehicles involved; insurance information; a diagram of how the crash happened; and the officer’s notes and any contributing factors.

This report is one of the most useful documents you can have after a crash. Insurers rely on it when evaluating claims, and it helps establish basic facts about what occurred. Getting a copy early gives you an official record to reference and to check for accuracy.

How to buy your report through CRIS

TxDOT provides crash reports to the public through its online Crash Records Information System. The general process looks like this:

Go to the CRIS public portal at cris.dot.state.tx.us.
Search for your crash using details such as your name, the crash date, and the location or report number.
Select the matching report and choose the type of copy you need.
Pay the required fee and download or receive your copy.

Reports are generally available after the responding agency submits them to TxDOT, which can take some time following the crash. If your report does not appear right away, it may simply not be processed into the system yet, and you can check back.

Certified vs. regular copies

CRIS offers more than one version of the report. A regular copy provides the information on the CR-3 and is often sufficient for dealing with an insurer. A certified copy includes an official certification that can be useful when a formally authenticated document is needed, such as in certain legal or administrative situations.

Both types carry a small fee. If you are unsure which you need, a regular copy is commonly adequate for everyday claim purposes, while a certified copy is worth getting when an authenticated record is specifically required. We are not able to quote an exact fee here, so refer to the CRIS portal for current pricing.

Tips for getting and using your report

Have your details handy. Your name, the crash date, and the location or crash report number make searching faster.
Check it for accuracy. Review names, insurance details, the diagram, and the narrative. If something looks wrong, contact the responding law enforcement agency about corrections, since TxDOT maintains the report but the originating agency handles content questions.
Keep it with your records. Store the CR-3 alongside your photos, medical bills, and repair estimates so your claim file stays organized.
Act reasonably early. While Texas gives most injury claims a two-year window, gathering documentation sooner keeps your options open and your memory fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I actually get the CR-3?

From TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) at cris.dot.state.tx.us. The public can purchase certified or regular copies there for a small fee. This is general information, not legal advice.

How soon after the crash is the report available?

It becomes available once the responding agency submits it to TxDOT, which can take some days or longer. If it is not there yet, check back later rather than assuming no report exists.

Do I need a certified copy or a regular one?

A regular copy is often enough for dealing with insurers. A certified copy provides an official certification that may be needed for certain legal or administrative purposes. Both carry a small fee through CRIS.