After a car accident in California, you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and mounting stress. But there’s another deadline you can’t afford to miss: filing the California DMV SR-1 form. State law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles, regardless of who was at fault.
Failing to submit this form within 10 days can result in a suspended driver’s license, creating even more problems during an already difficult time. Many accident victims don’t realize this requirement exists until it’s almost too late.
At Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, we’ve helped thousands of California accident victims navigate the legal and administrative aftermath of crashes. This guide walks you through exactly when the SR-1 is required, how to complete it correctly, and what happens after you file. Getting this right protects both your driving privileges and your potential injury claim.
What the SR-1 form is and when you must file
The California DMV SR-1 form is an official accident report that drivers must submit to the state after certain crashes. This form (officially titled “Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California”) collects basic information about the collision, including driver details, vehicle information, insurance coverage, and injury or damage estimates. Law enforcement reports alone don’t satisfy this requirement.
What qualifies as a reportable accident
You must file an SR-1 within 10 days of the accident date if any of these conditions apply: someone was injured or killed, or property damage to any one person’s property exceeded $1,000. Property damage includes vehicles, fences, buildings, traffic signs, or any other damaged property. The $1,000 threshold is lower than many drivers expect, meaning even minor fender benders often require reporting.
California Vehicle Code Section 16000 requires all drivers involved in reportable accidents to file an SR-1, even if they weren’t at fault.
Filing is mandatory whether the crash happened in a parking lot, on a highway, or on a private road. The location doesn’t change your reporting obligation.
Who must file the form
Every driver involved in a reportable accident must submit their own SR-1 form. Your insurance company won’t file it for you, and assuming the other driver will handle reporting can cost you your license. If you were driving someone else’s vehicle, you’re still responsible for filing the form using the owner’s insurance information. Parents or guardians must file on behalf of minor drivers under 18.
The DMV doesn’t care who caused the accident. Both the at-fault driver and the innocent victim face license suspension if they skip this step.
Gather the details you need before you start
Before you fill out the California DMV SR-1 form, collect all relevant accident information in one place. Having these details ready prevents errors and speeds up the filing process. Missing or incorrect information can delay processing and won’t satisfy your legal reporting obligation.
Information about all parties involved
You need the full legal name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number for every driver in the accident. Write down the license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for all vehicles involved. If any passengers were injured, note their names and contact information as well.
Gather insurance company names and policy numbers for each driver. You’ll find this information on insurance cards exchanged at the scene. If the other driver didn’t provide insurance details, include whatever identifying information you have.
Incomplete driver or insurance information won’t stop the DMV from processing your SR-1, but accurate details protect you from disputes later.
Accident specifics and damage estimates
Record the exact date, time, and location of the crash, including the street address or nearest intersection. Describe how the accident happened in simple terms. Estimate the total property damage to your vehicle and any other damaged property. You don’t need repair receipts yet, but your estimate should be reasonable based on visible damage.
Step 1. Get the SR-1 form and choose how to submit
The California DMV SR-1 form is available through multiple channels, and choosing your submission method affects how quickly the DMV receives your report. You can complete the process entirely online or file a paper form by mail. Both methods satisfy your legal filing requirement, but online submission provides immediate proof of filing.
Download or request the form
Visit the California DMV website to download the SR-1 form as a PDF. You can fill it out on your computer before printing, or print a blank copy and complete it by hand. The form is also available at any DMV field office if you prefer to pick up a physical copy. Mail requests take longer, so downloading the form ensures you won’t miss the 10-day deadline.
Filing online through the DMV website is the fastest way to meet your reporting obligation and get instant confirmation.
Select your filing method
The online filing system walks you through each question and automatically saves your submission. You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after submitting. Paper forms must be mailed to the address printed on the form and take several days to reach the DMV. Mailing doesn’t provide instant proof of filing, so keep your certified mail receipt if you choose this option. Online filing eliminates postage costs and potential mail delays.
Step 2. Fill out the SR-1 correctly
The California DMV SR-1 form consists of four main sections that document your vehicle, the accident details, the other party’s information, and any injuries or damages. Each section requires specific information, and leaving fields blank or providing incorrect data can delay processing or create problems with your insurance claim. Read each question carefully before answering.
Complete your driver and vehicle information
Start with Section A, which asks for your personal details. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license, along with your current address, phone number, and license number. List your insurance company name, policy number, and the policy’s effective dates. If you were driving someone else’s vehicle, provide the registered owner’s name and address in the designated fields.
Document the accident details and other parties
Section B requires the accident date, time, and exact location (street address or nearest intersection). Describe how the collision occurred in simple, factual terms without admitting fault. Section C collects information about other drivers, including their names, addresses, license numbers, and insurance details. Section D asks you to estimate total property damage and list any injuries. Be honest about damage amounts. Underestimating won’t help you avoid filing requirements if actual costs exceed $1,000.
Provide complete information even if the other driver left the scene or didn’t have insurance.
Step 3. Submit on time and keep proof
The 10-day deadline starts counting from the date of the accident, not from when you finish filling out the form. Missing this window triggers an automatic license suspension process, regardless of who caused the crash. Submit your completed California DMV SR-1 form as soon as you gather all required information.
Meet the filing deadline
Submit online through the DMV website’s SR-1 portal for instant confirmation. The system generates a confirmation number and timestamp immediately after you click submit. Paper forms mailed to the address on the form must be postmarked within 10 days, not just dropped in a mailbox. Use certified mail with return receipt if you choose the paper option, as regular mail provides no proof of timely filing.
Your confirmation receipt is the only proof that you met California’s mandatory reporting requirement.
Save your filing documentation
Download or print your online confirmation email immediately after submitting. This document shows your submission date, confirmation number, and a summary of the information you provided. Store this confirmation with your other accident records, including police reports, insurance correspondence, and medical bills. If you mailed a paper form, keep your certified mail receipt and tracking number until the DMV confirms receipt.
Take the next step if you missed the deadline
Missing the 10-day filing window doesn’t mean you’re out of options, but you need to act immediately. The DMV will likely suspend your driver’s license once they discover the late filing, and you’ll need to take specific steps to reinstate it. Submit the california dmv sr-1 form right away, even if you’re past the deadline. Late filing is better than never filing at all.
Contact the DMV directly to explain your situation and ask about reinstatement requirements. You may need to pay fees, provide proof of insurance, or complete additional paperwork to restore your driving privileges. If your accident involved serious injuries or significant damages, the administrative filing is only one piece of the legal process.
Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC can help you handle both the DMV requirements and any injury claims stemming from the crash. We offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.