MV-104 Form – If you’ve been involved in a car accident, motorcycle crash, or any motor vehicle incident in New York State that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you must file the official MV-104 Form (Report of Motor Vehicle Crash). This free, state-required document protects your driving privileges and ensures proper record-keeping with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the MV-104 is, when and how to file it (including the easy online option), how to download the latest PDF, step-by-step filling instructions, deadlines, penalties, and expert tips to avoid common mistakes. The form was last revised in May 2025 (MV-104 5/25) and remains current in 2026.
What Is the MV-104 Form?
The MV-104, officially titled “Report of Motor Vehicle Crash,” is the New York DMV’s standardized two-page form that every driver (or their representative) must complete for qualifying crashes occurring within New York State only.
It collects critical details about:
- All vehicles/units involved (including e-bikes and e-scooters)
- Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists
- Crash location, time, and description
- Injuries, fatalities, and estimated damage
DMV uses this data for safety statistics, insurance verification, and the Crash Re-examination Program (if you have multiple reportable crashes). Filing does not determine fault—DMV does not assign blame.
Important note: This is the motorist version. Police officers use different forms (MV-104P or MV-104A/AN).
When Must You File the MV-104 Form?
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 605, you are legally required to file if any of these conditions are met:
- Death or personal injury to anyone (including yourself)
- Property damage exceeding $1,000 to any one person’s property (including your own vehicle)
- An e-bike or e-scooter involved with injury or death
You must also notify police immediately if there is injury or death. Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or fatality is a serious crime.
Exceptions: No report needed for minor fender-benders under $1,000 with no injuries (just exchange insurance info). Vandalism-only incidents should be reported to police instead.
MV-104 Filing Deadline & Penalties
You have exactly 10 days from the date of the crash to file.
Failure to file on time is a misdemeanor. Consequences include:
- Automatic suspension of your driver’s license and/or vehicle registration (until the report is received)
- Possible revocation of privileges
- Additional fines or legal issues affecting insurance claims
If the driver is physically unable to file (due to injury), a passenger, owner, or representative may submit it.
How to File the MV-104 Crash Report: Online or Mail?
New York now offers two official methods—online is fastest and recommended.
1. Online Filing (Easiest & Instant Confirmation)
Visit the official Online Motorist Crash Report Portal at https://reportcrash.dmv.ny.gov.
Steps:
- Click “Start Online Motorist Crash Report.”
- Log in with an existing NY.gov ID or create one (free, takes minutes—requires email verification, security questions, and two-factor authentication).
- Complete the guided form (similar fields to the paper version).
- Submit electronically.
You’ll receive confirmation immediately, and the report appears on all involved drivers’ records.
2. Mail the Paper Form
Download, print, fill out, and mail the original to:
CRASH RECORDS CENTER
6 Empire State Plaza, PO Box 2925
Albany, NY 12220-0925
Use black ink, print clearly, and sign. Keep a copy for your records.
Download the Official MV-104 PDF (Free & Current)
Direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf
The form is always free, printable, and updated by the DMV. The current version is clearly marked MV-104 (5/25) on page 1. You can also pick up copies at any DMV office, police station, or from most insurance agents.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the MV-104 Form?
Before starting, read the instructions on page 2. Use black ink and print clearly. If a field doesn’t apply, enter a dash (–). If unknown, enter “X”.
Key Sections (from the official form):
- Part A: Your Vehicle/Unit — Driver and registrant details, license, plate, insurance, VIN.
- Part B: Other Vehicle/Unit — Same info for the second party (or pedestrian/bicyclist/e-bike/e-scooter).
- Persons Involved — List all people, their positions, safety equipment used (seatbelt, helmet, etc.), injuries, and age/sex.
- Crash Location — Exact road, intersection, county, city/town/village, direction of travel.
- Crash Description — Brief narrative of what happened + diagram code (0–9) or sketch.
- Other — Police response, number of vehicles/injured/fatalities, firefighter emergency box if applicable.
Signature is mandatory — Unsigned forms are rejected and can lead to suspension. Representatives can sign with explanation.
For crashes with 3+ vehicles, use additional MV-104 forms and number them sequentially.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Take photos and gather witness info at the scene—it makes filling the form accurate.
- Be precise with names exactly as on licenses/registrations.
- Estimate damage conservatively if over $1,000 threshold.
- Do not use this form for out-of-state crashes or vandalism-only incidents.
- File even if police already made a report—motorist filing is still required.
- Keep proof of mailing or online confirmation.
MV-104 FAQs
Can I file if I wasn’t the driver?
Yes—if the driver is incapacitated, the owner or representative may file.
How do I get a copy of my filed report?
Contact the police agency where the crash occurred or order from DMV records (fees may apply).
Does filing affect my insurance?
It creates an official record but does not determine fault or raise rates automatically.
What if the crash involved an e-bike or e-scooter?
Special coding applies—use “EBIK,” “ESSI,” or “ESST” for vehicle type.
Why Filing the MV-104 Matters?
Beyond avoiding penalties, a properly filed MV-104 protects your rights for insurance claims, supports statewide safety data, and helps prevent license issues. Reporting also feeds into the DMV’s Crash Re-examination Program for frequent crash-involved drivers.
Download your MV-104 PDF now: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf
For online filing: https://reportcrash.dmv.ny.gov
Official DMV resources:
- File a Motorist Crash Report page
- New York State Driver’s Manual (Chapter 12)
Stay safe on the roads—and file promptly if needed. This guide is based entirely on current 2026 information from the New York DMV website. Always verify details directly on dmv.ny.gov for your specific situation.