Short Answer

In North Carolina, a law firm can usually request a crash police report by providing identifying information about the crash and paying the required fee. Firms commonly ask you for a photo of your driver’s license (or other ID) so they can confirm your identity and avoid delays when requesting records. If the report is being requested from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the DMV must provide a copy to the public upon request and payment of the statutory fee.

Understanding the Problem

If you were injured in a North Carolina crash, you may be asking what you must give your personal injury attorney so the attorney can request the police report, especially where the firm has asked for a photo of your driver’s license. In your situation, the key issue is what identification or authorization is typically needed to obtain the report efficiently, since the firm requested your driver’s license photo to make the request.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, a law-enforcement officer’s crash report is generally treated as a public record, and the DMV must provide a certified copy to a member of the public who requests it and pays the fee set by statute. In practice, police reports may be obtained from the DMV (for crash reports) or from the investigating law enforcement agency (for certain incident reports), but access rules can differ depending on the type of report and whether it relates to a criminal investigation.

Key Requirements

• Correct report type and source: A “crash report” is often obtained through the DMV; other police records may be held by the investigating agency and may be restricted if tied to a criminal investigation.
• Enough identifying crash information: The requester typically needs details like the date and location of the crash and the names of drivers involved (or the report number, if known) so the agency can locate the correct report.
• Proof of identity (often requested): Many firms request a copy/photo of your driver’s license or other government ID to confirm they are requesting the right record for the right person and to reduce the chance of rejection or delay.
• Payment of the required fee: For DMV crash reports, North Carolina law sets a specific fee for an accident report, and the DMV provides certified copies upon request and payment.
• Authorization when needed: If the request involves records that are not fully public (or if the agency requires it as a practical matter), your signed authorization can help the firm obtain the record faster.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reports; public inspection; DMV must provide copies) - Requires law enforcement to prepare crash reports and states that law-enforcement crash reports are public records; the DMV must provide a certified copy to the public upon request and payment of the fee.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-42 (DMV fees; accident report fee) - Sets the fee for a DMV accident report and authorizes the DMV to provide certified copies.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.4 (Criminal investigation records) - Explains that records of criminal investigations are generally not public records, with limited categories of information that remain public.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you are working with a law firm on an injury-related matter and the firm needs the police report, the firm likely wants to request the crash report through the DMV or the investigating agency using your crash details. Your driver’s license photo is commonly used to confirm your identity and ensure the request matches the correct person involved in the crash. If the firm is requesting a DMV crash report, North Carolina law provides a clear path for the public to obtain a certified copy by request and payment of the statutory fee.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Your attorney or staff (or you). Where: Often through the N.C. DMV for crash reports; sometimes through the investigating police department, sheriff’s office, or State Highway Patrol for other records. What: A crash report request using the crash date/location and involved parties (and the report number if available), plus any requested identification/authorization. When: As soon as possible after the crash; availability can vary depending on when the report is finalized and transmitted.
2. Agency processing: The DMV or agency locates the report, confirms the request details, and processes the fee. Some requests are quick; others take longer if information is incomplete or the report is not yet in the system.
3. Delivery to your case file: The firm receives the report (often as a certified copy if requested) and uses it to confirm key facts (who investigated, parties/vehicles involved, insurance listed, diagram/narrative) and to guide the next steps in the injury claim.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Crash report vs. “incident report” confusion: A DMV crash report is generally obtainable as a public record, but other police records tied to a criminal investigation may be restricted under North Carolina law.
• Incomplete crash details: If the request does not include the correct date, location, or names, the agency may not find the report or may return the request for clarification.
• Name/ID mismatches: If your legal name, nickname, or address differs from what is on the report, providing a driver’s license photo (and sometimes a short written clarification) can prevent delays.
• Assuming the police report proves fault: The report is important, but it is not the only evidence insurers consider; your medical records, photos, witness information, and other documentation often matter just as much.
• Lost wages not documented early: Even if your attorney will address lost wages later in the claim, you can help by promptly collecting pay stubs, a work schedule, and a written employer verification of time missed and rate of pay.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a crash police report is generally obtainable through the DMV as a public record, and the DMV must provide a certified copy when requested and the statutory fee is paid. Law firms often ask for a photo of your driver’s license (or other ID) plus basic crash details so the request is processed without delays. Next step: send your attorney a clear photo of your driver’s license and the crash date and location as soon as possible so the request can be submitted promptly.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with an injury claim and need a police report to move the case forward, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand what records are needed, where to request them, and what timelines to watch. Reach out today. Call [CONTACT NUMBER].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.