MV-104

The New York State DMV form MV-104, officially titled the Report of Motor Vehicle Accident, is a critical legal document required to report crashes involving personal injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,000 for any one person. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 605, every driver involved must independently file this report within 10 days of the incident, regardless of who was at fault or whether a police officer already filed a separate report. The form serves as an official contemporaneous record of the event, capturing essential data including driver and vehicle identification, insurance information, road and weather conditions, a narrative description of the crash, and a visual diagram.

Failing to timely submit an accurate MV-104 is a misdemeanor and can lead to the immediate suspension of a driver's license until the requirement is met. Beyond regulatory compliance, the document plays a vital role in the insurance and legal landscape; insurance companies use it to validate claims and assess liability, while attorneys utilize it as foundational evidence in personal injury litigation. Because the information provided becomes part of a permanent driving record and can significantly impact the outcome of legal disputes, motorists are advised to be factual, concise, and thorough when completing the multi-section form.