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After a car accident in Myrtle Beach, obtaining an official police accident report is an important step in documenting what happened. This report contains valuable information about the crash, including officer observations, witness statements, and details about the parties involved. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or considering legal action, knowing how to access your accident report can help protect your rights.
Why You Need an Accident Report
An accident report serves as an official record of the collision. Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene document important details that can be difficult to remember later, especially when dealing with injuries or vehicle damage.
These reports typically include the date, time, and location of the accident, descriptions of all vehicles involved, contact information for drivers and witnesses, the investigating officer’s observations and diagrams of the scene, any citations issued, and preliminary findings about contributing factors. Insurance companies often request accident reports when processing claims. The information in these reports can help demonstrate what happened and may influence how fault is determined. Having a copy of your report allows you to review the details and identify any inaccuracies that should be corrected.
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Requesting a Report from Myrtle Beach Police Department
If your accident occurred within Myrtle Beach city limits and was investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, you’ll need to go through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a copy. The Myrtle Beach Police Department does not provide accident reports directly from its records division.
Three Ways to Request Your Report
- Online Request
The fastest method is requesting your report online through the SCDMV website. Visit the South Carolina DMV website at scdmvonline.com and navigate to the “Vehicle Owners” section. Under “I Need To,” select “Buy A Collision Report.” You’ll be prompted to provide your driver’s license number, Social Security number, and date of birth for identification. You can then enter either your license plate number and the last four digits of your VIN, or the accident date and the county where it occurred. The fee is $10 per report and can be paid online. If the official report is already available in the system, you can download it immediately after payment.
Important Note: Collision reports filed before March 22, 2012, are not available through the online system. For older reports, you’ll need to use the mail or in-person method.
- By Mail
To request a report by mail, download and complete SCDMV Form FR-50 (Request for Copy of Collision Report). Fill out both pages of the form with as much detail as possible. Information entered on page one will automatically populate on page two if completing electronically, but you’ll need to sign both copies. Include a check or money order for $10 made payable to SCDMV. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail two copies of the completed form along with your payment to:
SCDMV Titles Mail-in Unit FR-50
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0050
Processing typically takes two to three weeks to account for mail delivery time in both directions.
- In Person
You can also visit any SCDMV branch office with your completed FR-50 form. Branch locations accept cash, credit/debit cards, checks, or money orders for the $10 fee. If the report is available in the system, you may receive it the same day. Staff can also assist you with completing the form if needed.
Need the FR-50 Form in Person? You can pick up a copy of Form FR-50 at no charge from the Myrtle Beach Police Department Records Division at 1101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Requesting a Report from Horry County Sheriff & Highway Patrol
Not all accidents in the Myrtle Beach area are investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police. Depending on where the collision occurred, it may have been handled by another law enforcement agency.
Horry County Police Department
If your accident occurred in unincorporated areas of Horry County (outside city limits but not on state highways), the Horry County Police Department may have responded. For accidents investigated by Horry County Police, you can request reports through their records division.
To request a report involving you: Email hcpdrecords@horrycountysc.gov with a photocopy of your identification and either the case number or the address and date of the occurrence. Reports are typically provided via email at no charge if your name appears in the report.
For reports not involving you: Visit a Horry County Police precinct in person or submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request at horrycountysc.gov/departments/public-information/ or call 843-915-5390.
For motor vehicle accidents: Contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol at 843-365-5001, as they typically handle traffic collisions on county roads.
South Carolina Highway Patrol
The South Carolina Highway Patrol responds to accidents on state highways, interstates, and many major roads in the Myrtle Beach area. If a highway patrol trooper investigated your accident, the report process is the same as for Myrtle Beach Police accidents, you’ll request it through the SCDMV.
Follow the same steps outlined above (online, mail, or in person) using SCDMV Form FR-50. The processing fee remains $10 per report regardless of which law enforcement agency investigated the accident.
Horry County Sheriff’s Office
The Horry County Sheriff’s Office primarily handles court security, civil process, and detention center operations. For traffic accidents, they typically defer to either the Highway Patrol or the Horry County Police Department. However, if a sheriff’s deputy did respond to your accident, contact the Sheriff’s Office at:
Horry County Sheriff’s Office
1301 2nd Avenue
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: Check with the office for records inquiries
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(843) 361-7549What Information You’ll Need
To request an accident report, you’ll need to provide specific information to help the DMV locate your report in their system. The more details you can provide, the faster your request can be processed.
Required Information:
- Your personal information: Full name, driver’s license number, Social Security number, and current mailing address
- Accident details: Date of the accident (exact date if possible), time of the accident (approximate is acceptable), and location (street address or intersection)
- Additional helpful information: Names of other drivers involved, license plate numbers if known, vehicle identification numbers (VIN), and the county where the accident occurred
If you’re requesting a report for an accident where you were not directly involved (for example, if you’re an insurance representative), you may need to provide additional documentation proving your eligibility to receive the report.
Costs and Processing Times
| Request Method | Cost | Processing Time |
| Online (SCDMV) | $10 per report | Immediate if report is available; 5-10 business days if still being processed |
| By Mail (SCDMV) | $10 per report | 2-3 weeks (includes mailing time) |
| In Person (SCDMV Branch) | $10 per report | Same day if report is available; 5-10 business days otherwise |
| Horry County Police (via email) | Free* (if your name is in the report) | 3-5 business days |
*Note: Reports from Horry County Police may be free* if you were involved in the incident. For reports where you were not involved, standard FOIA request procedures and potential fees may apply.
Important Timing Note: Official accident reports are not available immediately after a collision. Law enforcement agencies typically submit reports to the SCDMV within 24 hours, but processing takes 5-10 business days. If you attempt to request a report too soon, it may not yet be available in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a copy of my accident report at the Myrtle Beach Police Department?
No, the Myrtle Beach Police Department does not provide copies of accident reports at their headquarters. They can provide you with a blank FR-50 form to request the report from the SCDMV. All traffic collision reports are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q: What if I don't know which law enforcement agency responded to my accident?
If you’re unsure which agency investigated your accident, consider the location. Accidents within Myrtle Beach city limits are typically handled by Myrtle Beach Police. Accidents on highways and interstates usually involve the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Accidents in unincorporated Horry County areas may be handled by Horry County Police. You can contact multiple agencies to inquire, or an attorney can assist in tracking down the correct report.
Q: What if there are errors in my accident report?
If you discover inaccuracies in your accident report, contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the accident as soon as possible. You may need to provide additional documentation or evidence to support your request for corrections. An attorney can assist with this process and help determine which errors are significant enough to pursue corrections.
Q: Do I need an accident report to file an insurance claim?
While not always legally required, most insurance companies request a copy of the police accident report when processing claims. The report provides an independent, official account of the accident that can help support your claim. Having this documentation can streamline the claims process.
Q: What if no police officer came to my accident scene?
If law enforcement did not respond to your accident, you may still need to report it. South Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to the SCDMV within 15 days. You can complete Form FR-309 (Traffic Collision Report Form) and submit it to the SCDMV Financial Responsibility office.
Q: How long does the SCDMV keep accident reports?
The SCDMV maintains accident reports in its system, though older reports (particularly those from before March 2012) may not be available through the online request system. For very old reports, you may need to contact the SCDMV directly to determine availability.
Q: Can someone else request my accident report?
South Carolina law limits who can obtain copies of accident reports. Generally, parties involved in the accident, their attorneys, insurance company representatives, and immediate family members of those involved can request reports. Others may need to submit a FOIA request and demonstrate a legitimate interest.
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Need Help Interpreting Your Accident Report?
Accident reports can contain complex information and technical language. If you’ve obtained your report and have questions about what it means for your claim, or if you need assistance pursuing compensation for your injuries, Maguire Law Firm is here to help.
Our team reviews accident reports daily and can help you understand how the details in your report may affect your case. We advocate for accident victims throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
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* Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. “Free consultation” or “Free Case Evaluation” refers only to the initial evaluation of your case and does not imply that legal representation is free. Clients may be responsible for costs in addition to the attorney’s fees. Percentage fees are calculated before deducting costs from the gross recovery. No comparison is intended or implied between Maguire Law Firm’s services and those of other lawyers. Testimonials and endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your case. Attorney Ian Maguire, Office: 1601 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Last updated Monday, January 19th, 2026
