How to File a DMV SR-1 Form After an Accident in Concord
California law requires you to report your accident directly to the DMV within 10 days — even if a police report was filed. Here's exactly how to do it, where to go in Concord, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
The fastest way to file your SR-1 is online at dmv.ca.gov — you'll get instant confirmation. You must file within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. This is required regardless of fault and is separate from any police report or insurance claim. The Concord DMV office is at 2070 Diamond Boulevard — call (800) 777-0133.
3 Ways to File Your SR-1
Every driver involved in a reportable accident must file their own SR-1. Your insurance company, attorney, or broker can file on your behalf — but you're responsible for making sure it gets done.
Online
File through the DMV virtual office at dmv.ca.gov. On-screen confirmation proves you met the deadline.
By Mail
Download the PDF, print, sign, and mail to the DMV Insurance Unit in Sacramento. Use certified mail.
In Person
Bring completed form to the Concord DMV at 2070 Diamond Blvd. Bring photo ID and a copy for your records.
When Is the SR-1 Required?
Under California Vehicle Code §16000, you must file an SR-1 within 10 days of any accident where:
Any Injury or Death
Even minor injuries — whiplash, soreness, bruises — trigger the filing requirement. If anyone mentions pain at the scene, you must file.
Property Damage Over $1,000
This threshold is lower than most people think. A cracked bumper, bent fender, or deployed airbag easily exceeds $1,000 in modern vehicles.
Both Drivers Must File
It doesn't matter who was at fault. California requires every driver involved in a reportable accident to submit their own SR-1 form.
Private Property Crashes Too
Accidents in parking lots, driveways, and private roads are also reportable if they meet the injury or damage thresholds.
A CHP report, Concord PD report, or insurance claim does not satisfy the SR-1 requirement. The SR-1 is a separate, mandatory filing directly with the DMV. Many drivers don't realize this and end up with a suspended license.
How to File Online (Recommended)
Step 1: Go to the DMV Virtual Office
Visit dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting and select "Report a Traffic Accident."
Step 2: Enter Accident Details
Date, time, location (city and county), number of vehicles, and whether injuries or damage over $1,000 occurred. For Concord accidents, enter "Concord" as the city and "Contra Costa" as the county.
Step 3: Enter Your Driver Information
Your full legal name, address, date of birth, and California driver's license number. If you were driving someone else's car, enter the registered owner's information too.
Step 4: Enter Your Insurance Information
Use your insurer's exact legal name (not your agent's name), policy number, NAIC number, and policy dates. Using the wrong name can trigger a false "no insurance" flag.
Step 5: Enter Other Party Information
The other driver's name, license number, vehicle info, and insurance details. If you don't have this information, enter "unknown" — don't delay filing because you're missing details.
Step 6: Review, Sign & Submit
Read the perjury statement, verify everything is accurate, and submit. Screenshot or save the confirmation page — this is your proof of timely filing.
If you don't have all the other driver's information, file anyway and mark unknown fields appropriately. Waiting to gather complete info is the most common reason people miss the 10-day deadline. You can always provide supplemental information later.
Information You'll Need
Before you start the SR-1, gather the following information:
| Category | Details Needed |
|---|---|
| Your Driver Info | Full legal name, address, phone, date of birth, CA DL number |
| Your Vehicle | Year, make, model, license plate number, VIN |
| Your Insurance | Company legal name, policy number, NAIC number, policy period |
| Other Party | Name, DL number, vehicle details, insurance info (if available) |
| Crash Details | Date, time, exact location, city, county, brief description |
| Injuries & Damage | Names of injured parties, estimated property damage per vehicle |
DMV Offices Near Concord
You can submit your completed SR-1 at any California DMV office. Here are the closest locations:
Concord DMV Field Office
Closest to ConcordWalnut Creek DMV Field Office
Pittsburg DMV Field Office
How to Mail Your SR-1
Step 1: Download & Complete the Form
Download the SR-1 PDF from dmv.ca.gov (also available in Spanish). Print it, fill out all fields legibly, and sign and date the form.
Step 2: Make a Complete Copy
Photocopy the entire completed form and any attachments before mailing. This is your proof of what was submitted.
Step 3: Mail via Certified Mail
Send to: Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 94284-0884. Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of the mailing date.
What Happens If You Don't File?
License Suspension
The DMV can suspend your driver's license until the SR-1 is submitted. This applies even if you weren't at fault for the accident.
Insurance Claim Problems
You need an SR-1 on file before you can submit an SR-19C form to get the other driver's insurance information from the DMV.
Uninsured Motorist Issues
If the other driver was uninsured, your own UM claim may be delayed or complicated without the SR-1 and follow-up SR-19C on file.
No Insurance? Bigger Problems
If you were driving uninsured, failure to file can result in a license suspension of up to 4 years and an SR-22 filing requirement.
After the SR-1: The SR-19C Form
Once your SR-1 is filed, you can submit a DMV Form SR-19C to request verified insurance information for the other driver and vehicle owner involved in your accident. This is especially important if you need to confirm the other party's insurance company and policy number to file a claim against them — or to prove they were uninsured for your own UM claim.
Your attorney can handle both the SR-1 and SR-19C filings on your behalf, ensuring nothing is missed and all deadlines are met.
At Scranton Law Firm, we handle SR-1 and SR-19C filings for all of our accident clients as part of our standard case management. If you've been in an accident in Concord and aren't sure what forms need to be filed, call us — we'll take care of the paperwork so you can focus on recovering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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