How do I submit a public records request?

Vehicle Accident Reports may be released to persons with a proper interest in any required accident report and supplemental reports as provided in Vehicle Code Section 20012

• involved drivers of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident, or the employer or guardian or conservator for the driver(s);
• the parent of a minor driver;
• the authorized representative of a driver;
• any named person injured in the accident;
• the owner(s) of vehicle(s) or property damaged by the accident, persons who may incur civil liability due to the accident, including liability based on breach of warranty arising out of the accident;
• any attorney who declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of California that he or she represents any of the above persons. The request for the report may be made online or via United States Mail.

Vehicle Accident Reports involving emergency vehicles, a fatality, felony hit and run, or a juvenile who is the subject of a criminal citation cannot be released online and must be requested through United States Mail or in person.

The Police Department needs approximately 10 days from the date of the incident to process the paperwork. During this processing period, the Police Department is unable to provide any documentation.

Vehicle accidents reports for incidents that occurred in the City of Santa Clara can be obtained any one of three (3) ways:

• The Police Public Records Request Portal
  There is no cost for this service and processing generally takes approximately 10 days from the date of the request
• In-person, via fax or U.S. mail by completing form and submitting it to:
  Santa Clara Police Department
  601 El Camino Real
  Santa Clara, CA 95050
  Fax 408-248-0276
  There is no cost for this service and processing generally takes approximately 10 days from the date of the request
• From a third-party vendor online, LexisNexis
  There is a nominal cost for this service however the report is available immediately

All requests for information are processed in accordance with State of California data privacy laws and Department policy.

For inquiries, contact the Police Department's Records Unit at (408) 615-4700 or via email at records@santaclaraca.gov

Where are vehicles taken after they are towed?

If your vehicle has been towed in Santa Clara by a Santa Clara City Police Officer or Community Service Officer your vehicle will be at one of the following locations:

Lima Towing
3591 Thomas Rd.
Santa Clara, Ca 95054
408-986-8267

Unique Towing 
416 Aldo Ave.
Santa Clara, Ca 95054
408-249-5253

What is required to get my vehicle released?

Registration, Drivers License, Vehicle Release Authorization Form and Payment

Valid vehicle registration
Contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles if you have questions regarding your vehicle’s registration:

• 800-777-0133
• dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration

Valid Drivers' License
The registered owner along with a copy of their valid driver’s license. If the registered owner does not have a valid driver license, submit a Vehicle Release Authorization form along with a copy of a valid driver’s license for the individual who has been designated as authorized to obtain the vehicle on behalf of the registered owner

Payment (cash or check)
The fees are determined according to the City of Santa Clara’s Municipal Fee Schedule

How/Where can submit the forms? 

In person at the Santa Clara Police Department, located at 601 El Camino Real in Santa Clara (no extra fees)
OR
Vehicle Release Request Online from LexisNexis Risk Solutions (there is a nominal fee for this service)

What happens after the paperwork is submitted?

The Santa Clara Police Department will review the submitted materials to determine if the vehicle is eligible for release

• If approved, the registered owner will receive an email with added details about how to acquire the vehicle from the tow company
• Each case is unique in its own way. If the vehicle is not currently eligible for release, an explanation will be provided along with further instructions (if applicable)

To speak with a member of our staff, call the Santa Clara Police Department at 408-615-4700.

• Crime Reports (e.g. crime report, domestic violence, arrest report, calls for service, etc.), submit a request via the Police Public Records Request Online Portal.
• Vehicle Accident Reports can be obtained online, in-person, via fax, U.S. Mail or through a third-party vendor. Complete details are available online.
• For any Police records not included above, submit a request via the Police Public Records Request Online. For Public Records Requests for other City Departments or access archives of requests, go to the City Public Records Request Portal.

For inquiries, contact the Records Unit at (408)615-4700 or via email at records@santaclaraca.gov