VS-1 Form: Original Facility Licensing Application (PDF)

VS-1 Form – The VS-1 Form, officially known as the Original Facility Licensing Application, is the primary document required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) for new businesses seeking to register or license motor vehicle-related facilities. This includes repair shops, body repair shops, motor vehicle dealers, transporters, inspection stations, junk and salvage operations, and more.

Whether you plan to open an auto repair shop, become a licensed dealer, or operate an inspection station, the VS-1 serves as your official application for a facility certificate or registration. The form ensures compliance with New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and helps the DMV verify business ownership, location suitability, and regulatory requirements. All VS-1 variants were revised as of February 2026 (marked as “2/26” on official PDFs) and remain the current versions.

Why the VS-1 Form Matters for New York Businesses?

New York strictly regulates motor vehicle businesses to protect consumers. Submitting the correct VS-1 Form is the mandatory first step to legally operate. Without an approved facility certificate, you cannot perform repairs, sell vehicles, conduct inspections, or handle junk/salvage activities under DMV oversight. False statements on the application can result in denial, suspension, revocation, or legal penalties.

The VS-1 process also triggers review of zoning approval, insurance, sales tax registration, and background checks on owners/officers, making it essential for legitimate business setup.

How to Download the VS-1 Form PDF?

You can instantly access the VS-1 Form directly from the official NY DMV website:

Download here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs1.pdf

This link opens the Original Facility Application Wizard — an interactive tool that generates the exact VS-1 variant you need based on your business type(s). Do not use outdated forms; always download fresh PDFs from dmv.ny.gov to ensure you have the latest 2/26 revision.

Using the Official VS-1 Application Wizard

The NY DMV provides a smart online wizard at the VS-1 PDF link. Here’s how it works:

  1. Visit https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs1.pdf (or go to dmv.ny.gov/original-facility-application).
  2. Select all business types you intend to perform (e.g., Repair Shop + Inspection Station).
  3. Click “Display my business application.”
  4. The system instantly loads the correct multi-page PDF (such as VS-1R for repair shops, VS-1RI for repair + inspection, VS-1DRI for dealer/repair/inspection, or VS-1JS for junk/salvage).

This wizard eliminates guesswork and ensures you receive the precise form required for your combination of services.

Who Needs to File the VS-1 Form?

You must submit a VS-1 if you are:

  • Opening a new repair shop or body repair shop
  • Starting a motor vehicle dealership or transporter business
  • Applying for an inspection station license
  • Operating a junkyard, salvage pool, scrap processor, or dismantler
  • Combining multiple business types (e.g., dealer + repair shop)

Both new facilities and existing businesses changing ownership or location use the Original Facility Application. Renewals use a different form (VS-2).

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the VS-1 Form

  1. Determine your business structure — Individual, partnership, corporation, LLC, government, or educational facility.
  2. Fill in Part 1 — Facility name, physical address, county, contact information, and business email.
  3. Complete Part 2 (Ownership) — Provide details for owners, partners, officers, or managing members. Attach photocopies of driver licenses (or acceptable IDs like passports).
  4. Answer business-specific sections — Repair shops must detail zoning, equipment, and scrap disposal; dealers must certify compliance with franchisor rules; inspection stations list certified inspectors.
  5. Sign the certification — All applicants must manually sign (stamped signatures are rejected) and affirm compliance with state laws.
  6. Review the built-in checklist — The form includes a final checklist to confirm you have everything.

Pro tip: Print clearly or type; incomplete applications are returned.

Required Documents and Attachments for VS-1

Every application needs:

  • Proof of permission to use the business location (lease, deed, or notarized owner statement)
  • Zoning approval letter or certificate of occupancy (especially for repair/body shops — must be dated within 10 years)
  • Sales tax Certificate of Authority (DTF-17A) or proof of registration
  • Workers’ Compensation insurance proof (or exemption if no employees)
  • Business formation documents (County Clerk DBA certificate, NYS DOS filing receipt for corporations/LLCs)
  • Driver license/ID copies for all listed owners/officers
  • Appropriate fees (paid by check or money order to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” — no starter checks)

Additional items may apply depending on business type (e.g., MV-50 books for dealers).

VS-1 Form Fees and Payment Instructions

Fees vary by business type and are listed directly on the generated VS-1 form. Examples from current 2/26 forms include:

  • Repair Shop (VS-1R): Approximately $160
  • Combined applications (dealer + repair): Higher combined fees (e.g., $587.50 in some cases)
  • Junk/Salvage registrations: $100 per type

Always check the exact amount printed on your specific VS-1 PDF. Include one check covering application and business fees unless the form instructs otherwise. Contact Vehicle Safety at 518-474-0919 for boat dealer, yacht broker, or ATV fees.

Where and How to Submit Your VS-1 Application?

Mail the completed VS-1 form, all attachments, and payment to:

Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Application Unit
New York State DMV
P.O. Box 2700
Albany, NY 12220-0700

(Older instructions may list 6 Empire State Plaza — use the P.O. Box above for current submissions.)

Processing typically involves review and possible on-site inspection (especially for mobile repair shops). Approved facilities receive their official certificate by mail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the VS-1 Form

  • Using the wrong VS-1 variant instead of the wizard
  • Forgetting to attach zoning proof or ID copies
  • Submitting starter checks or incorrect payment amount
  • Missing manual signatures
  • Providing outdated zoning letters (must be ≤10 years old)
  • Applying before securing sales tax authority or insurance

Double-check the form’s built-in checklist before mailing.

For assistance, call the Office of Vehicle Safety at 518-474-0919 or visit dmv.ny.gov/business.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VS-1 Form

Q: Is the VS-1 Form free to download?
Yes — all PDFs are free from the official NY DMV website.

Q: Can I submit the VS-1 online?
No — current process requires mailing the paper application and supporting documents.

Q: How long does approval take?
Processing times vary; allow several weeks plus any required on-site inspection.

Q: Do I need a separate VS-1 for each location?
Yes — each physical facility requires its own Original Facility Application.

Get Started with Your VS-1 Form Today

Ready to launch your motor vehicle business in New York? Download the official VS-1 Form wizard now at https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs1.pdf and take the first step toward legal compliance. Using the correct form and following DMV guidelines will help you avoid delays and start operating your repair shop, dealership, or inspection station smoothly.

For the most current information, always refer directly to the New York DMV website, as requirements can be updated. Start your application today and ensure your facility meets all state standards from day one.

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