DS-242.2 Form – If you’ve requested a vehicle registration plate record or title abstract from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV), you’ve likely received a detailed document full of codes, abbreviations, and status events. The DS-242.2 Form (also referenced as DS-2422) is the official Plate & Title Record Key Guide that makes sense of it all. This free 2-page PDF explains exactly what appears on your DMV abstract so you can understand registrant details, plate history, insurance events, and more.
Revised in November 2020 (DS-242.2 11/20), the guide remains the current official resource directly from the NY DMV website.
What Is the DS-242.2 Form?
The DS-242.2 is officially titled “Key to Abstract of Registration Plate Record/Abstract of Vehicle Title Record.” It serves as a decoder for two main DMV documents:
- Abstract of Registration Plate Record (often shown on Form DP-37)
- Abstract of Vehicle Title Record
It explains the layout, fields, and common codes used in these abstracts, which are certified true copies of electronic records on file at the New York State DMV in Albany.
The guide includes a sample abstract and clear explanations of every major section so users can interpret the information without guessing.
Why Do You Need the DS-242.2 Plate & Title Record Key Guide?
NY DMV abstracts are packed with shorthand:
- Plate types
- Registration status events
- Insurance lapses
- Surrenders
- Replacements
- Suspensions
Without the DS-242.2 key, these details can be confusing for:
- Vehicle buyers or sellers
- Auto dealers
- Title companies
- Attorneys
- Anyone conducting due diligence on a New York vehicle’s history
This guide helps you quickly decode the record and avoid costly mistakes.
How to Read a NY DMV Plate Record Abstract (According to DS-242.2)?
The guide breaks down the abstract into two main parts:
1. Heading Section
Shows current registrant information:
- Name and address (with county abbreviation)
- Date of birth and sex
- Print date of the abstract
- Plate number
- Type of registration (e.g., PASSENGER)
- Expiration date
2. History Section (Below the Line)
Lists vehicles registered to the plate, starting with the most recent. It also notes:
- Replaced plates
- Previous plate numbers
- Status events that affect registration
Common codes and explanations from the DS-242.2 key include:
- Plate Type Codes — PASSENGER (standard passenger vehicle); Insurance Control Trailer (ICT)
- Status & Event Codes — REPLACED PLATE; PLATE SURRENDER (marked with “X” and date); SUSP EFFECTIVE [date]; 297-INSURANCE LAPSE [number of days]; ICT TERMINATION
- Insurance Codes — INS-054 followed by company name (example: AMERICAN STATES INS CO)
- Other Fields — Refund Code, Destroyed Code, Previous Plate No., County Code (e.g., SCHO for school-related addresses)
The guide also notes how insurance lapses, terminations, and surrenders appear with exact dates and codes.
(Note: While the primary focus is the plate record sample, the DS-242.2 title explicitly covers title record abstracts as well, using similar explanatory structure for ownership and lien details.)
How to Download the Official DS-242.2 PDF?
Direct download link (100% official and free):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds2422.pdf
- File size: Small (2 pages)
- No login or request required
- Always current version hosted by NY DMV
You can also find it on the official NY DMV Forms and Publications page under vehicle records resources.
Related NY DMV Abstract Guides
- DS-242.1 – Abstract of Driving Record Key (explains driver license abstracts and license classes)
- Full list of DMV forms: dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the DS-242.2 form required to request a plate or title record?
No. You request the abstract separately (usually via mail or online), and the DS-242.2 is the free companion guide that helps you read it.
Does DS-242.2 cover vehicle title records or only plates?
Both. The official title includes “Abstract of Vehicle Title Record,” and the guide explains codes appearing on title abstracts.
Is the form updated regularly?
The current version is DS-242.2 (11/20). It remains the active document on the NY DMV site as of 2026.
Can I use this guide for out-of-state records?
No — it is specific to New York State DMV electronic records only.
Get the DS-242.2 Form Today
Understanding your New York vehicle’s plate and title history has never been easier. Download the official DS-242.2 Plate & Title Record Key Guide now and decode your DMV abstract with confidence:
Bookmark this page or the official NY DMV forms portal for quick access whenever you need to interpret registration or title records.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Safe driving and clear records!