MV-653V Form – If your volunteer fire company or volunteer ambulance company in New York needs Official Plates for response vehicles, the MV-653V form is the required eligibility certification. This official New York State DMV document allows qualifying organizations to register fire vehicles or Emergency Ambulance Service Vehicles (EASVs) with special Official Plates.
The form is free, one page, and still current as of 2026 (last revised December 2015). You can download the official MV-653V PDF directly from the New York DMV website here:
Download MV-653V PDF
This guide explains everything you need to know about the MV-653V form, who qualifies, how to complete it, submission requirements, and important notes for volunteer response plates in New York.
What Are Volunteer Response Plates in New York?
Volunteer fire companies and volunteer ambulance companies can obtain Official Plates (sometimes referred to as Volunteer Response Plates in operational contexts) for their organization-owned vehicles. These plates are issued for vehicles used in emergency response duties and must be registered in the name of the volunteer organization.
Key points:
- The MV-653V form certifies eligibility specifically for fire vehicles (defined under Vehicle and Traffic Law §115-a) or Emergency Ambulance Service Vehicles (EASVs) (defined under §115-c).
- This form cannot be used to register actual ambulances.
- Proof of vehicle insurance is mandatory — you must present a valid insurance card when submitting the form.
- Vehicles must be owned or controlled by the volunteer fire company (per Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law §3) or volunteer ambulance company (per Volunteer Ambulance Workers’ Benefit Law §3).
Note: This is different from individual Volunteer Firefighter Custom Plates or Volunteer Ambulance Service Custom Plates, which are personal plates ordered via form CP-30. The MV-653V is strictly for organizational Official Plates on response vehicles.
Who Needs the MV-653V Form?
Only authorized officers of:
- Volunteer fire companies
- Volunteer ambulance companies
The head of the organization (or an officer with authority) must sign the certification. Political subdivisions (towns, villages, fire districts, etc.) use the separate MV-653 form instead.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the MV-653V Form?
Filling out the MV-653V is straightforward. Follow these official steps exactly as printed on the form:
- Organization Information
- Name of Volunteer Organization
- Address
- Head of Organization (print name)
- Title
- Business Phone
- Business E-Mail (optional)
- Description of Vehicle(s)
- Year, Make, Model
- Vehicle ID # (VIN)
- Plate Number (if currently registered)
- Check the box if certifying multiple vehicles and attach a separate sheet.
- Certification Statement
Check only one box:- “This volunteer fire company is registering a fire vehicle…” OR
- “This volunteer ambulance company is registering an Emergency Ambulance Service Vehicle (EASV)…”
- Signature & Certification
The signing officer must certify:- The vehicle(s) are owned or controlled by the organization
- All information is true and accurate
- They understand the responsibility to surrender plates if eligibility ends
- Knowingly false statements are a misdemeanor or felony
- Sign and Date
Print name, title, address, city, and zip code. Sign in full.
The form also includes an Office Use Only section for the DMV supervisor (Approval, Authorization Code, Insurance details).
Pro tip: Download and print the MV-653V PDF on standard letter-size paper. Use black ink for signatures.
Required Documents & Submission Process
- Completed MV-653V form
- Valid proof of vehicle insurance (insurance card must be presented)
- For multiple vehicles: additional sheet listing all details
Submit in person at a New York DMV office. A DMV supervisor will review, approve, and apply the Official Plates during registration. The vehicle registration must be in the name of the volunteer organization.
Failure to surrender plates if the organization no longer qualifies can result in suspension. False statements may lead to criminal prosecution and revocation of registration.
Important Notes & 2026 Updates
- The MV-653V (12/15) remains the current official version with no revisions noted on the DMV website.
- These Official Plates are tied to the organization’s registration class (often linked to codes like VAS for Volunteer Ambulance Services).
- Insurance must remain current; the DMV records the insurance company code and effective date.
- Volunteer organizations are not considered political subdivisions, which is why MV-653V exists separately from MV-653.
Always verify your specific situation with your local DMV office or the organization’s insurance provider before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MV-653V and Volunteer Response Plates
Can individuals use the MV-653V form?
No. This form is exclusively for volunteer fire or ambulance companies/organizations, not individual members.
Is there a fee for the MV-653V form?
No — the certification form itself is free. Standard registration and plate fees apply.
Can I mail the MV-653V form?
The form instructions require presenting it with the insurance card at a DMV office for supervisor approval. Mail-in is not indicated.
What if I need plates for an actual ambulance?
This form explicitly states it cannot be used to register ambulances. Contact your DMV office for the correct process.
Where can I find the latest MV-653V PDF?
Direct download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv653v.pdf (official NY DMV source).
Do I need this form for custom Volunteer Firefighter plates?
No. Individual custom plates (for firefighters or ambulance members) use the CP-30 application plus a letter from the chief — completely separate from MV-653V.
Why Volunteer Organizations Need Proper Certification?
Official Plates provide clear identification for emergency response vehicles, helping with traffic exemptions, parking, and official status during calls. The MV-653V ensures only legitimate volunteer organizations receive these privileges while protecting public safety and registration integrity.
For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website and the MV-653V form itself.
Ready to apply?
Download the MV-653V PDF now, gather your vehicle details and insurance card, and visit your local NY DMV office. Proper completion of this eligibility certification keeps your volunteer response vehicles legally plated and ready to serve.
If your organization has multiple vehicles or specific questions, contact the NY DMV directly or consult the full form instructions. Stay compliant — your community depends on it.