CR-82 Form – New York State requires every motor vehicle repair shop to register with the DMV under Article 12-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The official CR-82 Form (updated March 2025) provides the full regulations that every shop owner must follow. Whether you’re opening a new repair or body shop, already registered, or a consumer seeking protections, this guide breaks down everything in the CR-82 PDF.
Download the latest CR-82 PDF directly from the New York DMV: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr82.pdf.
What Is the CR-82 Form?
The CR-82 document is the official publication of Part 82 of the Commissioner’s Regulations from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Division of Vehicle Safety Services. Titled “Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Regulations,” it explains the rules that apply to any business compensated for repairing, diagnosing, or appraising motor vehicles in New York.
Published in March 2025 (CR-82 3/25), the 23-page PDF covers definitions, registration, obligations, signs, records, penalties, and consumer protections. It supports the Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Registration Act’s goals: highway safety, consumer protection from fraud, and quality repair standards.
Why New York Regulates Motor Vehicle Repair Shops?
The regulations exist to:
- Promote proper and efficient vehicle repairs
- Protect consumers from dishonest or unqualified shops
- Eliminate unsafe practices
- Set clear standards for estimates, invoices, parts, guarantees, and signage
Every registered shop must comply with these statewide rules. Local ordinances cannot conflict with them.
Who Must Register Under CR-82?
Any person or business compensated for:
- Repairing or diagnosing motor vehicle malfunctions
- Repairing bodies, fenders, or components damaged in accidents
- Appraising damage or estimating repair costs for insurance
Exemptions (no registration required) include:
- Employees working only for one shop
- Shops repairing vehicles for a single commercial establishment or government agency
- Basic services like oil changes, tire replacement, or washing (unless performed inside a registered shop)
- Specialized machine or non-vehicle part repairs
Mobile repair shops and drive-in appraisal stations must also register.
How to Register a Repair Shop in New York (CR-82 + VS-145 Requirements)?
Before submitting your application, read both CR-82 and the companion VS-145 Repair Shop Requirements PDF.
Required Steps:
- Complete the Original Facility Application (VS-1 and VS-1.1) for each location.
- Provide proof of business formation (filing receipt for LLC/corporation or DBA for individuals/partnerships).
- Submit sales tax Certificate of Authority (DTF-17A).
- Show zoning approval and Certificate of Occupancy (where required).
- Include proof of Workers’ Compensation and Disability insurance (or statement of no employees).
- Supply photo IDs for all owners/officers.
- Pay the non-refundable $10 application fee + $150 registration fee (valid for 2 years).
Mail everything to: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services, Application Unit, NY DMV, P.O. Box 2700, Albany, NY 12220-0700.
Mobile shops require an on-site DMV investigation. Incomplete applications are denied.
Key Obligations of Registered Repair Shops (Section 82.5)
The CR-82 PDF details strict rules shops must follow:
- Written Estimates — Provide on customer request (reasonable fee allowed). Must list parts (new/OEM/aftermarket/used) and labor costs.
- Work Orders & Authorization — Only perform authorized repairs. Record oral authorizations.
- Invoices — Must include shop registration number, detailed parts/labor description, odometer readings, guarantees, and specific notations for airbags/inflatable restraints.
- Return of Parts — Return replaced parts on timely written request (exceptions for warranty/exchange parts).
- Guarantees & Quality Repairs — Honor all guarantees; repairs must restore the vehicle to pre-malfunction condition using competent staff and proper equipment.
- Airbag Rules — Use only new or certified salvage airbags (post-1998 restrictions apply).
- Vehicle Storage & Operation — No storage charges without written notice; move vehicles only as authorized.
Required Signs Every Shop Must Post (Section 82.7)
CR-82 mandates clear signage to inform consumers of their rights:
- Indoor Sign (VS-47) — Supplied by DMV; must be posted conspicuously.
- Outdoor Sign — Shop-provided, 3 ft × 2 ft, green background with white lettering showing “REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP” and your registration number.
- Labor Rate Sign — 8.5 × 14 inches, posted next to the indoor sign, showing how labor charges are calculated.
- Appraisal Shops — Additional VS-47A sign required.
Failure to display signs is a violation.
Consumer Rights and Protections Under CR-82
New York drivers have strong protections:
- Right to a written estimate before repairs
- Right to authorize work (and refuse additional charges without consent)
- Right to return of replaced parts
- Right to a detailed invoice
- 90-day / 3,000-mile complaint window
- Ability to file complaints with the DMV for investigation
Shops must assist in settling valid complaints.
Penalties for Violations (Section 82.6)
Civil penalties include:
- Up to $750 for a first violation
- Up to $1,000 for subsequent violations
- Additional restitution to customers for financial losses
Repeated violations or false statements can lead to suspension or revocation of registration. DMV may also impose hearings and appeals processes.
Records Shops Must Keep (Section 82.9)
Maintain estimates, work orders, invoices, and (for airbags) a bound log book for at least 2 years. All records must be available for DMV inspection during business hours.
Changes of Ownership, Name, or Location (Section 82.12)
Notify the DMV within 30 days of any change. Certain changes require a new application or $5 amendment fee.
Download the Official CR-82 PDF & Related Forms
- CR-82 Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Regulations → https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr82.pdf
- VS-145 Repair Shop Requirements → https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs145.pdf
- Full registration details → dmv.ny.gov/business/open-a-repair-or-body-shop
Tip: Save the PDFs to your computer—the DMV notes they are large files.
Frequently Asked Questions About CR-82
Is CR-82 the actual application form?
No. CR-82 contains the regulations. Use VS-1/VS-1.1 for the application.
How long is registration valid?
Two years.
Do I need CR-82 before applying?
Yes—the DMV requires every applicant to read it first.
Are there separate rules for body shops?
Body shops fall under the same CR-82 rules but must follow additional parts-labeling and airbag requirements.
Stay compliant and protect your business (and your customers) by keeping the latest CR-82 PDF on hand. For questions, contact the DMV Office of Vehicle Safety at 518-474-0919 or visit the official DMV repair shop page.
Need help with your repair shop registration or have questions about the CR-82 regulations? The official documents above are the most current and trusted sources from the New York State DMV.