DS-19 Form – The DS-19 form is the official Article 19-A Motor Carrier Accident and Conviction Notification Program Application from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV). It allows qualified motor carriers—primarily those operating buses—to enroll in a mandatory notification program. Carriers set up an escrow account to receive timely alerts from the DMV about their drivers’ reportable accidents and convictions.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the DS-19 form, including its purpose under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), who must file it, step-by-step completion instructions, submission details, and the official PDF download link.
What Is Article 19-A and Why Does It Matter?
Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law establishes special requirements for bus drivers to improve highway safety. It was created in 1974 following a tragic 1972 school bus-train crash in Congers, NY. The law applies to motor carriers operating buses, especially those transporting school children, passengers, or using vehicles that meet specific criteria (such as certain GVWR or passenger capacity thresholds).
Key goals include:
- Ensuring drivers meet strict qualification standards (medical exams, road tests, criminal background checks, defensive driving, etc.).
- Requiring annual review of driving records.
- Mandating notifications of accidents and convictions to help carriers monitor and maintain safe operations.
Failure to comply can result in civil penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000 per violation, suspension of vehicle registrations, or other enforcement actions.
What Is the DS-19 Form Exactly?
The DS-19 is titled “ARTICLE 19-A MOTOR CARRIER ACCIDENT AND CONVICTION NOTIFICATION PROGRAM APPLICATION (Escrow Account & Driver’s Privacy Protection Act Compliance)”. It is not an accident report form. Instead, it serves as the official application to enroll in the DMV’s notification program.
By completing DS-19, carriers:
- Open a dedicated escrow account to cover DMV costs for sending notifications.
- Agree to comply with the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).
- Gain access to automatic DMV alerts about drivers’ accidents and convictions.
The current version is DS-19 (4/24).
Who Must File the DS-19 Form?
All Article 19-A motor carriers must complete and submit DS-19. This includes:
- New bus carriers applying for 19-A status.
- Existing carriers that need to maintain or update their notification account.
- School bus operators and other passenger carriers subject to Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.
New companies must file DS-19 along with other forms (such as DS-879) when registering with the Bus Driver Unit (BDU).
Reportable Accidents and Convictions Under Article 19-A
A reportable accident (per VTL §509-a and Part 6 regulations) includes any incident involving a bus driver where:
- Any person is killed or injured, or
- Property damage exceeds $1,500 to any one person’s property (including the operator), or
- Damage to the bus itself exceeds $2,500.
Accidents in any jurisdiction count for driver notification purposes (though out-of-state accidents are not recorded on the NY license record).
Drivers must notify their employer within 5 working days of such an accident or certain convictions. Failure to do so can result in a 5-working-day suspension.
The DMV then notifies enrolled carriers (via the DS-19 program) of these events so carriers can update driver files, conduct required annual reviews, and file their yearly Affidavit of Compliance (due by July 1).
How the Escrow Account and Notification Program Work?
Once approved, the escrow account pays for DMV processing fees. Carriers receive:
- Notifications of driver convictions and qualifying accidents.
- Monthly statements showing account balance.
The program is mandatory under VTL §509-i(4) to ensure carriers stay informed and maintain compliance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DS-19 PDF
- Download the official form (link below).
- Page 1 – Carrier Information:
- Enter Motor Carrier’s Name, address, and Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN).
- Indicate the number of drivers to enroll and the corresponding opening deposit:
- 0–25 drivers: $10.00
- 26–65 drivers: $25.00
- 66–115 drivers: $40.00
- 116–225 drivers: $50.00
- More than 225 drivers: $70.00
- Provide billing contact: name, address, phone (required), fax (optional), and email (required).
- Page 2 – DPPA Compliance & Certification:
- Read and acknowledge all six points regarding proper use, security, and record-keeping of personal information.
- Sign and date as the authorized representative.
- Have the signature notarized.
- Payment: Make check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” Do not send cash.
Print clearly and complete all sections. False statements are punishable as a criminal offense.
How to Submit the DS-19 Form?
- Mail the completed DS-19 + payment to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, Revenue Accounting, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 233, Albany, NY 12228. - For new carriers or program questions, email or fax supporting documents to the Bus Driver Unit at [email protected] or (518) 474-0593.
Keep a copy for your records. Notify DMV in writing of any name or address changes.
Download the Official DS-19 Form PDF
Direct link to the current DS-19 PDF (revised 4/24):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds19.pdf
Always download directly from the official NY DMV website to ensure you have the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions About DS-19
Is DS-19 required for every bus carrier?
Yes—all Article 19-A carriers must establish the escrow account to receive notifications.
What if my fleet size changes?
Update your information with the DMV; the deposit is based on the number of enrolled drivers at the time of application.
Do I still need to have drivers notify me directly?
Yes—drivers must still notify employers within 5 working days. The DMV notification supplements this requirement.
Where can I get help?
Contact the Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455 or [email protected].
Stay Compliant and Keep New York Roads Safer
Properly completing and maintaining your DS-19 enrollment is a critical part of Article 19-A compliance. It ensures your carrier receives the accident and conviction notifications needed to protect passengers, meet annual review obligations, and avoid costly penalties.
For the most current forms, guides, and regulations, always refer to the official NY DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. Safe driving starts with informed carriers. Download your DS-19 form today and stay ahead of Article 19-A requirements.