DS-2 Form – The DS-2 Form, officially titled Universal Notice of Re-entry – Impaired Driver Program, is a one-page document issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV). It serves as official authorization from an Impaired Driver Program (IDP) director for clients who were previously dropped from the program to re-enter.
This form (revised December 2015) is required when a participant needs to regain access to the NYS IDP after being removed for cause, such as non-attendance, non-payment of fees, or failure to complete required assessments or treatment. The IDP director completes and signs the DS-2, and the client presents it at a DMV issuing office to be re-enrolled in the program and, if eligible, re-issued a conditional driver’s license.
Direct download link: DS-2 Form PDF
Who Needs the DS-2 Form?
You need the DS-2 Form if you:
- Were previously enrolled in the New York State Impaired Driver Program (NYS IDP).
- Were dropped from the program for any reason (e.g., missing classes, unpaid fees, or incomplete treatment).
- Want to re-enter the IDP with the director’s permission to continue toward license reinstatement or restoration of driving privileges.
The form is not for first-time enrollees or those who completed the program successfully. It is exclusively for re-entry after a drop.
Understanding the New York State Impaired Driver Program (IDP)
The IDP is a mandatory or voluntary rehabilitation program for drivers convicted of alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses (such as DWI or DWAI).
Key features include:
- 7 weekly classroom sessions (2–3 hours each, totaling about 16 hours) covering high-risk behaviors, substance use risks, and safe driving.
- A preliminary screening for substance abuse issues, which may lead to a formal clinical assessment and required treatment.
- Eligibility for a conditional driver’s license or driving privilege while participating (for most first-time offenders).
- A $75 non-refundable DMV enrollment fee plus program fees (up to $233 maximum, paid directly to the IDP provider).
Successful completion (including any required treatment) results in a Notice of Completion sent to the DMV, which can help restore full driving privileges.
Why Drivers Get Dropped from the IDP and the Consequences?
Common reasons for being dropped include:
- Failure to attend classes
- Non-payment of program fees
- Unsatisfactory participation
- Not completing required assessment or treatment
When dropped:
- Your conditional license or driving privilege is revoked.
- The drop is reported to the DMV and may trigger court re-sentencing if you were under a conditional discharge.
- You cannot simply return without director approval.
Important limit: Participants can be re-issued a conditional license only one time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the DS-2 Form to Re-Enter the IDP?
- Contact your original IDP provider — Speak with the program director about re-entry. They will decide if they approve your return.
- Pay the re-entry fee — A $50 fee (payable to the IDP) is required.
- Have the director complete the DS-2 Form — The director will fill in your details, check the appropriate re-entry option (see below), and sign it.
- Bring the completed DS-2 to a DMV issuing office — Present it along with your identification to be re-enrolled in the program and/or re-issued a conditional license (if eligible).
- Follow the director’s instructions — Depending on the option selected, you may need to restart all seven sessions or resume where you left off.
If more than 90 days have passed since you were dropped, you must restart the entire seven-week course and pay full program fees again.
Re-Entry Options on the DS-2 Form
The IDP director must check one of these boxes on the DS-2:
- Classroom Re-entry Program Only — Attend all seven sessions and be re-enrolled in the Impaired Driver Classroom application.
- Resume attending class sessions — Re-enter with a specific course code and start date.
- Re-enter with a different IDP program — Permission to switch providers (rare; director must approve).
- Program-only re-entry — Resume assessment/treatment only (no classroom needed) to restore driving privileges.
The form also includes fields for your name, NYS client ID number, date dropped, IDP name, director signature, contact info, and program number.
Important Fees and Requirements for Re-Entry
| Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-entry fee | $50 | IDP provider | Required for any re-entry |
| DMV enrollment fee (if restarting) | $75 | Commissioner of Motor Vehicles | Non-refundable |
| Program course fees | Up to $233 | IDP provider | Full fees if dropped >90 days |
Always verify current fees directly with your IDP provider or the NY DMV, as they are subject to change.
What Happens After Successful Re-Entry and Completion?
Once you complete the re-entered IDP (including any treatment):
- The provider sends a Notice of Completion to the DMV.
- You may apply for full license restoration or relicensing (additional steps and fees may apply depending on your original suspension/revocation).
- For relicensing after IDP, visit the official NY DMV relicensing page for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DS-2 Form and IDP Re-Entry
Can I re-enter without the DS-2 Form?
No. Director approval via the DS-2 is mandatory.
Is the DS-2 Form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official NY DMV website continues to list DS-2 (12/15) as the required form with no newer revision announced.
What if my IDP was out-of-state?
Different rules apply; contact the NY DMV Impaired Driver Program unit for guidance.
Where can I find a list of approved IDP providers?
Visit the official NY DMV IDP page for current provider information.
Download the Official DS-2 Form
Direct PDF download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds2.pdf
This is the only official version published by the New York State DMV.
Final Tips for a Smooth Re-Entry Process
- Act quickly after receiving director approval — delays beyond 90 days may require restarting the full program.
- Keep copies of all documents, including the signed DS-2.
- Contact the NY DMV Impaired Driver Program directly at the contact information listed on the form or official website if you have questions.
- Always use the most current information from dmv.ny.gov — rules and requirements can be updated.
For the latest details on the Impaired Driver Program, re-entry procedures, or relicensing, refer directly to the official New York State DMV resources linked throughout this guide. Safe driving starts with compliance — completing the IDP successfully is a key step toward restoring your driving privileges.