DS-703 Form – Bus drivers in New York State operating under Article 19-A must meet strict medical standards to ensure passenger safety. One key requirement is the DS-703 Form (Article 19-A Bus Driver’s Blood Pressure Follow-Up by Driver’s Health Care Provider). This simple one-page form documents that a driver with high blood pressure remains under medical care and has controlled readings.
If you are a school bus driver, motor carrier, or health care provider supporting Article 19-A drivers, this guide explains everything you need to know about the DS-703 form, including who needs it, how to complete it, submission rules, and the official PDF download link.
What Is the DS-703 Form?
The DS-703 is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) form titled “Article 19-A Bus Driver’s Blood Pressure Follow-Up by Driver’s Health Care Provider.” It is required under NYS DMV Commissioner’s Regulations Part 6.10.
The form is used exclusively for follow-up monitoring of bus drivers who have been identified with high blood pressure during their Article 19-A medical examination (Form DS-874 or the federal equivalent). It confirms that the driver is under ongoing care and that their blood pressure is controlled.
Key facts:
- Revision date: May 2021 (DS-703 (5/21))
- One-page PDF
- Must be completed and signed by the driver’s licensed health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)
- DMV accepts only the official DS-703 for blood pressure follow-ups — no substitutes.
Who Needs the DS-703 Bus Driver Blood Pressure Follow-Up Form?
Article 19-A applies to drivers of buses carrying 10 or more passengers (including school buses, day-care buses, and certain charter buses) in New York State.
You (or your driver) need the DS-703 if:
- The initial or biennial medical exam (DS-874) shows elevated blood pressure.
- The medical examiner requires periodic blood pressure monitoring.
- The driver has a history of hypertension that needs ongoing documentation for certification.
Frequency: Most carriers require DS-703 submission every 6 months for drivers with high blood pressure (similar to diabetic certification on DS-704). Exact timing is determined by the medical examiner or carrier policy.
Carriers must keep completed DS-703 forms in the driver’s qualification file for 3 years plus the current year.
Why Blood Pressure Monitoring Matters for NY Bus Drivers?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to sudden medical events that impair safe driving. New York’s Article 19-A rules align with federal commercial driver standards to protect passengers.
The form ensures:
- The driver’s condition is actively managed (diet, medication, or other means).
- Current blood pressure readings meet safe operating levels.
- Compliance with NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law and Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.
Health care providers simply record the reading taken on the day of the exam and note how the condition is controlled.
How to Fill Out the DS-703 Form Step by Step?
The form is straightforward and designed for quick completion by the health care provider.
- Driver Information (top section)
- Bus Driver’s Name (must match exactly the name on the driver’s license)
- Date of Birth
- Client/License ID Number (from NY driver license)
- Health Care Provider Statement
The provider certifies:- They are acting as the driver’s health care provider.
- The driver is under care, monitoring, and treatment (if needed) for high blood pressure.
- Condition Control (check all that apply)
- Diet
- Medication (identify the medication)
- Other means (explain)
- Provider Information
- License or Certificate Number + Issuing State
- Full Address
- Phone Number
- Blood Pressure Reading
- Systolic: __
- Diastolic: __
(Taken on the day of the visit)
- Signature and Date
- Health Care Provider’s Signature
- Date of exam
Tip: Many providers attach the completed DS-703 to their letterhead or a voided prescription pad for added verification, though this is not strictly required by the DMV.
The form can be used together with the full medical exam (DS-874) or a federal medical form.
Official DS-703 PDF Download (Direct Link)
Download the current official DS-703 Form here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds703.pdf
The PDF is hosted directly on the New York DMV website and is always the most up-to-date version.
Related Article 19-A forms you may need:
- DS-874 – Medical Examination Report
- DS-704 – Diabetic Certification (every 6 months)
- CDL-15 – Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (full compliance manual)
All forms are available free at dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications.
How to Submit the DS-703 Form?
- Drivers: Give the completed form to your employer (motor carrier or school district).
- Carriers: File it in the driver’s qualification file. No need to send it to the DMV unless specifically requested during an audit.
- Health care providers: Return the signed original to the driver or carrier promptly.
Carriers are responsible for ensuring all Article 19-A drivers remain medically qualified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DS-703 Form
Can the driver fill out the DS-703 themselves?
No. Only a licensed health care provider may complete and sign it.
Is there a fee for the DS-703 exam?
The form itself is free, but your health care provider may charge for the office visit and blood pressure check.
What blood pressure reading is acceptable?
The medical examiner determines qualification based on current standards (generally consistent with FMCSA guidelines). Readings consistently above 160/90 may require further evaluation.
Does the DS-703 replace the full physical?
No. It is a supplemental follow-up only for blood pressure monitoring.
Where can I find the full Article 19-A regulations?
Download Form DS-700 from the NY DMV website or refer to the CDL-15 guide.
Stay Compliant with Article 19-A Medical Requirements
The DS-703 Form is a small but critical part of keeping New York’s bus drivers safe and qualified. By using the official form and staying on schedule with follow-ups, carriers and drivers avoid certification delays and ensure full regulatory compliance.
Bookmark this page and the direct PDF link for quick access:
Download DS-703 PDF →
For the latest updates, always check the official New York DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. Questions about Article 19-A can be directed to the Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455.
This guide is based solely on current official NY DMV publications and forms as of March 2026.