DS-871 Form – The DS-871 form, officially titled Article 19-A Driver Notification to Employer, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document for certain commercial bus drivers. It ensures compliance with strict safety standards under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This one-page form allows drivers to formally notify their employer(s) of specific driving-related events, such as license suspensions or convictions. Motor carriers and bus operators in New York rely on it to maintain compliance with state regulations designed to protect public safety, particularly for school buses and other passenger-carrying vehicles.
Download the official DS-871 PDF directly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds871.pdf (current revision DS-871 (5/21)).
What Is the DS-871 Form?
The DS-871 is a standardized notification form created by the NY DMV specifically for Article 19-A regulated drivers. It is not completed by the employer but by the driver to report qualifying incidents to their employer(s).
The form’s official header reads: “ARTICLE 19-A DRIVER NOTIFICATION TO EMPLOYER” and references §509-i of the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law, along with Section 6.21 of the Commissioner’s Rules and Regulations.
It serves as a documented record that the driver has fulfilled their legal obligation to inform the carrier of events that could affect their qualification to operate a bus.
Why Article 19-A Exists and Why the DS-871 Matters
Article 19-A was enacted in 1974 following a tragic school bus-train collision in Congers, NY. It establishes enhanced qualification standards for bus drivers, including medical exams, background checks, training, and ongoing reporting requirements.
The DS-871 supports these safety goals by ensuring employers receive timely notice of any issues that could disqualify a driver or require immediate action, such as removing the driver from service.
Who Must Use the DS-871 Form?
Any driver operating under Article 19-A must use DS-871 when certain events occur. This includes:
- Drivers of school buses (as defined in NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law §142)
- Drivers of other buses or vehicles requiring Article 19-A qualification
- Employees of motor carriers registered with the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit
Both the driver and the employer (motor carrier) share responsibility for compliance. The driver completes and submits the form; the employer acknowledges receipt and maintains records.
What Events Require Notification with DS-871?
The form covers four main categories (checked by the driver):
- Misdemeanor or Felony Conviction (in any state or foreign jurisdiction)
- License Revocation, Suspension, or Withdrawal
- Accident (as defined in Commissioner’s Regulations Section 6.2)
- Traffic Infraction (in any state or foreign jurisdiction)
The driver must provide:
- Full name, address, and license ID number
- Date of the event and (if applicable) conviction
- Vehicle type (CMV or Non-CMV)
- Location (City/Town/County/State)
- Detailed description of the incident
Strict Deadlines for Submission
Timelines are mandatory and differ by event type:
- Misdemeanor/felony convictions or license actions — Notify employer(s) before close of business on the day after receiving notice or the conviction date.
- Accidents or traffic infractions — Notify within five (5) working days from the date of the accident or conviction.
“Working day” means any day the driver is scheduled to work (excluding regular days off).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DS-871 Form?
- Download the latest PDF from the official NY DMV link above.
- Complete driver information — Name, address, Client/License ID number.
- Check the applicable box(es) under “Date of:” (Misdemeanor/Felony, License action, Accident, or Traffic Infraction).
- Enter dates — Date of event and date of conviction (if applicable).
- Select vehicle type — CMV or Non-CMV.
- Provide location and full description — Be clear and factual.
- Sign and date the form.
- Deliver to employer — The employer’s representative must sign the “Received by” section with the date received.
Keep a copy for your records. The carrier must retain the original in the driver’s Article 19-A file.
Consequences of Failing to Submit DS-871 on Time
Failure to notify the employer within the required timeframe can result in:
- A five (5) working-day suspension of the driver’s Article 19-A qualification, or
- A suspension equal to the number of working days the driver was out of compliance (whichever is longer)
Repeated violations may lead to longer disqualifications and civil penalties for the carrier.
Related Article 19-A Forms and Resources
The DS-871 is part of a larger set of required documents. Other key forms include:
- DS-870 — Article 19-A Bus Driver Application
- DS-872 — Carrier’s Annual Review of Employee’s Driving Record
- DS-874 — Medical Examination Report
- DS-885 — Article 19-A Bus Driver Add/Drop Notice
Full list and instructions are available in the CDL-15: Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (PDF) on the NY DMV website.
For questions, contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455 or visit the official Article 19-A information page at dmv.ny.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DS-871
Is DS-871 only for school bus drivers?
No. It applies to all drivers and carriers subject to Article 19-A.
Can the employer fill out the form?
No. The driver must complete and sign it; the employer only acknowledges receipt.
Is the form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official version is DS-871 (5/21) and remains posted on the NY DMV website with no newer revision.
Where do I mail or submit the completed form?
Directly to your employer (motor carrier). No separate mailing to the DMV is required unless the carrier’s internal policy states otherwise.
Do I need to use this exact form?
The form (or an equivalent that meets Section 6.21 requirements) is recommended. Using the official DS-871 ensures full compliance.
Stay compliant and keep New York’s roads safer by using the official DS-871 form for all required notifications. Always download the latest version directly from the NY DMV to ensure you have the current revision.