DS-885 Form – The DS-885 Form, officially titled Article 19-A Bus Driver Add/Drop Notice, is a mandatory New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document used by motor carriers to report changes in bus driver employment status. Carriers complete this form to notify the DMV’s Bus Driver Unit (BDU) when rehiring, reinstating, or removing (dropping) a qualified bus driver from their roster under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This one-page PDF form ensures compliance with safety regulations for passenger-carrying vehicles, helping maintain accurate driver rosters for school buses, charter buses, and other regulated carriers.
Purpose of the DS-885 Bus Driver Add/Drop Notice
Article 19-A requires motor carriers to keep the DMV informed of driver status changes within strict timelines. The DS-885 serves as the official notification tool for:
- Adds (Column A): Rehiring or reinstating a previously qualified driver.
- Drops (Column B): Removing a driver due to termination, resignation, leave of absence, or disqualification.
The form supports public safety by allowing the DMV to track qualified bus drivers and prevent unqualified individuals from operating buses. Carriers must retain the original signed form in the driver’s 19-A file and submit a completed copy to the BDU.
Important note: Do not use DS-885 for brand-new first-time bus drivers. Instead, use Form DS-870 (Article 19-A Bus Driver Application).
Who Must File the DS-885 Form?
All New York motor carriers subject to Article 19-A regulations must use the DS-885 Form. This includes:
- School bus operators
- Charter and tour bus companies
- Any carrier transporting passengers in vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement under Article 19-A
Electronic carriers (those registered in the DMV’s 19-A online system) may submit add/drop notifications digitally, but non-electronic carriers rely on the paper DS-885 form. Failure to submit can result in compliance violations during audits or annual affidavits.
When to Use DS-885 vs. Other Article 19-A Forms?
Understanding the correct form prevents processing delays:
| Situation | Use This Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-time new bus driver hire | DS-870 | Full application and qualification |
| Rehire or reinstatement | DS-885 (Column A) | Add only |
| Driver leaves, resigns, or takes extended leave | DS-885 (Column B) | Drop only |
| Driver disqualification | DS-885 (Column B) | Must attach proof of failed test/medical exam |
| Certified Examiner add/drop | DS-885CE | Separate form for examiners |
The DS-885 is specifically for roster maintenance, not initial qualification.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DS-885 Form?
Follow these instructions directly from the official form (revision DS-885 1/20):
- Complete Carrier Information (top section):
- Carrier/DBA Name
- Legal Name (if different)
- Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
- Federal ID Number
- 19-A Business ID Number
- Name and signature of Carrier Representative + date
- Column A – Adds:
- Enter driver details for rehired or reinstated drivers only.
- Fields: Driver’s Last Name, First M.I., Client ID Number (from driver license), Date of Birth, State of License, Effective Date Driver Reinstated.
- Column B – Drops:
- Enter details for drivers leaving service, on extended leave, or disqualified.
- Same driver fields as Column A, plus:
- Effective Date of Drop
- Driver Disqualified? (Yes/No checkbox)
- Reason for Disqualification (if applicable)
- Special Requirements for Disqualification:
- Check “YES” and attach a copy of the failed biennial road test, written test, or medical examination.
Type or print clearly. Multiple drivers can be listed on one form.
How and Where to Submit the Completed DS-885 Form?
Deadline: The Bus Driver Unit must receive the form within 10 days of the effective date listed on the form.
Submission Options:
- Email: [email protected] (preferred)
- Fax: (518) 474-0593
Keep the original in your 19-A driver files for audits. Electronic carriers should use the online 19-A system instead of mailing or faxing where possible.
Official DS-885 PDF Download (Current Version)
Direct official download:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds885.pdf
This is the most current version (revised January 2020) available directly from the NY DMV website. Always download from the official source to ensure you have the latest form. The PDF is fillable and includes a “Clear Form” button for reuse.
Important Compliance Deadlines and Penalties
- Submit within 10 calendar days of the hire/termination/reinstatement date.
- Include the DS-885 with your Annual Affidavit of Compliance (Form DS-31) when updating rosters.
- Retain records for the required period under Article 19-A.
- Non-compliance may lead to carrier audits, fines, or suspension of operating privileges.
For full regulatory details, refer to the official Article 19-A Information Packet (DS-700) and the CDL-15 Guide for Motor Carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DS-885
Can I submit DS-885 online?
Electronic carriers use the 19-A system. Others must email or fax the PDF.
What if a driver is disqualified?
Mark “YES,” provide the reason, and attach supporting documentation (failed test or medical exam).
Is DS-885 required for leaves of absence?
Yes, if the leave prevents keeping 19-A records current.
Where can I find related Article 19-A forms?
Visit the official NY DMV Forms and Publications page at dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications.
Why Proper Use of DS-885 Matters for Bus Carriers?
Accurate and timely submission of the DS-885 Form protects your carrier’s compliance status, supports road safety, and avoids costly violations. By using the official PDF and following DMV guidelines, motor carriers stay aligned with New York’s strict Article 19-A bus driver qualification standards.
For the latest updates, always check the official NY DMV website or contact the Bus Driver Unit directly. Download your DS-885 Form today and keep your bus driver roster compliant.