DS-885CE Form – The DS-885CE form (officially titled Article 19-A Add/Drop Notice Certified Examiner (CE)) is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document used by motor carriers to report changes in their roster of Certified Examiners under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This one-page PDF helps carriers stay compliant with strict bus driver safety regulations. Below is everything you need to know about the DS-885CE form, including how to complete it, submission rules, deadlines, and the official download link.
What Is the DS-885CE Form?
The DS-885CE is the Article 19-A Add/Drop Notice Certified Examiner (CE) form published by the New York DMV. Its current version is DS-885CE (1/20). Carriers use it exclusively to notify the DMV Bus Driver Unit when they add (hire or reinstate) or drop (terminate) a Certified Examiner from their 19-A program.
Certified Examiners are specially qualified individuals authorized by the DMV to conduct mandatory safety evaluations for bus drivers, including:
- Annual defensive driving performance observations
- Biennial behind-the-wheel road tests
- Biennial oral or written examinations
Why Do Motor Carriers Need the DS-885CE Form?
Article 19-A requires every motor carrier operating buses in New York to maintain a safety program that includes qualified Certified Examiners. Carriers must have at least one Certified Examiner for every 100 bus drivers employed.
When a carrier hires, reinstates, or terminates a Certified Examiner, they must notify the Bus Driver Unit within 10 days of the effective date. Failure to report can result in compliance violations, fines, or disruptions to the carrier’s 19-A certification status.
Electronic carriers handle adds/drops directly in the 19-A online system, but all carriers must keep a completed copy of DS-885CE in their 19-A files.
Who Should Use the DS-885CE Form?
Use the DS-885CE if you are a:
- Motor carrier operating under Article 19-A (school buses, public buses, private buses, etc.)
- Electronic filer using the 19-A online system
- Non-electronic (manual) filer who submits paper forms
The form is not for adding or dropping regular bus drivers—that requires the separate DS-885 form.
How to Complete the DS-885CE Form Step by Step?
The DS-885CE is a simple, fillable PDF. Follow these exact instructions from the official form:
- SECTION A – CARRIER INFORMATION
- Carrier/DBA Name
- Legal Name (if different)
- Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
- Federal ID Number
- 19-A Business ID Number
- Name of Carrier Representative, Signature, and Date
- SECTION B – ADDS (for each new or reinstated Certified Examiner)
- CE’s Name (First, Last, M.I.)
- Effective Date CE Hired/Reinstated
- Driver License Number
- Date of Birth
- State of License
- CE #
- SECTION C – DROPS (for each terminated Certified Examiner)
- CE’s Name (First, Last, M.I.)
- Effective Date CE Dropped
- Driver License Number
- Date of Birth
- State of License
- CE #
Type or print clearly. Use additional sheets if needed for multiple entries. Keep a copy in your 19-A files.
Electronic vs. Non-Electronic Submission Options
Electronic Carriers (recommended):
Add or drop Certified Examiners instantly through the secure 19-A online system. No paper form is mailed, but you must still complete and retain a copy of DS-885CE for your records.
Non-Electronic Carriers:
Submit the completed DS-885CE form by:
- Fax: (518) 474-0593
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228
The Bus Driver Unit must receive the form within 10 days of the effective date listed on the form.
Important Deadlines and Compliance Tips
- 10-day rule: Notification is mandatory within 10 calendar days of hire, reinstatement, or termination.
- Retain the original or completed DS-885CE in your carrier’s 19-A files for the required retention period.
- If your company goes out of business, drop all Certified Examiners using the same process.
- Always cross-reference with the full Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (form CDL-15) for complete program requirements.
Official DS-885CE Form PDF Download
Download the latest DS-885CE form directly from the NY DMV:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds885ce.pdf
The form is free, one page, and ready to use. Always download from the official DMV website to ensure you have the most current version.
Related Article 19-A Forms and Resources
- CDL-15: Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (full compliance manual)
- DS-885: Article 19-A Bus Driver Add/Drop Notice
- DS-700: Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Regulations
- DS-879: Article 19-A Carrier Application
- Bus Driver Unit contact: (518) 473-9455 (for questions)
All forms are available on the official NY DMV Forms & Publications page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DS-885CE Form
Can I add multiple Certified Examiners on one DS-885CE form?
Yes—Section B and Section C both allow multiple entries.
Do I need a separate form for each change?
No. One form can list several adds and drops at once.
Is the DS-885CE form required if I already use the online 19-A system?
You still complete and retain the form for your records even if you enter the data online.
Where can I find the full Article 19-A regulations?
See form DS-700 or the DMV’s Article 19-A Information page.
Stay Compliant with Article 19-A Using the DS-885CE
Proper use of the DS-885CE form keeps your motor carrier compliant, protects your bus drivers, and helps maintain safe operations on New York roads. Download the official PDF today, train your staff on the 10-day notification rule, and keep your 19-A files current.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the New York State DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. Safe travels and compliant operations!