MV-FOIL Form – The MV-FOIL Form is the official Freedom of Information Law Request Application used by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) to request specific records under New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
This form, officially titled “MV-FOIL: Freedom of Information Law Request Form for DMV Records,” is revised as of October 2024 (MV-FOIL 10/24) and remains the current version. It helps members of the public, organizations, and attorneys access DMV records that are not available through standard driver or vehicle abstract forms.
Why Use the MV-FOIL Form for NY DMV FOIL Requests?
New York’s FOIL gives the public the right to inspect or copy government records, with limited exceptions. The MV-FOIL Form is the dedicated tool for requesting DMV-held records that fall outside routine services. Using the correct form ensures faster processing and avoids delays.
Important note: Do not use the MV-FOIL Form for these common records:
- Driver license or vehicle registration abstracts (use MV-15)
- Accident reports (use MV-198C)
- Tickets, revocations, or suspensions (use MV-15)
Requesting the wrong form can slow down your response significantly.
How to Download the MV-FOIL PDF?
The official MV-FOIL Form is available as a free, fillable PDF directly from the NY DMV website.
Direct download link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mvfoil.pdf
Simply click the link, save the 3-page PDF, and print or fill it out digitally. The form is also listed on the official NY DMV Forms and Publications page and the FOIL request page.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the MV-FOIL Form
Filling out the MV-FOIL Form is straightforward when you follow these steps:
- Section 1 – Requestor Information
Provide your full name, organization (if applicable), complete mailing address, city, state, ZIP code, optional phone number, and email address (required for electronic delivery). - Section 2 – Describe the Records You Want
Give a clear, detailed description of the exact DMV records you are seeking. The more specific you are, the faster DMV can locate and provide them. - Payment Information
Indicate your payment method (check, money order, or DMV Escrow Account). A $10 search fee is required unless you qualify for an exemption. - Signature and Date
Sign and date the form on page 3. Print your name clearly.
Mail the completed form with payment and any required attachments to the address below.
Important Requirements for Protected Records (Driver’s Privacy Protection Act)
Many DMV records contain personal information protected by the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and New York Public Officers Law §§87 and 89. If your request involves driver licenses, permits, titles, registrations, or ID cards, you must:
- Mark the permissible use(s) on page 3 of the form.
- Attach a photocopy of your driver license or government-issued non-driver ID card (you may cover the photo).
- Sign the Privacy Certification on page 3.
Failure to complete these steps will result in denial of your request. False statements or misuse of personal information can lead to criminal penalties.
Fees and Payment for MV-FOIL Requests
- Search fee: $10 (required unless exempt).
- Copy fee: $1 per page (not prepaid; billed if copies are provided).
- Exempt organizations: Government agencies, volunteer fire/ambulance companies, public officers, and certain legal aid entities.
Payment rules:
- Make checks or money orders payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.”
- Sign your check.
- No cash or starter checks.
- U.S. funds only.
Where to Mail Your Completed MV-FOIL Form?
Send your completed MV-FOIL Form, payment, and any required ID photocopy to:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Freedom of Information Law Office
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 330A
Albany, NY 12228
Records are typically provided by mail, email, or fax (one method only). Certified copies are mailed only.
Alternative Ways to File a FOIL Request with NY DMV
While the MV-FOIL PDF is the traditional paper option, NY DMV also offers a faster online method:
Option 1: Submit a FOIL request electronically through the GovQA online portal (recommended for quicker processing).
Option 2: Mail the MV-FOIL PDF as described above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the MV-FOIL Form
- Using it for records that require MV-15 or MV-198C.
- Forgetting to include the $10 search fee.
- Omitting the ID photocopy and permissible use certification for protected records.
- Providing vague descriptions of requested records.
- Requesting lifetime abstracts (use MV-15 instead).
Frequently Asked Questions About the MV-FOIL Form
Can I request my own records?
Yes, but for your own driver or vehicle records, MV-15 is usually faster.
How long does it take?
Processing time varies, but using the correct form and providing complete information speeds up the response.
Is the form fillable?
Yes — the PDF from dmv.ny.gov is designed to be completed on your computer or printed.
Where can I find more information about FOIL?
Visit the official NY DMV FOIL page or the Committee on Open Government website.
For the most current instructions and to download the MV-FOIL Form instantly, visit the official source: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mvfoil.pdf. Using this trusted, up-to-date PDF ensures your Freedom of Information Law request is processed efficiently by the New York DMV.