VS-35 Form: Division of Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (PDF)

VS-35 Form – The VS-35 Form, officially known as the Division of Vehicle Safety Complaint Report, is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document for filing complaints against automotive facilities. Whether you’ve experienced issues with vehicle repairs, inspections, or purchases, this form helps protect your rights as a New York driver. In this SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn exactly what the VS-35 form is, who should use it, how to fill it out step by step, where to submit it, and what happens next—all based on the latest official information from the NY DMV website.

What Is the VS-35 Form?

The VS-35 is a two-page complaint report issued by the New York DMV’s Division of Vehicle Safety. It allows consumers to formally report problems with:

  • Vehicle repairs
  • Vehicle inspections (including safety and emissions)
  • Vehicle purchases from dealers

The form is available as a free, fillable PDF directly from the official NY DMV website. Its current version is labeled VS-35 (8/19) and remains the required document for all complaints as of 2026. You can download it instantly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs35.pdf.

Purpose of the Division of Vehicle Safety Complaint Report

The primary purpose of the VS-35 Form is to document consumer complaints so the DMV’s Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services can investigate regulated facilities such as repair shops, inspection stations, and motor vehicle dealers. Before filing, the DMV requires you to attempt to resolve the issue directly with the facility and keep records of those efforts. The form ensures complaints are investigated fairly, potentially leading to warnings, fines, suspension of the facility’s registration, or restitution.

Who Should Use the VS-35 Form?

You should file a VS-35 complaint if you are a New York vehicle owner or buyer who:

  • Had unsatisfactory or unauthorized repair work performed
  • Was denied a proper safety or emissions inspection
  • Purchased a vehicle with undisclosed defects or issues

The DMV handles thousands of these complaints each year to protect consumers and maintain standards for licensed automotive businesses.

Time Limits and Eligibility for VS-35 Complaints

Important eligibility rules (directly from the official form and DMV guidelines):

  • Repair complaints are accepted only within 90 days or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) after the repair date.
  • A written warranty that exceeds these limits is the only exception.
  • Inspection and purchase complaints have no strict time limit but should be filed promptly with supporting evidence.

The DMV will not investigate anonymous complaints or those lacking a completed VS-35 form.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the VS-35 Form?

  1. Download the official PDF from https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs35.pdf.
  2. Print or type all entries using black ink (fillable fields are available in the PDF).
  3. Complete the top section with your contact information, facility details, vehicle information (VIN, year/make/model, plate number, odometer readings), and date of the incident.
  4. Check the complaint type: Vehicle repair, Vehicle inspection, or Vehicle purchase.
  5. Answer the specific questions on Page 1 (Repair Complaint) and/or Page 2 (Inspection or Purchase Complaint).
  6. Attach all supporting documents: invoices, estimates, receipts, warranties, inspection certificates, and any correspondence with the facility.
  7. Sign and date the form (written or typed signature is accepted).
  8. Describe your desired resolution and indicate if you are willing to testify at a hearing.

Pro tip: Gather all paperwork first—DMV staff will not begin an investigation without a fully completed VS-35 and supporting evidence.

How to Submit Your VS-35 Form to NY DMV?

Email is the preferred and fastest method:

Mail option:

  • Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services
    PO Box 2700-ESP
    Albany, NY 12220-0700

Contact information:

  • Phone: (518) 474-8943 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.)
  • Fax: (518) 486-4102

Note: The DMV will send a confirmation and communicate primarily via email. Keep your contact information up to date.

What Happens After You File a VS-35 Complaint??

Once received, a Consumer Services Representative (CSR) is assigned. The process typically includes:

  1. Initial contact with the facility (may take 6–8 weeks).
  2. Formal investigation by an Automotive Facilities Inspector if needed (several weeks to months).
  3. Possible administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Outcomes can include warnings, fines, license suspension/revocation for the facility, or restitution (limited to overcharges or repair costs). The entire process can take up to a year. Filing with DMV does not prevent you from pursuing other options like small claims court or other consumer agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VS-35 Form

Is the VS-35 form free?
Yes—download it at no cost from the official NY DMV site.

Can I fill it out online?
The PDF is fillable on your device, but you must print/sign (or use typed signature) and submit via email or mail.

What if I have a Lemon Law issue?
Use the separate Lemon Law complaint process on the DMV website instead.

Does the DMV guarantee resolution?
No, but they investigate valid complaints thoroughly and can take enforcement action against violating facilities.

Download the Official VS-35 PDF

Direct link: Download VS-35 Division of Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (PDF)
Always use the official source to ensure you have the most current version.

Additional NY DMV Resources

Filing a VS-35 complaint is a straightforward way to hold automotive businesses accountable in New York. By following the official steps above and using the direct PDF download link, you can ensure your vehicle safety complaint is processed efficiently by the NY DMV. If you’ve experienced issues with a repair shop, inspection station, or dealer, don’t wait—download the VS-35 form today and protect your rights.

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