VS-95 Form – The VS-95 Form, officially titled Public Emissions Inspection Station Buy/Sell Agreement, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document used when purchasing or selling an official public emissions Group 1A inspection station. This two-page PDF form formalizes the transfer of a licensed emissions inspection facility and must accompany the purchaser’s Original Facility Application submitted to the DMV.
Revised in May 2015 (VS-95 5/15), the form remains the current official version available directly from the NY DMV website.
Why Do You Need the VS-95 Form for Buying or Selling an Emissions Inspection Station in New York?
New York strictly regulates the number of official public emissions inspection stations through a county-by-county cap. When a county reaches its maximum allowed stations, new applications are placed on a waitlist instead of being approved immediately.
The VS-95 Form provides a legal pathway to acquire an existing station’s license slot through a buy/sell agreement. This bypasses the waitlist in many cases, allowing the purchaser to operate in the same county (or within five miles) without starting from scratch. Without this properly executed form, the DMV will not review or approve the transfer of the emissions inspection license.
How the NY DMV Inspection Station Cap Affects Buy/Sell Agreements?
The DMV assesses the inspection station cap annually for each county and publishes the current numbers, maximum limits, and waitlist status. If a county is at or above its cap:
- New standalone applications go on the Public Emissions Inspection Waitlist (using form VS-94).
- Buy/sell transfers using VS-95 are still accepted if the selling facility is in good standing and the locations meet the distance rule.
This cap system ensures controlled growth of emissions testing facilities while allowing business owners to transfer valuable licenses through legitimate sales.
Key Requirements and Eligibility for the VS-95 Buy/Sell Agreement
To be accepted by the DMV, the VS-95 agreement must meet these strict conditions:
- The selling facility and purchasing facility must be in the same county or within five miles of each other.
- The selling facility must be in “good standing” — valid license, no suspensions or revocations, no outstanding civil penalties, no pending hearings/appeals, and no litigation involving the DMV.
- The seller must account for all unused inspection certificates (stickers). Missing certificates can cause delays, denial, or administrative action.
- The completed form must be notarized within 90 days prior to DMV receipt.
- A copy of the seller’s current inspection license must be attached.
Important note: Upon DMV approval of the purchaser’s application, the seller’s facility license is placed “out of business.” If the buyer operates at the exact same location, all business types associated with the seller are terminated.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the VS-95 Form?
- Selling Facility Information
Enter facility number, county, name, address, contact phones, and NYVIP Unit Number. - Date of Agreement/Sale
Provide the month, day, and year of the sale or agreement. - Seller Signatures
All principals of the selling facility on record with the DMV must sign. Attach additional notarized sheets if needed. Each signature block requires a notary stamp and date. - Purchaser Information
List the buyer’s name, daytime phone, contact address, and existing facility number (if applicable). - Purchaser Signatures
Multiple purchaser principals may sign; each requires separate notary acknowledgment. - Notarization
Ensure the entire form is notarized within the 90-day window.
The form explicitly states it must be enclosed with the purchaser’s Original Facility Application.
Downloading the Official VS-95 PDF
You can download the free, official VS-95 Emissions Inspection Station Buy/Sell Agreement PDF directly from the New York DMV website:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs95.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official DMV site to ensure compliance.
Additional Requirements: CVIS Transfer and Facility Application
Every official public emissions station requires a Computerized Vehicle Inspection System (CVIS). The current provider in New York is Opus Inspection. Contact them at (866) 623-8378 or visit www.nyvip.org to arrange equipment transfer or purchase.
The VS-95 must be submitted together with the full Original Facility Application. For questions about buy/sell agreements, contact the DMV Application Unit at 518-474-0919.
What Happens After You Submit the VS-95 Form?
Once the DMV receives the notarized VS-95 with the purchaser’s Original Facility Application:
- The agency reviews the agreement for compliance with distance rules and good-standing requirements.
- If approved, the seller’s license is placed out of business.
- The purchaser receives approval to operate the public emissions Group 1A inspection station.
- Future applications by the seller for a new station will be treated as a brand-new license and may be subject to the waitlist under 15 NYCRR 79.7(f).
Common Questions About the VS-95 Form
Is the VS-95 form only for emissions stations?
Yes — it applies specifically to official public emissions Group 1A inspection stations.
Can I use VS-95 if the county is at cap?
Yes, provided the seller is in good standing and the locations meet the same-county or five-mile rule.
Do I need a lawyer to complete the VS-95?
While not required, many parties consult legal counsel because this is a binding buy/sell agreement affecting valuable DMV licenses.
Contact NY DMV for VS-95 Assistance
For specific questions about buy/sell agreements or the inspection station cap:
Application Unit
New York State DMV
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
P.O. Box 2700
Albany, NY 12220-0700
Phone: 518-474-0919
Final Thoughts on the VS-95 Emissions Inspection Station Buy/Sell Agreement
The VS-95 Form is a critical tool for anyone buying or selling a licensed public emissions inspection station in New York. By following the official DMV requirements, sellers can exit the business cleanly while buyers gain immediate access to a capped license without waiting on the list. Always download the form from the official NY DMV site and verify current county cap status before proceeding.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the NY DMV Inspection Station Cap Information page or contact the Application Unit directly. Proper use of the VS-95 PDF ensures a smooth, compliant transfer of your emissions inspection station license.