DS-500 Form – The DS-500 Form, officially titled ARTICLE 19-A REQUEST FOR NYS LICENSE ID NUMBER, is an official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document. Carriers use it to request a New York State (NYS) License ID number (also called a Client ID or CID) for out-of-state licensed school bus driver applicants. These applicants hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from another state.
This NYS License ID is mandatory for fingerprinting the driver or adding them electronically to the Article 19-A system. Without it, out-of-state school bus drivers cannot complete the required background checks or qualification process under New York’s strict bus driver regulations.
Direct download link: DS-500 Form PDF (revised 5/22 – still current as of 2026).
Why Do You Need the DS-500 Form Under Article 19-A?
Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law sets special qualification standards for bus drivers, with extra rules for school bus drivers. These standards include medical exams, background checks, road tests, and ongoing monitoring to ensure highway safety.
Out-of-state CDL holders cannot be processed in the Article 19-A system without a NYS License ID number. The DS-500 Form bridges this gap by letting the DMV assign a unique identifier that links the driver’s out-of-state license to New York’s records. This step is required before:
- Fingerprinting for DCJS & FBI criminal history review (school bus drivers only)
- Submitting the full Article 19-A Bus Driver Application (Form DS-870)
- Completing pre-employment qualification
Carriers (bus companies or school districts) must use the DS-500 before hiring or onboarding these drivers.
Who Should Use the DS-500 Form?
Only Article 19-A carriers (motor carriers employing bus drivers) should complete and submit the DS-500. It applies specifically to:
- Out-of-state licensed school bus driver applicants
- Holders of a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) from another state
- Drivers who need to be added to the Article 19-A electronic system for fingerprinting or qualification
Note: New York State CDL holders do not need this form. In-state drivers use the standard DS-870 Bus Driver Application instead.
How to Download the DS-500 PDF (Official & Free)?
- Visit the official NY DMV website.
- Go directly to the secure link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds500.pdf.
- The form opens as a fillable PDF (no account required).
- Download and save it for your records.
You can also find the DS-500 listed on the NY DMV’s Article 19-A forms page and in the CDL-15 Guide for Motor Carriers. Always use the latest version from dmv.ny.gov to stay compliant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DS-500 Form?
The DS-500 is a simple one-page form divided into two main sections. Complete it accurately to avoid delays.
Carrier Information Section
- Carrier/DBA Name
- Legal Name (if different)
- Federal ID Number
- 19-A Business ID Number
- Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, County
- Telephone Number, Fax Number
- Name of Article 19-A Contact Person and Title
Driver Information Section
- Driver’s Last Name, First, M.I.
- Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)
- Social Security Number
- Sex (M, F, or X)
- Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, County
- Telephone Number
- License ID Number (from Driver License)
- Licensing State
- License Class
- Endorsements
- Restrictions
- Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year)
Pro tip: Double-check the driver’s out-of-state license details exactly as they appear on the physical card.
After completion:
- The DMV will assign the NYS License ID in the “For DMV Use Only” section.
- The ID will be faxed back to the carrier.
How to Submit the DS-500 Form?
Submit the completed form by fax or email (no mail option):
- Fax: (518) 474-0593
- Email: [email protected]
The Bus Driver Unit processes requests and returns the assigned NYS License ID number by fax to the carrier’s fax number listed on the form. Processing is typically quick, but allow time before scheduling fingerprinting or road tests.
Related Article 19-A Forms You May Need
The DS-500 is often the first step. You will likely also need:
- DS-870 – Article 19-A Bus Driver Application (main qualification form)
- DS-874 – Medical Examination Report
- DS-600 – Fingerprinting Services Information
- DS-885 – Add/Drop Notice (for updates)
All official forms are available free at dmv.ny.gov/motor-carriers/information-and-forms-article-19.
Common Questions About the DS-500 Form
Is there a fee?
No fee is required for the DS-500 or the assigned NYS License ID.
Can individual drivers submit this form?
No. Only the employing carrier (with a 19-A Business ID) can request it.
What if the driver already has a New York license?
This form is not needed. Use the standard in-state process.
How long is the assigned ID valid?
It remains valid for the driver’s Article 19-A qualification period.
Where can I get help?
Contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit:
- Phone: (518) 473-9455
- Email: [email protected]
Stay Compliant with Article 19-A in 2026
New York’s Article 19-A rules help protect students and passengers by enforcing rigorous driver standards. Using the DS-500 Form correctly ensures your out-of-state school bus drivers are quickly and legally added to the system.
Download your copy today: DS-500 PDF – Article 19-A NY License ID Request
For the full Article 19-A regulations, download the official information packet (DS-700) from the NY DMV website. Always verify the latest forms and instructions directly at dmv.ny.gov to ensure full compliance.