DS-622 Form – The DS-622 form, officially titled Article 19-A Complaint Form, is a free PDF provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) Bus Driver Unit. It is the designated document for filing formal complaints against an Article 19-A Motor Carrier (such as school bus companies or passenger carriers) or a Certified Examiner responsible for testing and qualifying bus drivers under New York’s strict safety regulations.
This form ensures accountability in the Article 19-A program, which governs bus driver qualifications to protect public safety on New York roads.
Understanding Article 19-A Regulations in New York
Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law sets special requirements for bus drivers. It was enacted in 1974 following a tragic 1972 school bus-train collision near Congers, NY, that killed five children. The law aims to improve highway safety by requiring motor carriers to maintain rigorous standards for drivers, including medical exams, criminal background checks (for school bus drivers), annual driving record reviews, defensive driving observations, biennial road tests, and drug/alcohol testing.
It applies to motor carriers operating buses (especially those transporting school children) and to Certified Examiners who administer required tests. Non-compliance can result in administrative hearings, suspensions, and civil penalties.
Who Should Use the Article 19-A Driver Complaint Form (DS-622)?
Any member of the public—including passengers, parents of schoolchildren, or concerned citizens—can use the DS-622 form if they have evidence of violations by a regulated motor carrier or certified examiner. It is specifically designed for complaints about carrier or examiner compliance with Article 19-A rules, not individual driver performance issues.
What Types of Complaints Can Be Filed with DS-622?
Use the DS-622 form to report issues such as:
- Failure to properly qualify or test bus drivers
- Improper conduct or qualifications of Certified Examiners
- Violations of driver record-keeping, medical monitoring, or testing requirements
- Other non-compliance with Article 19-A standards
Provide specific details, dates of incidents, and attach supporting documents (e.g., fraudulent forms or evidence of violations) for the strongest complaint.
Complaints Not Accepted on the DS-622 Form
The NY DMV Bus Driver Unit does not handle the following via DS-622:
- Employee or employer disputes
- Discrimination claims
- Matters that are or were litigated or arbitrated
- Complaints against individual Motor Vehicle License Examiners from road tests (use a different email)
- Issues disputing the validity of state or federal law
- Complaints against current or former co-workers
- Complaints regarding a 19-A driver file audit (contact the Testing & Investigation Unit)
Always try to resolve the issue directly with the company or school first before filing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DS-622 Form?
- Download the latest PDF (revised 5/25).
- Complete Section 1: Check whether the complaint is against a Motor Carrier, Certified Examiner, or both.
- Answer the questions in Section 2 about attending a hearing and testifying (Yes/No).
- Indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.
- Provide your contact information in the required fields (Last Name, First Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Email).
- In Section 3, give specific details about the complaint, including dates of incidents, the Motor Carrier’s name/address, Certified Examiner’s name and number (if applicable), and attach any supporting documents.
- Sign and date page 2, acknowledging that the complaint and documents may be used as evidence and shared with the subject or under FOIL requests.
Anonymous complaints are allowed, but providing contact information is strongly recommended for follow-up.
DS-622 PDF Download and Official Link
Direct download the current DS-622 Article 19-A Complaint Form PDF here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds622.pdf
Always obtain the form directly from the official NY DMV website to ensure you have the most up-to-date version (DS-622 5/25).
How to Submit the DS-622 Form?
Submit your completed form and any attachments using one of these official methods:
- Mail: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Bus Driver Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228
- Fax: (518) 474-0593
- Email: [email protected]
The DMV may also offer online submission options through their Article 19-A forms page. Upon investigation, the Bus Driver Unit will send you written results (unless anonymous).
What Happens After Filing a DS-622 Complaint?
The Bus Driver Unit reviews the complaint, conducts an investigation, and notifies you of the outcome in writing. If a hearing is scheduled, your complaint and supporting documents can be used as evidence and may be shared with the motor carrier or examiner. Anonymity is protected during the investigation stage but is not guaranteed if a hearing occurs or a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request is made.
NY DMV Bus Driver Unit Contact Information
For questions about the DS-622 form or Article 19-A:
- Phone: (518) 473-9455
- Email: [email protected]
- Article 19-A Information Page: dmv.ny.gov/business/driver-training/article-19-a-information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DS-622 and Article 19-A
Is the DS-622 form free to download and use?
Yes. It is a free official NY DMV PDF.
Can I file a DS-622 complaint anonymously?
Yes, but the DMV prefers contact information for a complete investigation and to send results.
What is the difference between complaining about a driver vs. a carrier/examiner?
DS-622 is only for complaints against motor carriers or certified examiners. Issues with individual 19-A drivers are handled through other channels.
How long does it take to receive a response?
The DMV will send written results after completing the investigation; processing time varies.
Where can I find more Article 19-A forms?
Visit the official NY DMV forms page for related documents such as DS-870 (Bus Driver Application), DS-700 (Information Packet), and others.
Why Filing a DS-622 Complaint Matters?
Using the DS-622 form helps enforce New York’s high safety standards for bus drivers and protects passengers, especially schoolchildren. By reporting violations through this official channel, you contribute to safer roads across the state.
For the most current information, always refer to the official NY DMV website and download the latest DS-622 PDF directly from https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds622.pdf. If you have questions, contact the Bus Driver Unit promptly.