DS-704 Form – The DS-704 Form, officially titled Article 19-A Bus Driver’s Diabetic Certification, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document for bus drivers with diabetes. It ensures safe operation of buses under Article 19-A regulations. Motor carriers use this form for pre-employment screenings and ongoing 6-month follow-ups.
This comprehensive guide explains everything about the DS-704 Bus Driver Diabetic Certification PDF, including who needs it, how to complete it, download instructions, and key qualification rules. Whether you’re a bus driver, motor carrier, or healthcare provider, this resource covers the latest official requirements.
What is the DS-704 Form?
The DS-704 is a one-page certification form issued by the New York DMV. It documents that a bus driver’s diabetic condition is stabilized and poses no safety risk for operating a bus.
It falls under NYS DMV Commissioner’s Regulation Part 6.10 (Article 19-A), which sets strict medical standards for drivers of school buses, public buses, and other vehicles requiring Article 19-A qualification.
The current version is DS-704 (1/23), and it remains the only accepted form for diabetic certification as of 2026.
Who Needs the DS-704 Bus Driver Diabetic Certification?
Any driver applying for or maintaining Article 19-A bus driver qualifications in New York who has diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) must submit the DS-704. This includes:
- Pre-employment physicals when diabetes is noted
- Every 6 months for ongoing certification
- Drivers using diet, oral medication, insulin, or other means to manage blood sugar
Motor carriers must keep the completed DS-704 in the driver’s qualification file along with the DS-870 application and other required documents.
Article 19-A Diabetic Requirements for Bus Drivers in New York
New York law requires that diabetic bus drivers meet these standards:
- The condition must be stabilized (by diet, medication, insulin, or other means).
- The driver must have had no incidents of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic shock in the previous six months.
- The driver’s personal healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) must certify ongoing stability.
- For insulin-dependent drivers: If insulin is required and there is an established history of diabetes not stabilized for two years without shock incidents, the driver is not qualified to operate a bus.
Where diabetes is controlled by diet or hypoglycemic agents alone, the driver must remain under adequate medical supervision.
How to Download the DS-704 PDF Form?
You can download the official DS-704 Bus Driver Diabetic Certification PDF directly from the New York DMV website:
Official Download Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds704.pdf
This is the free, printable, fillable form provided by the NY DMV. Always use the latest version from the official DMV site to ensure compliance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DS-704 Form
- Driver Information
Enter the bus driver’s full name (must match the driver license), date of birth, and 9-digit Driver License ID number. - Healthcare Provider Information
The driver’s personal physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant prints their name, professional license/certificate number, issuing state, full address, and phone number. - Stabilization Method
Check the appropriate box:- Diet
- Medication (specify)
- Form of Insulin (Yes/No)
- Other means (explain)
- Certification Statement
The provider certifies:- They are the driver’s personal healthcare provider.
- The driver is under their care for diabetes.
- The condition is stabilized.
- No hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic shock incident has occurred in the last six months.
- Signature and Date
The healthcare provider must sign and date the form. A stamped or typed signature is not accepted.
The form clearly indicates whether it is for pre-employment/new diagnosis or 6-month follow-up.
Important Notes on Insulin Use and Qualification
Insulin-dependent drivers face the strictest rules. The DMV regulation states that if insulin is necessary and the diabetes has not been stabilized for a full two years without any shock incidents, the driver cannot operate a bus. This protects public safety on New York roads.
All certifications must come from the driver’s personal healthcare provider—not a company doctor—unless specifically authorized.
Where to Submit the DS-704 Form
Completed DS-704 forms are submitted to the motor carrier (employer). The carrier keeps the original in the driver’s qualification file and may need to provide copies during DMV audits or license reviews.
DMV does not accept the form directly from drivers; it must go through the qualified motor carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About DS-704 Diabetic Certification
How often is the DS-704 required?
At pre-employment (if diabetes is present) and every 6 months thereafter.
Can any doctor complete the form?
Only the driver’s personal healthcare provider (MD, NP, or PA) who is actively treating the driver’s diabetes.
Is the form free?
Yes — download it free from the official NY DMV website.
What if a driver switches to insulin?
A new certification is required, and the two-year stabilization rule for insulin applies.
Where can I find the full Article 19-A rules?
Refer to the official CDL-15 guide and DS-704 instructions on dmv.ny.gov.
Stay Compliant with the Latest DS-704 Requirements
The DS-704 Form plays a critical role in New York’s bus driver safety program. Proper diabetic certification helps qualified drivers maintain their Article 19-A status while protecting passengers and the public.
Always download the official PDF from the NY DMV website and have it completed by the driver’s treating healthcare provider. Motor carriers should file the form promptly in each driver’s qualification record.
For the most current information, visit the official New York DMV Forms and Publications page or consult the Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (CDL-15).
Official DS-704 PDF Download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds704.pdf