DS-870.1 Form – The DS-870.1 form is officially titled the Article 19-A School District/Other Contract Notice. Issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV), it serves as a mandatory notification tool for motor carriers operating under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This one-page form (revised 1/20) allows carriers to report contracts for transporting passengers—primarily school children, but also clients from day care centers, camps, nursery schools, vocational programs, religious organizations, or facilities serving mentally or physically disabled individuals.
It was previously the second page of the DS-870 Bus Driver Application but is now a standalone document for easier contract updates.
Why is Form DS-870.1 Required Under Article 19-A?
Article 19-A establishes strict safety standards for bus drivers and motor carriers in New York. The DS-870.1 ensures the DMV’s Bus Driver Unit (BDU) maintains an accurate list of all contracts involving school or specialized passenger transport.
This enables the BDU to:
- Notify both the motor carrier and the contracting entity (school district or other client) about driver convictions, accidents, license suspensions, or criminal issues.
- Support compliance with fingerprinting, background checks, and driver qualification rules for school bus operations.
Failure to file can disrupt notifications and risk compliance violations, including fines or registration issues.
Who Must Submit the DS-870.1 School District/Other Contract Notice?
Any motor carrier (including schools, municipalities, or private companies) that has a contractual agreement with:
- A school district
- Camps, nursery/pre-schools, day care centers
- Vocational, academic, religious, or disability-related programs
must file the form.
Newly established bus carriers must submit DS-870.1 (if applicable) along with the DS-879 Carrier Application and DS-19 Notification Program Application when starting operations.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the DS-870.1 Form?
The form is simple and fillable online or by hand. Complete one section per contract (photocopy extra pages if needed).
- Carrier Information — Enter your Carrier/DBA Name, Legal Name (if different), 19-A Business ID Number, Federal ID Number, and full street address.
- Action Type — Check Add, Drop, or Modify for each contract.
- Type of Institution/Client Groups Served — Check all that apply: Academic, Day Care, Mentally Disabled, Vocational, Nursery/Pre-School, Camp, Religious, Physically Disabled, or Other (specify).
- Contract Details — Provide:
- Federal I.D. Number of Contract
- Contract Name
- County
- Telephone Number
- Mailing Address, City, State, Zip Code
- Name and Title of Article 19-A Contact Person
- Contract Period
- Certification — Sign and date as Carrier Representative. Print your name.
Keep the original in your files and send a copy to the BDU.
How to Submit DS-870.1 to NY DMV Bus Driver Unit?
Submit the form anytime a contract is added, dropped, or modified. Options include:
- Mail: NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228
- Fax: (518) 474-0593
- Email: [email protected]
The BDU processes these updates to keep driver notification lists current.
Official Download: DS-870.1 PDF
Direct official link (always current version):
Download DS-870.1 Form PDF
The form is free, fillable, and available directly from the NY DMV Forms and Publications page.
Key Fields on the DS-870.1 Form (Quick Reference)
- Action checkboxes (Add / Drop / Modify)
- Client type checkboxes (9 options + Other)
- Federal I.D. Number, Contract Name, County, Phone
- Full mailing address and contact person details
- Carrier signature and 19-A ID
Accurate completion prevents processing delays.
When to File DS-870.1: Add, Drop, or Modify Contracts
File immediately upon any contract change. This keeps the BDU’s database accurate for safety notifications. New carriers file it during initial setup if they serve school or specialized clients.
Related Article 19-A Forms and Resources
- DS-870 — Article 19-A Bus Driver Application
- DS-879 — Article 19-A Carrier Application
- DS-19 — Accident and Conviction Notification Program
- DS-885 — Bus Driver Add/Drop Notice
- Full regulations: DS-700 (Article 19-A Packet)
All forms are available at dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications.
Benefits of Proper Compliance with DS-870.1
- Ensures timely safety notifications to schools and contractors
- Reduces risk of penalties or operational suspensions
- Supports smooth driver qualification and fingerprinting processes
- Demonstrates commitment to pupil transportation safety under New York law
Contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit for Help
For questions about DS-870.1 or the Article 19-A program:
- Phone: (518) 473-9455
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228
Business hours are weekdays (excluding state holidays).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DS-870.1
Is DS-870.1 only for school districts?
No. It covers any contract for transporting children or disabled/vocational clients under Article 19-A definitions.
How often do I need to file?
Anytime a contract is added, dropped, or modified—no annual filing required unless changes occur.
Can I submit electronically?
Yes—email is accepted (and preferred for speed).
Where can I find the most current version?
Always download directly from the official NY DMV site using the link above.
Need the DS-870.1 Form right now?
Download the official NY DMV DS-870.1 PDF here
This guide is based on the latest official NY DMV publications and forms (current as of 2026). For personalized advice, contact the Bus Driver Unit directly. Safe and compliant operations protect New York’s students and passengers!