DS-870 Form – The DS-870 Form, officially titled the Article 19-A Bus Driver Application, is a critical document from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) required for qualifying bus drivers under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Whether you are a motor carrier hiring new drivers or an individual preparing for bus driving employment, understanding the DS-870 PDF is essential for compliance with state safety standards.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the DS-870 form, including its purpose, who needs it, step-by-step completion instructions, related qualifications, and the official download link. All information is based on the most current NY DMV resources as of 2026.
What Is the DS-870 Form: Article 19-A Bus Driver Application?
The DS-870 is the Article 19-A Bus Driver Application (revision DS-870 (10/25)). It serves as the official application to classify a new bus driver as a “conditional driver” under New York’s strict bus driver regulations.
Motor carriers (employers) must complete and submit this form for every new bus driver they hire. It documents the driver’s personal information, employment history, accident record, and criminal convictions. The employer reviews it alongside the driver’s license abstract and medical examination before certifying the driver as conditional. Final employment approval depends on full compliance with Article 19-A.
The form ensures highway safety by verifying driver qualifications before they operate buses carrying passengers.
Background of Article 19-A: Why the DS-870 Form Exists
Article 19-A was enacted in 1974 following a tragic 1972 school bus-train crash near Congers, NY. It created special requirements for bus drivers and is codified in Part 6 of the NY DMV Commissioner’s Regulations.
The law applies to anyone operating a bus for a motor carrier—including school buses, non-school passenger transport for hire, churches, daycares, camps, and similar services. It does not apply to certain short-term volunteers (fewer than 30 days per year) or emergency vehicles.
Key goal: Prevent unqualified drivers from operating buses by mandating background checks, medical fitness, testing, and ongoing compliance.
Who Needs to Complete the DS-870 Article 19-A Bus Driver Application?
- Motor carriers (school and non-school) hiring new bus drivers.
- Drivers who must provide personal and history details.
- School motor carriers have additional fingerprinting requirements for criminal background checks.
- Non-school carriers focus on CDL holders with Passenger (P) endorsement.
Note: Existing drivers may use Form DS-885 for add/drop changes instead of DS-870. The DS-870 is specifically for initial reporting of new or conditional drivers.
Individuals interested in becoming bus drivers should apply through carriers, who handle the DS-870 and full 19-A qualification process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DS-870 Form?
The DS-870 must be completed in full—print or type. Incomplete forms are rejected. Use “Not Applicable” if a section does not apply; never leave blanks.
Driver Information Section
- Full name, address, county, date of birth, phone, SSN.
- Driver license details: ID number, state, class, endorsements, restrictions, expiration.
Carrier Information Section
- Carrier name, address, 19-A Business ID, Federal ID.
- Contact person details.
- Indicate if the driver will operate a school bus (per Section 6.2(b)).
Employment History (Past 3 Years)
List most recent first: employer name/address, dates, type of vehicle driven, job title.
Accidents (Past 3 Years)
Most recent first: date, location, injury/property damage details, damage amounts, people injured, vehicle type.
Convictions (All Criminal Convictions)
Most recent first: violation date, conviction date, charge, location, vehicle involvement.
Certifications
- Driver affirmation: Sign and date confirming information is true.
- Employer certification: Review with driver abstract and medical exam (DS-874 or USDOT 649-F equivalent). Classify as “conditional driver” per Sections 6.2(r), 6.3, and 6.4. Sign and date.
Key Qualifications for Article 19-A Bus Drivers in New York
To operate a bus legally, drivers must meet these ongoing requirements (verified by the carrier):
- At least 18 years old.
- Valid driver license/permit appropriate for the bus.
- Pre-employment and biennial medical examination.
- Pre-employment and annual driver license abstracts.
- School bus drivers: Fingerprinting for DCJS/FBI criminal history review.
- Annual defensive driving observation (by certified examiner).
- Biennial road test and oral/written test (by certified examiner).
- Pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing (FMCSA Part 382 standards, stricter for school bus drivers).
Carriers maintain a driver file with DS-870, tests, and records for at least 3 years plus the current year.
How to Submit the DS-870 Form and Carrier Responsibilities?
- Complete DS-870 with driver and employer signatures.
- For new carriers: Also submit DS-879 (Carrier Application), DS-19 (Escrow/Notification Program), and escrow deposit.
- Email or fax copy to Bus Driver Unit ([email protected] or 518-474-0593). Keep original in driver file.
- Electronic carriers use the 19-A Online System for adds/drops.
Carriers must also file an annual Affidavit of Compliance (AFCO) by July 1 and undergo periodic DMV reviews. Non-compliance can result in penalties up to $2,500 per violation.
Download the Official DS-870 Article 19-A Bus Driver Application PDF
Direct download link (current revision 10/25):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds870.pdf
Always use the official NY DMV version. Other sites may have outdated forms.
Additional resources:
- Article 19-A Information: dmv.ny.gov/business/driver-training/article-19-a-information
- Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (CDL-15): dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl15.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DS-870 and Article 19-A
Is DS-870 required for school bus drivers?
Yes—school carriers have extra fingerprinting requirements.
Can individuals submit DS-870 themselves?
No. The form is completed jointly with the employing carrier, who submits it to add the driver to their 19-A roster.
What if I have prior 19-A qualification?
Contact the Bus Driver Unit (518-473-9455) to verify; a new DS-870 may still be required by the new carrier.
Where can I get help?
Call the Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455 or email [email protected].
Why Compliance with the DS-870 Form Matters?
Proper use of the DS-870 Form and Article 19-A requirements helps protect passengers, especially children, and keeps New York’s roads safer. Carriers and drivers who stay current avoid disqualification, fines, and operational shutdowns.
For the latest forms and guidance, always visit the official NY DMV website.
Ready to get started? Download the DS-870 PDF today and ensure full compliance with New York’s Article 19-A bus driver standards. Safe driving starts with proper qualification!