DS-874C Form – The DS-874C Form serves as the official Medical Exam Supplement Article 19-A required for New York bus drivers. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) uses it with the primary medical examination report (DS-874) to ensure bus drivers meet strict safety standards under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Whether you are a school bus driver, commercial bus operator, or motor carrier, understanding the DS-874C helps maintain compliance, avoid disqualification, and keep drivers on the road safely. This guide covers everything you need, including the official download link.
What Is the DS-874C Form?
The DS-874C is titled “SUPPLEMENT TO: Medical Examination of Driver Report Under Article 19-A.” It is a one-page supplemental form that the NY DMV provides exclusively for use with the main DS-874 Medical Examination Report.
It is not a standalone document. Medical examiners or drivers use it only when the DS-874 lacks enough space for additional comments or information. The form includes dedicated sections for:
- Health History (additional driver and/or medical examiner comments)
- Physical Examination (additional comments)
- Medical Examiner’s Certification & Remarks (additional remarks)
The current revision is DS-874C (6/15), and the NY DMV still lists it as the required supplement on its official forms page and in the Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers.
Purpose of the DS-874C Medical Exam Supplement
Article 19-A sets rigorous physical qualification standards for all bus drivers in New York to enhance highway safety. The DS-874C ensures the medical examination remains complete and accurate when extra details are needed about a driver’s health history, physical findings, medications, or examiner remarks.
Without proper documentation — including any attached DS-874C — the entire medical report can be considered incomplete, potentially disqualifying the driver or triggering carrier penalties.
Who Needs the DS-874C Form?
Any bus driver or motor carrier subject to Article 19-A may need it during:
- Pre-employment medical examinations
- Biennial (every two years) recertification exams
- Follow-up examinations for specific conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
It applies to drivers operating school buses, passenger-carrying buses regulated by the NY DOT, or certain municipal transit vehicles. Motor carriers must keep the completed DS-874 + DS-874C (if used) in the driver’s qualification file for at least three years plus the current year.
How to Complete the DS-874C Form?
- Complete the main DS-874 form first.
- If any section on the DS-874 requires more space (Health History, Physical Exam, or Certification & Remarks), fill out the corresponding section on DS-874C.
- Clearly reference the continued item (for example, “Continued from item 2 on DS-874”).
- Include the driver’s last name, first name, M.I., and Client ID # at the top.
- The medical examiner must sign and date where required.
- Attach the DS-874C directly to the DS-874 — it is invalid without it.
Important: The driver must certify that all information (including any DS-874C) is complete and true.
Download DS-874C PDF – Official NY DMV Link
Direct official download:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds874c.pdf
This is the current, printable PDF directly from the New York State DMV website. Always use the official source to ensure you have the latest version.
You can also find the companion DS-874 (main medical exam form) and all other Article 19-A forms on the NY DMV forms page.
DS-874C in the Context of Article 19-A Medical Requirements
Article 19-A requires:
- Pre-employment medical exam (using DS-874 or equivalent)
- Biennial medical recertification
- Additional follow-ups for diabetes (DS-704 every 6 months) or blood pressure (DS-703) as needed
The DS-874C supports the primary exam by providing extra documentation space. Motor carriers must maintain full medical files and submit an annual affidavit of compliance to the DMV.
Related Article 19-A Forms You May Need
- DS-874 → Main Medical Examination Report
- DS-703 → Blood Pressure Follow-Up
- DS-704 → Diabetic Certification
- DS-870 → Bus Driver Application
- CDL-15 → Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (highly recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DS-874C
Is DS-874C mandatory?
No. Use it only if additional space is required.
Can I use the DS-874C by itself?
No. It must be attached to a completed DS-874.
Who fills out the DS-874C?
The driver (for health history) or the qualified medical examiner (MD, DO, PA, or Certified Nurse Practitioner).
Where do I submit the form?
Keep it in the carrier’s driver qualification file. Do not send it to the DMV unless requested.
What if my examiner uses the federal MCSA-5875 form instead?
The DS-874C is specific to the NY DS-874. Federal variances and forms have separate rules under Article 19-A.
Tips for Bus Drivers and Motor Carriers
- Schedule medical exams early to avoid compliance gaps.
- Bring a copy of the previous DS-874/DS-874C to follow-up visits.
- Carriers: Train staff on proper file retention (3 years + current year).
- Always download forms directly from dmv.ny.gov to avoid outdated versions.
- For questions, contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455.
Staying compliant with the DS-874C Form and Article 19-A requirements protects drivers, passengers, and your carrier from penalties and ensures safe operations across New York.
Official Download: DS-874C PDF – Medical Exam Supplement Article 19-A
For the full Article 19-A Guide and all forms, visit the NY DMV Article 19-A Information page.
Need help? The Bus Driver Unit is your best resource for the most current guidance. Safe driving starts with proper documentation!