DS-877 Form – If you are a Certified Examiner under New York State’s Article 19-A program, you must use the official DS-877 form to renew your certification, request a duplicate, upgrade your class, report your required refresher seminar, or make amendments such as adding/dropping employers or updating personal information. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the DS-877 PDF, including who needs it, step-by-step completion instructions, submission details, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Download the latest DS-877 form directly from the New York DMV here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds877.pdf. The form (revised 2/23) remains the current version for all renewal and amendment transactions.
What Is the DS-877 Form?
The DS-877 is officially titled “Article 19-A Certified Examiner Application for Renewal or Amendment” and is issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Bus Driver Unit. It allows currently certified examiners to maintain their status for conducting Article 19-A driver evaluations, including annual defensive driving observations, biennial behind-the-wheel road tests, and biennial oral/written examinations for bus drivers.
Article 19-A sets strict safety standards for school and non-school bus drivers in New York. Certified Examiners play a critical role in ensuring drivers meet these standards, and the DS-877 keeps their own certification current and accurate with the DMV.
Who Needs to File the DS-877 Form?
You must complete and submit the DS-877 if you are an active Article 19-A Certified Examiner and any of the following apply:
- Renewing your certification (requires a renewed CDL first)
- Requesting a duplicate certificate
- Upgrading from Class C to Class B certification
- Reporting completion of the mandatory Article 19-A refresher seminar (required every 3 years)
- Amending personal information (e.g., phone number or email)
- Adding or dropping an employer
- Adding or removing your name from the DMV’s freelance/independent examiner list
Important note: You cannot use DS-877 to change your name. For name changes, use form MV-44 with proper proof of identity. Permanent address changes must be reported within 10 days using form MV-232.
Key Requirements for Certified Examiner Renewal
Before submitting DS-877 for renewal:
- Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must be renewed first.
- Out-of-state license holders must attach an original, official driving record abstract showing the CDL renewal.
- You must have completed the Article 19-A refresher seminar within the last 3 years (attach proof of completion certificate).
- Maintain a clean driving record and meet ongoing qualifications under 15 NYCRR Part 6.13.
The refresher seminar is DMV-approved and must be taken at least once every three years to keep your certification active.
How to Download and Access the DS-877 PDF?
- Visit the official NY DMV Forms page or go straight to the direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds877.pdf.
- The form is a 3-page fillable PDF.
- Download and save it to your device before filling it out (do not complete online — it must be printed and mailed).
Always use the most recent version from the official DMV website to avoid processing delays or rejection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DS-877 Form
Follow these instructions exactly as printed on the form:
- Page 1 – Certified Examiner Information: Fill in your full name, date of birth, sex, contact details, address, and complete driver license information (ID number, state, class, endorsements, restrictions, expiration date).
- Check applicable boxes: Select one or more actions (Renew, Duplicate, Upgrade, Refresher, Amend Personal Info, Employer, Freelance Work). Complete only the sections that match your checked boxes.
- Renew Certificate section: Confirm you have renewed your CDL and completed the refresher seminar within 3 years.
- Upgrade Certification Class (Page 2): Only for Class C to Class B. Provide proof of at least 18 months of experience in the relevant vehicle type while employed by an Article 19-A carrier (list up to 3 employers).
- Article 19-A Refresher Seminar (Page 2): Enter provider name/location and seminar date; attach your completion certificate.
- Amend Personal Information (Page 2): Update phone or email only.
- Employer section (Page 2): List add/drop employers with dates. New employers must sign and provide FEIN and 19-A Business ID.
- Freelance Work (Page 3): Indicate if you want to be added to or removed from the independent examiner list.
- Certification section (Page 3): Sign and date. You certify that all information is true and that you understand Article 19-A and the regulations.
Pro tip: Print clearly or type. Incomplete or unsigned forms will be returned.
How to Submit the DS-877 Form?
Mail the completed DS-877 form along with all required attachments (CDL abstract if out-of-state, refresher certificate, etc.) to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Bus Driver Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331
Albany, NY 12228
There is no online submission option for this form. Processing occurs through the Bus Driver Unit. For questions, contact them at (518) 473-9455 or [email protected].
Common Reasons for DS-877 Denial and How to Avoid Them
The DMV’s “Office Use Only” section on Page 3 lists common denial reasons, including:
- Exceeding point limits on driving record
- CDL not renewed or not in proper class
- Missing refresher seminar proof
- Insufficient 19-A experience for upgrades
- Out-of-state abstract not provided or incomplete
- Missing signatures
Double-check your driving record, attach every required document, and ensure your CDL is current before mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DS-877
How often do I need to renew my Certified Examiner status?
Renewal is tied to your CDL expiration and the 3-year refresher seminar requirement.
Can I submit DS-877 electronically?
No — the form must be printed, signed, and mailed with attachments.
What if I need to add a new employer?
Complete the Employer section; the new employer must endorse the form with their signature, FEIN, and 19-A Business ID.
Is there a fee to file DS-877?
No fee is mentioned on the form or official instructions.
Where can I take the required refresher seminar?
DMV-approved providers offer courses regularly (check with training organizations or the Bus Driver Unit for current schedules).
For the most up-to-date Article 19-A information, visit the official NY DMV Article 19-A page.
Stay Compliant and Keep Your Certification Active
Using the DS-877 form correctly ensures you remain authorized to perform critical safety evaluations for New York bus drivers. Always start with the official PDF from dmv.ny.gov and follow the instructions precisely to avoid delays in your certification status.
Direct Download: DS-877 PDF – Certified Examiner Renewal/Amendment
Need help with related forms? Check DS-885CE (Add/Drop Notice for Certified Examiners) or review the full Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (CDL-15) on the NY DMV website.
Stay safe and compliant — your role as a Certified Examiner helps keep New York’s roads safer for everyone. If your situation is unique, contact the Bus Driver Unit directly for guidance.