DS-879 Form: Article 19-A Carrier Application (PDF)

DS-879 Form – Motor carriers operating buses in New York must comply with strict safety standards under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The DS-879 Form, officially titled the Article 19-A Carrier Application, serves as the essential first step for registration with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) Bus Driver Unit. This one-page PDF form allows carriers to enroll, receive a 19-A Business ID number, and gain access to the electronic 19-A system for managing driver compliance.

What Is the DS-879 Form?

The DS-879 is the official Article 19-A Carrier Application published by the NY DMV. Revised as DS-879 (5/21), it registers motor carriers that operate buses subject to Article 19-A requirements.

Carriers complete and submit the form (via email or fax) to the Bus Driver Unit. It collects basic company information and certifies compliance with Article 19-A rules and the electronic system terms. Upon approval, the DMV assigns a unique 19-A Business ID (BID) number and confirms registration.

Direct PDF download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds879.pdf

Understanding Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law

Article 19-A (Vehicle and Traffic Law §§ 509-a to 509-o) sets enhanced qualification, training, and record-keeping standards for bus drivers to improve highway safety. It applies to any motor vehicle defined as a “bus” (seating capacity of 11+ passengers plus driver) used for transporting passengers for hire or specific groups such as children under 21 or disabled persons.

Covered operations include school buses, contract carriers, van services, limousines, ambulettes, religious/church transport, and certain governmental or transit services. The law requires carriers to qualify drivers through medical exams, driving record checks, fingerprinting (for school carriers), and periodic examinations by DMV-certified examiners.

Non-compliance can result in civil penalties, vehicle registration suspension, or loss of operating privileges.

Who Needs to File the DS-879 Article 19-A Carrier Application?

You must file DS-879 if your company operates or directs bus drivers in New York and falls into one of these categories:

• School Motor Carrier (including churches, nursery schools, daycares, and camps that transport persons under 21 or disabled individuals)
• Non-School Motor Carrier
• School and Non-School Motor Carrier

This includes for-hire passenger carriers, NYSDOT/USDOT-authorized carriers, city-regulated bus lines, and stretch limousines (9+ passengers for hire). Interstate carriers operating more than 100 days or 10,000 miles annually in New York generally must comply.

Newly established carriers, carriers changing ownership, or those beginning passenger transport operations in New York all require registration.

How to Complete the DS-879 Form?

The DS-879 is a simple, fillable PDF. Follow these steps exactly:

1. Enter NYS DOT Number (if applicable) and US DOT Number (if applicable).
2. Provide Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN).
3. List Motor Carrier’s Legal Name and Assumed/DBA Name (if any).
4. Supply complete Mailing Address and Physical Address (if different), including city, state, zip code, and county.
5. Enter E-mail Address for official correspondence.
6. Select Motor Carrier Type (check one): Non-School, School, or School and Non-School.
7. Complete Liaison/Contact Information (recommended for online system access): Name of Liaison, Liaison’s E-mail Address, plus contact representative details.
8. Indicate applicable service types (e.g., Contracted School, Camp, Day Care, Van, Transit, Limousine, Ambulette/Paratransit, Religious, Governmental).
9. Have an Authorized Representative (Business Owner, General Partner, Corporate Officer, LLC Managing Member, or School Superintendent) sign and date the certification under penalty of perjury.

The certification confirms that the carrier will comply with Article 19-A and that management has been informed of all obligations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering as an Article 19-A Motor Carrier

Registration involves more than just DS-879. The official Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (CDL-15) outlines the full process (download at dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl15.pdf).

1. Determine your carrier type (school vs. non-school).
2. Complete DS-879 (as described above).
3. Complete DS-19 (Accident and Conviction Notification Program Application) and open the required escrow account.
4. Complete DS-870 (Bus Driver Application) for every driver.
5. Submit DS-879, DS-19, all DS-870 forms, and escrow check copy via email to [email protected] or fax to (518) 474-0593.
6. Mail the original DS-19 and escrow check to: NYS DMV Revenue Accounting, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228.
7. Await acknowledgment letter with your 19-A Business ID.

School carriers must also fingerprint drivers via IdentoGo before adding them to the roster.

Ongoing Compliance Requirements After DS-879 Approval

Registration is only the beginning. Carriers must:

• Maintain detailed driver qualification files (3+ years).
• Conduct pre-employment and biennial medical exams, annual driving record reviews, defensive driving observations, and biennial road/written tests.
• Submit the Annual Affidavit of Compliance (AFCO) and statistical report by July 1 each year.
• Use the 19-A online system (if enrolled) for real-time driver roster management, add/drop notifications, and electronic AFCO filing.
• Notify the Bus Driver Unit of any changes in address, contact, or carrier type.

Full details and record-keeping rules appear in the Article 19-A Information Packet (DS-700) and CDL-15 guide.

Benefits of Enrolling in the 19-A Online System via DS-879

Completing the Liaison/Contact section on DS-879 enrolls you in the secure 19-A electronic web application. Benefits include:

• Real-time driver roster access
• Instant add/drop of drivers and certified examiners
• Daily email notifications about driver status
• Electronic submission of the Annual Affidavit of Compliance
• Faster processing and reduced paperwork

The liaison becomes the primary administrator and contact for the Bus Driver Unit.

Download DS-879 PDF and Related Article 19-A Forms

• DS-879 Article 19-A Carrier Application: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds879.pdf
• CDL-15 Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl15.pdf
• All forms and the full information packet are available on the official NY DMV Motor Carriers page.

Always use the latest versions directly from dmv.ny.gov to ensure compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DS-879

Is DS-879 required for every bus operator in New York?
Yes, if your operations meet the Article 19-A definition of a motor carrier and bus.

Can I submit DS-879 electronically?
Yes — email is preferred. Fax is also accepted.

How long does registration take?
Processing time varies; the DMV sends an acknowledgment letter once complete.

Do I need to file DS-879 every year?
No — it is a one-time registration (with updates as needed). Annual compliance is handled via the AFCO.

Contact the New York DMV Bus Driver Unit

For questions about the DS-879 or Article 19-A program:
Phone: (518) 473-9455
Email: [email protected]

Official website resources: dmv.ny.gov/motor-carriers/information-and-forms-article-19

Important: This guide is based on the latest official NY DMV publications (CDL-15 and DS-879 as of the most recent revisions). Always verify current requirements and download forms directly from the NY DMV website, as regulations can be updated. Proper completion of the DS-879 Form ensures your carrier starts compliant and avoids penalties under Article 19-A.