MV-278.6 Form – If you own or operate a New York driving school that offers the 5-hour pre-licensing course, you need the MV-278.6 form. This official Authorized Signature List ensures only approved individuals can request certificate books, teach classes, and sign duplicate MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates.
The form is required for new driving school license applications, renewals, and amendments. Below is the complete, up-to-date guide based on the latest New York DMV resources (revision 11/23, still current in 2026).
What Is the MV-278.6 Form?
The MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List is a one-page PDF that driving schools must submit to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV). It lists names, titles, signatures, and authorizations for specific actions related to the pre-licensing course.
Authorized actions include:
- Requesting/purchasing books of MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates
- Teaching the Pre-Licensing Course
- Signing duplicate MV-278 certificates
Important notes from the official form:
- Only classroom-endorsed instructors may issue MV-278 certificates.
- Only the owner or an authorized classroom-endorsed instructor may sign duplicates.
This form protects the integrity of the pre-licensing process, which is mandatory for most new drivers before scheduling a road test.
Who Must Submit the MV-278.6 Form?
You must complete and submit MV-278.6 in these situations:
- Filing an original Driving School License Application (form MV-521)
- Filing a Driving School Renewal Application (form MV-522)
- Amending your list to add new authorized individuals (or when adding a new Classroom Endorsed Instructor)
Secondary schools, colleges, and BOCES use a different form (MV-278.7) — MV-278.6 is specifically for commercial driving schools.
How to Download the MV-278.6 PDF (Free & Official)?
Direct download link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2786.pdf
This is the current version (revised 11/23) directly from the official NY DMV website. Always download from dmv.ny.gov to ensure you have the latest form — no registration or payment required.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out MV-278.6?
- Print the driving school name and address at the top.
- Check the action type (only one box):
- Original (first-time approval)
- Renewal (with your MV-522)
- Amend (adding people without replacing anyone)
- List each authorized individual (you can add multiple):
- Print Name
- Title
- Signature
- Check the appropriate boxes:
- Request MV-278 Books
- Teach the Pre-Licensing Course
- Sign Duplicate Certificate(s)
- Sign and date at the bottom as the Authorized Official (print name and title).
- Submit — do not send blank or incomplete forms.
Pro tip: Use black ink and make clear checkmarks. Photocopies are not accepted; each submission must be original.
Where to Submit the MV-278.6 Form?
Mail the completed form (along with your application or renewal) to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Training Programs
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 336
Albany, NY 12228
For renewals, attach it to your MV-522 package. Processing typically occurs with your overall application approval.
Related NY DMV Forms You May Need
- MV-521 — Original Driving School License Application
- MV-522 — Driving School Renewal Application
- MV-278 — Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (the actual student certificates)
- MV-527 — List of Driving School Vehicles (if applicable)
- MV-278.7 — For secondary schools/colleges (different from MV-278.6)
You can find all forms on the official NY DMV Forms page.
Why the MV-278.6 Matters for Driving Schools?
Without an approved Authorized Signature List, your school cannot legally:
- Order official MV-278 certificate books
- Issue valid completion certificates
- Have instructors teach the pre-licensing course
Non-compliance can delay license approval, result in fines, or prevent students from scheduling road tests. Submitting this form correctly speeds up approval and keeps your school compliant with Part 7 of the DMV Commissioner’s Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the MV-278.6 form free?
A: Yes — 100% free PDF download from the official NY DMV site.
Q: How often do I need to update it?
A: With every renewal (every 2 years) or whenever you add new authorized instructors.
Q: Can I add someone later without a full renewal?
A: Yes — select “Amend” and submit just the MV-278.6.
Q: What if my instructor list changes?
A: Submit a new MV-278.6 immediately to avoid issues with certificate issuance.
Q: Is this form for high schools or only commercial driving schools?
A: Commercial driving schools only. Public schools use MV-278.7.
Final Tips for Success
- Always use the latest PDF from dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2786.pdf.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- Pair it with your full application package for faster processing.
- For questions, contact NY DMV Driver Training Programs (details on the official site).
Need the MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List right now? Download it instantly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2786.pdf
Stay compliant, keep your driving school running smoothly, and help New York drivers get on the road safely. For the most current information, always check the official New York DMV website.