MV-289 Form – If you own a taxi vehicle in New York State and need special TAXI plates issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the MV-289 form is the required certification document. Also known as the Certification for Taxi Plate, this short, one-page form confirms that your vehicle operates under regulation by a local taxi authority, allowing the DMV to issue official TAXI registration plates instead of standard ones.
The official form is available directly from the NY DMV website and remains the current version used for all taxi plate applications as of 2026. You can download the free MV-289 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv289.pdf.
What Is the MV-289 Form and Why Is It Needed?
The MV-289 is officially titled “Certification for Taxi Plate” (form MV-289, revised 8/15). Its sole purpose is to certify that the named registrant (the taxi owner) is regulated by a specific agency and qualifies for TAXI plates.
In New York, vehicles used as taxis must display distinctive TAXI plates. These are not issued automatically with a standard registration. The DMV requires proof of regulation from the overseeing authority (for example, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission – TLC – or other local regulators outside NYC). The MV-289 provides that official certification.
This form is typically submitted together with the main MV-82 Vehicle Registration/Title Application. On the MV-82, applicants who operate as a taxi must complete the dedicated “Taxis Only” section, and the MV-289 serves as the supporting certification.
Who Must Use the MV-289 Form?
- Taxi owners or fleet operators whose vehicles are regulated by a local taxi/livery authority.
- The form must be completed by an employee of the regulating agency (not the vehicle owner or driver).
- Common users include NYC TLC-regulated taxi owners, as well as operators in other jurisdictions that issue taxi permits.
Note: This form is not for drivers seeking a taxi driver license. Driver licensing is handled separately through the DMV or TLC. The MV-289 is strictly for vehicle plate issuance.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit the MV-289 Form?
The MV-289 is a simple, fillable one-page PDF. Here’s exactly what to do (based on the official form instructions):
- Name of Registrant – Enter the full legal name of the taxi owner (individual or business).
- Regulating Agency – Specify the name of the agency that regulates the taxi (e.g., “New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission”).
- Certification Statement – The form states: “The named registrant is a taxi owner who is regulated by [agency] and should be issued a TAXI plate.”
- Date – Enter the date of certification.
- Signature of Regulatory Agent – The regulating agency employee must sign.
- Title – Enter the agent’s official title.
- Address – Provide the agency’s address.
- Name of Regulating Agency – Repeat the full agency name.
The agent must also certify: “I certify, by my signature below, that I am an employee of the Regulating Agency named above, and that the information provided on this form is true.”
Submission:
- Attach the completed and signed MV-289 to your MV-82 vehicle registration application.
- Submit everything in person at a NY DMV office or by mail (check current DMV mailing requirements).
- No separate fee is charged for the MV-289 itself—standard vehicle registration fees apply.
Download the Official MV-289 PDF
Direct link (always use the official source):
Download MV-289 Certification for Taxi Plate PDF
The form is free, fillable, and print-ready. Always download directly from dmv.ny.gov to ensure you have the latest accepted version. The DMV continues to list and accept this form in 2026 with no announced revisions.
Important Tips for Taxi Owners
- Pair it with MV-82: The MV-289 is not a standalone application. You must file it with the full vehicle registration/title form (MV-82) and any required proof of ownership, insurance, and inspection.
- Regulating agency approval first: Contact your local taxi authority (TLC in NYC, for example) before visiting the DMV—they must provide the signed certification.
- TAXI plates only: Once approved, your vehicle will receive the distinctive yellow TAXI plates required for legal for-hire operation.
- Keep it current: The certification ties to your active regulation. Renewals or changes may require a new MV-289.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the MV-289 form still current in 2026?
Yes. The New York DMV website continues to host and reference MV-289 as the official certification for taxi plates.
Q: Can the taxi owner fill out the MV-289?
No. Only an authorized employee of the regulating agency (TLC or equivalent) may complete and sign it.
Q: Do I need this form for livery or black car services?
Generally no—LIVERY plates have separate eligibility rules on the MV-82. The MV-289 is specific to regulated taxis.
Q: Where do I submit the completed form?
With your MV-82 at any DMV office or through approved mailing channels. Check dmv.ny.gov for the nearest office or current mail-in instructions.
Q: Is there an online way to submit MV-289?
No. Taxi plate certifications require the signed paper form submitted with your registration application.
Get Your TAXI Plates Faster with the MV-289
The MV-289 Certification Application for Taxi Plate Use is a short but essential document that unlocks official TAXI plates for legally regulated taxi vehicles in New York State. By downloading the official PDF from the NY DMV and having your regulating agency complete it, you can smoothly complete your vehicle registration and operate legally.
Always use the direct official link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv289.pdf and pair it with the latest MV-82 instructions for the most up-to-date process.
For the latest vehicle registration rules, visit the official NY DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. Safe driving and successful registration!