MV-520 Form – If you want to open a licensed driving school in New York State, the MV-520 form (officially titled Application for Original Driving School License) is the required starting point. This official New York DMV document collects all the details about your business, location, owners, vehicles, instructors, and services so the state can review and approve your license.
The form is completely free to download as a fillable PDF, and using the most current version (revised June 2023) ensures your application is processed without delays.
What Is the MV-520 Form?
The MV-520 is a 6-page application packet used exclusively for new (original) driving school licenses in New York. It is not for renewing or amending an existing license (those use MV-521).
You must read Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 394 and DMV Commissioner’s Regulations Part 76 before completing it. The form gathers:
- Business structure and owner information
- Proposed school location and floor plan
- Services (Pre-Licensing Course, road-test scheduling, Private Service Bureau)
- Vehicles and qualified instructors
- Criminal history and background attestations
All owners with 20% or more stake must sign the certification and attestation sections.
Who Needs the MV-520 Form?
Any individual, partnership, corporation, or LLC that wants to operate a commercial driving school in New York must file the MV-520. This includes schools offering:
- Behind-the-wheel driving lessons
- The state-approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course
- Road-test scheduling or Private Service Bureau (PSB) services
You cannot legally advertise or teach driving lessons until you receive your official driving school license from the DMV.
Download the Official MV-520 PDF (Direct Link)
Official download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv520.pdf
(Always download directly from the NY DMV website to get the latest version.)
You can also access it from the DMV’s “Open a Driving School” page:
https://dmv.ny.gov/business/driver-training/open-a-driving-school
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the MV-520 Form
Print clearly or type. The form is divided into clear parts:
Part 1 – Business Structure
Choose only one: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation/LLC.
Provide full names, addresses as they appear on driver licenses, dates of birth, DL numbers, and contact info for all owners/officers/stockholders (20%+ ownership). Out-of-state residents must attach ID or driver record.
Part 3 – Services Your School Will Provide
- Indicate if you will offer the Pre-Licensing Course (attach MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List if yes)
- Name your qualified instructor (must have valid MV-524 certificate + 1,000 hours of behind-the-wheel experience + proof)
- Request internet road-test scheduling access (optional)
- List vehicle types and complete the vehicle chart (or attach MV-527)
Part 4 – Background Questions
Disclose any criminal convictions or pending hearings. Attach Certificate of Disposition if needed.
Part 6 – Business Location Details
- Provide exact dimensions of office (min. 50 sq ft) and classrooms (min. 150 sq ft each)
- Draw a floor plan and attach photos
- Complete the compliance checklist (1,500-ft distance rules, accessibility, storage security, etc.)
- Sign the Attestation of Inspection
Certification & Attestation (all owners must sign)
You swear that all information is true and that you will comply with all laws and regulations.
Required Supporting Documents
You must submit all of these with your MV-520:
- Personal History Form (MV-521.1) for every owner, partner, officer, manager, and major stockholder
- Application for Driving School Instructor Certificate (MV-523) for your qualified instructor
- Proof of business location: lease + Certificate of Occupancy
- Workers’ Compensation/Disability insurance proof (or CE-200 exemption)
- Sample records (ledger, receipts, contracts – use MV-299.4 guidelines)
- Vehicle list (MV-527) with insurance and equipment compliance
- Floor plan drawing + photos of office and classrooms
Fees for the MV-520 Application
- Application fee: $50
- License fee: $50
Send two separate checks or money orders payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” Starter checks are not accepted.
Where to Submit the MV-520 Package?
Mail the completed MV-520, all attachments, and fees to:
Driver Training Programs
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 327
Albany, NY 12228
(Phone: 518-473-7174, Option 3 | Fax: 518-473-0160)
What Happens After You Submit?
- DMV Driver Training Programs staff reviews your package.
- If complete, they schedule an inspection of your location and classrooms.
- Upon approval, you receive your official driving school license and instructor certificates by mail.
- You must post your license, price list, and “receipt required” sign visibly at the school.
Key Requirements for Approval
- Location must be at least 1,500 feet from any DMV office or road-test site.
- Classrooms must meet strict size, accessibility, lighting, and distraction-free standards.
- At least one instructor with 1,000+ hours of experience.
- All vehicles must have proper insurance and dual controls (per Part 76).
- You must use DMV-approved contracts and receipts.
FAQs About the MV-520 Form
Can I apply online?
No — the MV-520 must be mailed as a paper application.
How long does approval take?
Processing plus inspection typically takes several weeks; submit everything correctly the first time to avoid delays.
Do I need the MV-520 if I’m only teaching motorcycle or truck?
Yes — the same form covers all vehicle classes.
What if my business name is already taken?
The DMV will reject names that are too similar to existing schools or imply state endorsement.
Ready to Open Your New York Driving School?
Download the MV-520 PDF today, gather your documents, and submit a complete package to start the licensing process the right way. For the latest instructions, always visit the official NY DMV “Open a Driving School” page.
Need help with related forms? Check the DMV’s full driver-training section or contact Driver Training Programs directly at the number above.
Official sources: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.ny.gov) — current as of 2026. Always verify the latest version of any form directly on the DMV website before submitting.