MV-58A Form – If you’re a teenager with a New York junior driver license (Class DJ or MJ) and you’ve just landed a job, the MV-58A Form (Certificate of Employment) is your key to legally driving to and from work without an adult supervisor. This official New York DMV document helps young drivers navigate the strict graduated driver license (GDL) restrictions while staying compliant with state law.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly what the MV-58A is, who needs it, how to fill it out correctly, where to download the latest PDF, and all the important restrictions you must follow. Everything is based on the current official New York State DMV resources as of 2026.
What Is the MV-58A Form?
The MV-58A is officially titled Certificate of Employment. It is a one-page form issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (revision date 7/21) that an employer completes to verify a junior driver’s employment.
By carrying a properly completed MV-58A, a Class DJ or MJ license holder (or Limited Class DJ/MJ) can drive alone to and from their place of employment during allowed hours — an exception to the normal GDL passenger and nighttime restrictions.
The form certifies:
- The driver’s name and license ID number
- Employer name, business address, and phone number
- Specific days and hours of employment
Important note: The licensee must work on a regularly scheduled basis (at least once a week for four consecutive weeks). The employer must be willing to verify the information if contacted by police or a magistrate.
Who Needs the MV-58A Certificate of Employment?
You need the MV-58A if you:
- Hold a Class DJ (junior operator) or Class MJ (junior motorcycle) license
- Hold a Limited Class DJ or Limited Class MJ license
- Want to drive unaccompanied to and from work
This form is not required for adult drivers or holders of full Class D or M licenses. It is exclusively for junior drivers under the New York Graduated License Law.
Employers (not the driver or parent) must complete and sign the form. The junior driver then carries the top portion with their license at all times when using this privilege.
Graduated Driver License Work Exception Explained
New York’s GDL program limits where, when, and with whom junior drivers can operate a vehicle. The MV-58A provides a legal exception specifically for employment commuting:
- Allowed: Driving directly to and from the workplace
- Not allowed: Driving during work hours (e.g., deliveries, sales runs) — except for farm employment
- Farm work bonus: Farm employment allows driving at any time with this certificate
The form is not valid for any driving inside New York City at any time.
How to Fill Out the MV-58A Form – Step-by-Step?
The employer completes the entire form. Here’s exactly what to do (based on the official instructions printed on the MV-58A PDF):
- Enter employee details
- Full name of the licensee
- License ID number (from their driver license)
- Enter employer/business details
- Name of Business
- Address of Business
- Telephone Number where the employer can be reached
- List days and hours of employment
Check the applicable days (Mon–Sun) and write exact “FROM” and “TO” times for each. - Sign and date
The employer signs, prints their title, and dates the form. - Separate the form
Tear along the perforated line. The junior driver keeps the top portion folded with their driver license. The bottom stays with the employer.
The driver must carry the MV-58A every time they drive to or from work using this exception.
Important Restrictions You Must Follow
- Nighttime rules vary by region:
- Class DJ/MJ: After 9 p.m. allowed only outside NYC, Nassau, and Suffolk counties
- Nassau/Suffolk: Only 5 a.m.–9 p.m. (farm work anytime)
- Limited licenses: Anytime except in NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties
- The certificate cannot be used for driving while actually working (deliveries, etc.).
- It is invalid in New York City at any time.
- Police can contact the employer to verify the information.
Failing to carry the completed MV-58A or violating restrictions can result in tickets, license suspension, or points on the driving record.
Where to Download the Official MV-58A PDF?
Direct download link (always current version):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv58a.pdf
You can also:
- Print copies at any New York DMV office
- Find it listed on the official NY DMV Forms page
The PDF is free, one page, and ready to print. No registration or login required.
Tips for Success with the MV-58A Form
- Ask your employer to complete the form as soon as you start the job.
- Make several photocopies — the original can be kept by the employer while you carry a clear copy.
- Update the form if your hours change (new form required).
- Keep it with your license at all times when commuting.
- In upstate counties outside the NYC metro area, a dated employer letter may sometimes substitute, but the official MV-58A is the safest and most widely accepted option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the MV-58A for school or other activities?
No — only for employment commuting.
Do parents need to sign it?
No — only the employer.
Is the form still valid if I change jobs?
No — you need a new MV-58A from your new employer.
What if my employer refuses to sign?
You cannot use the work exception without it. Talk to your supervisor or use public transportation/alternative arrangements.
Conclusion: Get Your MV-58A and Drive Responsibly
The MV-58A Certificate of Employment is a simple but powerful tool that gives New York junior drivers (Class DJ/MJ) the freedom to commute to work independently while staying fully compliant with DMV rules. Download the official PDF today, have your employer complete it correctly, and keep it with your license.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official New York DMV website at dmv.ny.gov or visit your local DMV office.
Ready to download?
→ MV-58A PDF – Official New York DMV
Drive safe, stay within the restrictions, and enjoy the extra independence this form provides! If your employment situation changes, simply request a new MV-58A from your employer.