P-71 Form – The P-71 form from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) provides essential guidance for drivers who receive an Order of Suspension or Revocation (Form MV-1192) due to an alcohol-related conviction under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1192. If you’ve been convicted of DWI, DWAI, or a related offense, this document outlines your next steps, fees, and options for restoring driving privileges.
Below is a clear, up-to-date breakdown based on the official P-71 PDF (revised 10/15, still current on the NY DMV website as of 2026) and the latest DMV restoration guidelines.
What Is the P-71 Form?
The P-71 form, titled “Information for Motorists Who Have Received an Order of Suspension or Revocation (Form MV-1192) for an Alcohol-Related Conviction”, is a one-page official NY DMV document. It explains what happens after an alcohol-related driving conviction and walks you through the requirements to regain your driving privileges in New York State.
You typically receive this form (or its information) along with your suspension/revocation order from the court or DMV. It applies to both New York-licensed drivers and out-of-state drivers whose driving privilege in New York is suspended.
Who Receives the P-71 Form?
You will receive information from the P-71 form if you are convicted of any alcohol-related violation under VTL §1192, such as:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Aggravated DWI
- Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI)
- Related chemical test refusals
Out-of-state license holders do not need to surrender their physical license but cannot drive in New York until the suspension period ends.
Key Instructions in the P-71 Form
The form clearly states:
- You must not drive in New York State until your full suspension or revocation period is complete.
- After the suspension ends, contact a motor vehicle office to request restoration of your driving privilege.
- DMV will mail you a notice if you are eligible for the Impaired Driver Program (IDP) — formerly known as the Drinking Driver Program.
- Do not visit a DMV office to apply for the IDP until you receive the official eligibility notice.
If you haven’t received the eligibility notice by the 18th day after sentencing, call a motor vehicle office to verify your status.
Impaired Driver Program (IDP) Enrollment
If eligible, the IDP allows you to:
- Attend a state-approved program (includes education and possible clinical assessment/treatment)
- Potentially obtain a conditional license or privilege during part of your suspension/revocation
Enrollment steps:
- Wait for your DMV eligibility notice.
- Bring the notice and required documents to any motor vehicle office (applications accepted until 3:30 p.m. on business days).
- Pay the $75 administrative fee + $12.50 photo document fee (plus the separate IDP course fee paid at the first class).
- Surrender your New York photo license/permit if you haven’t already turned it in to the court.
Conditional License or Privilege During Suspension
Eligible drivers may qualify for limited driving privileges (e.g., to work, school, or medical appointments) while completing the IDP. You must turn in Part I of Form MV-1192 (“Continuation of Driving Privileges”) if issued by the court.
Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
New York requires a Driver Responsibility Assessment for alcohol- or drug-related convictions or chemical test refusals:
- $250 per year for three years
- DMV will send you a separate billing statement
This assessment is in addition to any court fines or IDP fees.
Suspension Termination Fee and Full License Restoration
To restore your full license or privilege after the suspension period:
- Complete the IDP (if required)
- Pay the $50 suspension termination fee (for suspensions effective on or after July 6, 2009)
- Pay any outstanding Driver Responsibility Assessment or civil penalties
- Visit a motor vehicle office or use online options where available
Payment options include cash, credit card (in-office or online for some fees), certified check, or money order.
Note: Drivers with two or more alcohol/drug-related convictions in 25 years face stricter relicensing rules, including substance abuse assessment/treatment and a formal restoration application process.
How to Download the Official P-71 PDF?
Get the most current version directly from the NY DMV:
- Direct download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/p71.pdf
This free PDF contains the exact instructions quoted above and is the authoritative source.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your License After an Alcohol-Related Suspension
- Serve the full suspension/revocation period.
- Complete the Impaired Driver Program (IDP) if required.
- Pay all fees (suspension termination fee, DRA, IDP fees).
- Gather required documents and visit a DMV office (or follow mailed instructions for revocations).
- For multiple offenses, submit a formal relicensing application to the Driver Improvement Bureau.
Always check your specific suspension letter for personalized requirements.
Contact NY DMV for Help
- In-person: Visit your most convenient motor vehicle office (find locations at dmv.ny.gov).
- Phone (within NYS): Use local office numbers listed in the phone book.
- Outside NYS: (518) 473-5595 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
- TTY/TDD: 1-800-368-1186 (within NYS) or (518) 473-9002 (outside NYS)
For the latest forms and requirements, visit the official NY DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.
Why the P-71 Form Matters for New York Drivers?
Understanding the P-71 form helps you avoid further penalties, such as driving with a suspended license (which carries its own criminal charges). Following its instructions precisely is the fastest path to restoring your driving privileges legally and safely.
Download the P-71 PDF today and take control of your license restoration process. If your situation involves multiple convictions or revocation, consult the full DMV relicensing pages for additional requirements. Safe driving starts with compliance.