PA-7 Form – The PA-7 Form is the official New York State DMV Language Access Services Complaint Submission Form. It allows anyone who experienced problems with language assistance at the DMV—such as lack of interpreters, poor interpretation, or missing translated documents—to file a formal complaint quickly and confidentially.
New York State law requires the DMV and other agencies to provide free interpretation in any language and translate vital documents into the top 12 most common non-English languages spoken in the state. The PA-7 form ensures your voice is heard so the DMV can improve services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) customers.
Download the latest PA-7 Form (Revision Date: 6/22) directly here:
Download PA-7 PDF
The form is also available in multiple languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Yiddish, French, and Urdu) on the official DMV Language Assistance page.
What Is the PA-7 Form?
The PA-7 is officially titled “Access to Services in Your Language: Complaint Form” (form code PA-7). It is a simple, one-page printable PDF created by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles specifically for filing complaints about language access issues.
All personal information you provide is kept strictly confidential. The DMV uses the form to investigate complaints and improve language services statewide.
Purpose of the PA-7 Language Access Complaint Form
The PA-7 form lets you report any problems with:
- Not being offered an interpreter
- Being denied a requested interpreter
- Poor interpreter skills or rude behavior
- Long waits for interpretation
- Important forms or notices not provided in your preferred language
- Any other language access barriers at DMV offices, by phone, or online services
Filing a complaint helps the DMV fulfill its legal obligation under New York’s Language Access Policy and Executive Law § 202-A.
Who Should Use the PA-7 Form?
You should file a PA-7 complaint if you:
- Needed services in a language other than English and did not receive proper help
- Were unable to complete a DMV transaction (license, registration, title, road test, etc.) due to language barriers
- Believe the DMV violated your right to language access
Anyone can file — you, a family member, friend, or advocate helping you. You do not need to provide your name if you prefer anonymity, though providing contact information allows the DMV to update you on the resolution.
How to Download the PA-7 Form PDF?
- Visit the official NY DMV Language Assistance page: dmv.ny.gov/more-info/language-assistance
- Scroll to the PA-7 section
- Click the English version or choose your preferred language (PA-7A through PA-7U)
- Save the PDF to your device
The form is free, requires no login, and works on any device. It is always current—last revision June 2022—and hosted directly on dmv.ny.gov.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the PA-7 Form
The PA-7 is straightforward and designed for easy completion. Here’s exactly what to fill out:
Section 1: Complainant Information
- First and last name (or check “I prefer not to provide my name”)
- Zip code
- Preferred language(s)
- Phone number and email (recommended for updates)
- If someone is helping you file, add their name and contact info
Section 2: Language Needed
- Write the language(s) you required services in
Section 3: What Was the Problem?
- Check all that apply:
- Not offered an interpreter
- Asked for interpreter and was denied
- Interpreter skills were poor
- Interpreter made rude comments
- Waited too long
- Forms/notices not in understandable language
- Other (explain)
Section 4: When and Where Did This Happen?
- Date (MM/DD/YYYY) and time (AM/PM)
- Most recent incident if it happened more than once
- Location: In-person or over the phone + address
Section 5: Describe What Happened
- Provide as much detail as possible: dates, times, DMV office/location, names of staff or interpreters (if known), documents involved, and services you were trying to access
- Attach extra pages if needed—write your name on each sheet
Section 6: Did You Complain to Anyone at the DMV?
- Note who you spoke with and their response (if applicable)
Signature and Date
- Print your name and sign with the date
Tip: Be specific and factual. Clear details help the DMV investigate faster.
Where and How to Submit Your PA-7 Complaint?
Submit the completed PA-7 form by:
- Email (fastest): [email protected]
- Fax: 518-486-5427
- Mail: Language Access Review Board
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 520
Albany, NY 12228
No filing fee. No deadline. Print and sign with black ink if mailing or faxing.
What Happens After You Submit the PA-7 Form?
The DMV’s Language Access Review Board reviews every complaint. They will:
- Investigate the issue
- Take corrective action if needed
- Update you (if contact information was provided)
All complaints help improve services for future customers. You will not receive a full legal investigation like a discrimination complaint, but your feedback directly influences DMV training and procedures.
New York DMV Language Access Policy at a Glance
- Free interpreters available in any language upon request
- Vital documents translated into the top 12 languages: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian, Arabic, Polish, French, and Urdu
- Call 1-518-486-9786 during business hours for immediate language assistance
- Website and many forms already available in multiple languages
Learn more on the official page: Language Assistance at NY DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PA-7 Form
Is the PA-7 form confidential?
Yes. All personal information is kept confidential.
Can I file anonymously?
Yes, but the DMV cannot update you on the outcome without contact details.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No. The form is designed for individuals to complete on their own.
Is there a time limit to file?
No deadline is listed on the form.
Can I file for someone else?
Yes—simply note that you are helping them in Section 1.
Get Language Help or File Your Complaint Today
Language barriers should never prevent you from accessing DMV services. The PA-7 Form gives you an official, easy way to report problems and help make New York DMV services more accessible for everyone.
Ready to file?
Download the PA-7 PDF now
For immediate help with any DMV transaction in your language, call 1-518-486-9786.
Your complaint matters. Submitting the PA-7 form helps ensure every New Yorker receives the language access they are legally entitled to.