PSB-3 Form – The PSB-3 Form, officially known as the Name Selection Form for Private Service Bureau Applicants, is a required document from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for anyone planning to operate a Private Service Bureau (PSB) in New York. This form ensures your proposed business name and associated website or social media accounts receive pre-approval before you submit your full PSB license application.
Whether you’re starting a new PSB business or expanding an existing one, understanding the PSB-3 Form is the critical first step. Below is your complete, up-to-date guide based exclusively on official NY DMV resources.
What Is the PSB-3 Form?
The PSB-3 Form is the Name Selection Form for Private Service Bureau (PSB) Applicants. It allows future PSB operators to request DMV pre-approval for up to three business name options and up to three website or social media name options.
Issued as PSB-3 (7/21), the form is a short, one-page PDF designed specifically for the pre-application stage of obtaining a Private Service Bureau license.
What Are Private Service Bureaus (PSBs) in New York State?
A Private Service Bureau (PSB) is a licensed business that assists the public—for a fee—in securing driver licenses, vehicle registrations, titles, and other DMV-related transactions. PSBs operate as authorized partners to the NY DMV but are not official state agencies.
Any person, firm, association, or corporation engaged in this business must hold a valid PSB license issued by the DMV. The PSB-3 Form is the mandatory first step in the licensing process.
Why Is the PSB-3 Name Selection Form Required?
The New York DMV requires pre-approval of your PSB name to prevent public confusion with official state services. Names containing “DMV,” “Motor Vehicle,” or “State” are automatically rejected.
Submitting the PSB-3 before filing the full license application (Form MV-372) ensures your chosen name is approved early, avoiding delays or rejection later in the process. Incomplete or unapproved names will result in your entire application being rejected.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the PSB-3 Form?
Filling out the PSB-3 Form is straightforward. Here’s exactly what you need to provide:
- Requester’s Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number (with area code)
- Fax Number (with area code)
- Email Address
- Name Selection Requests (up to 3 business name options)
- Website/Social Media Name Requests (up to 3 options for any associated online presence)
Important: Print clearly or type all information. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
PSB Name Approval Guidelines and Restrictions
The DMV will review your selections and notify you which name (if any) is approved. Key rules include:
- Prohibited words: “DMV”, “Motor Vehicle”, or “State”
- Names must not create confusion with official government services
- Website and social media names must also receive approval
Once approved, you must use the exact approved name on all business materials and your MV-372 application.
Required Website Notice for PSB Operators
If your PSB website or social media offers driver licensing, registration, or title transactions, you must display this exact notice in bold, 24-point type on relevant pages:
NOTICE: THIS TRANSACTION OR SERVICE IS ALSO AVAILABLE, AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE, DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WEBSITE AT DMV.NY.GOV
This transparency requirement protects consumers and is mandatory for compliance.
How to Submit the PSB-3 Name Selection Form to NY DMV?
Submit the completed PSB-3 before applying for your PSB license. Two easy options:
- Fax: (518) 486-1931
- Email: [email protected]
DMV will review and respond with the approved name. Only after receiving approval can you proceed to the full license application.
Download PSB-3 Form PDF: Official NY DMV Link
Get the most current version directly from the official source:
Download PSB-3 Form PDF
Always use the latest official PDF from dmv.ny.gov to ensure compliance.
Next Steps After PSB-3 Approval: Applying for Your Private Service Bureau License
Once your name is approved, you can submit:
- Form MV-372 (Application for a License to Operate a Private Service Bureau or Open a Branch Office)
- Proof of PSB-3 approval
- All other required supporting documents
Full details and checklists are available on the official Private Service Bureau Licenses page.
PSB-3 Form FAQ
Q: Can I submit more than three name choices?
A: No. The form allows a maximum of three business names and three website/social media names.
Q: How long does DMV approval take?
A: Processing time varies; submit as early as possible to avoid delays.
Q: Is the PSB-3 Form free?
A: Yes, there is no fee to submit the name selection form.
Q: Do I need PSB-3 if I’m only opening a branch office?
A: Yes, name approval is required for both new licenses and branch offices.
Get Started with Your NY DMV PSB Application Today
The PSB-3 Form is your gateway to operating a licensed Private Service Bureau in New York State. By securing name approval first, you streamline the entire licensing process and stay fully compliant with DMV regulations.
Download the official PSB-3 PDF today, prepare your name selections, and take the first step toward launching your PSB business. For the latest updates, always refer to the official New York DMV website.
This guide is based solely on current official NY DMV publications and forms as of the latest available data.