RV-2 Form: ATV Dealer Registration Instruction Guide (PDF)

RV-2 Form – The RV-2 Form serves as the official All-Terrain Vehicle Dealer Registration Instructions from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV). This comprehensive guide helps ATV dealers understand and comply with state requirements for registering as an ATV dealer, obtaining plates, and handling point-of-sale registrations. Whether you’re starting a new dealership or renewing your existing one, the RV-2 PDF provides step-by-step directions based on Section 2282 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Download the latest official RV-2 Form here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/rv2.pdf (RV-2 (7/19) – still the current version as listed on the NY DMV website).

What Is the RV-2 Form and Why Is It Important for ATV Dealers?

The RV-2 Form is not a fillable application but a detailed instruction manual titled “ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE DEALER REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS.” Revised in July 2019 and hosted directly on the official NY DMV site, it explains every aspect of operating legally as an ATV dealer in New York State.

Key purpose:

  • Register as an ATV dealer (required for anyone selling ATVs at wholesale or retail).
  • Obtain and manage dealer demonstrator plates.
  • Participate in the Dealer Plate Issuance Program.
  • Register every ATV sold at the point-of-sale before delivery.

Important note: If you already hold a New York motor vehicle dealer registration, you do not need a separate ATV dealer registration.

Who Must Register as an ATV Dealer Using RV-2 Instructions?

According to the RV-2 guide, any person or business selling ATVs at wholesale or retail must register as an ATV dealer under New York law. This includes:

  • Standalone ATV dealerships.
  • Businesses also selling motor vehicles (combined registration).

Exemptions apply only to those already registered as full motor vehicle dealers. Failure to register can result in penalties, suspension, or legal action.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for ATV Dealer Registration (VS-1D Form)?

The RV-2 walks you through the initial registration process:

  1. Complete Form VS-1D (Original Facility Application – Attachment A in RV-2).
  2. Pay the correct fee:
    • $50 for dealers selling only ATVs.
    • $487.50 for dealers selling ATVs plus motor vehicles ($37.50 application + $450 two-year business fee).
  3. Mail the application and check (payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”) to:
    Vehicle Safety Services Application Unit
    6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220
    Albany, NY 12228-0001
    Phone: (518) 474-0919 (specify ATV-related inquiry).

After approval, the DMV sends:

  • Official Business Certificate (MV-61P).
  • Approval letter for two free dealer demonstrator plates.
  • Completed MV-82.
  • Two blue validation stickers.

Display the certificate prominently and include your facility ID on all correspondence.

Renewing Your ATV Dealer Registration Every Two Years

Dealer registrations expire every two years on the last day of the issuance month. The DMV mails renewal reminders approximately 30 days in advance. Use the same VS-1D process or contact Vehicle Safety Services for amendments.

For changes:

  • Use MV-253G for certificate amendments/duplicates.
  • Use VS-19 for business location changes.

How to Obtain and Use ATV Dealer Demonstrator Plates

Once registered, bring your approval letter and completed MV-82 to any NY DMV office to receive:

  • Two ATV dealer plates.
  • Two reflective validation stickers.
  • Non-transferable registration document.

Restrictions:

  • Plates are for demonstration, testing, or courtesy delivery only.
  • Motorcycle dealer plates may also be used for ATVs in some cases.
  • Additional plates require regional office approval.

Participating in the NY DMV Dealer Plate Issuance Program

The RV-2 details eligibility and procedures for the Dealer Plate Issuance Program (highly beneficial for high-volume dealers):

Eligibility requirements:

  • Registered retail ATV dealer for at least one year (waivable in some cases).
  • Minimum 25 retail sales per year.
  • Good standing (no violations, suspensions, or investigations in the past 12 months).
  • Secure plate storage and approved issuance log.

How to apply:

  • Submit MV-463 to the Dealer Plate Issuance Unit.
  • Order plates in boxes of 25 using MV-464L ($125 per box).

Strict rules:

  • Plates must be issued sequentially and tracked in a Plate Issuance Log.
  • Report lost/stolen plates immediately with a police report (MV-78B).
  • Maintain inventory records or risk program suspension.

Registering ATVs at Point-of-Sale: MV-53 and Required Documents

Every ATV sold to a New York resident (or non-resident taking delivery in NY) must be registered before delivery unless exempt.

Process:

  1. Complete Temporary Certificate of Registration (MV-53) for each ATV (valid 45 days).
  2. Collect:
    • Proof of ownership (MCO/MSO for new ATVs with dealer number on back).
    • Original dealer’s bill of sale (includes buyer address, sale date, price, VIN, tax info).
    • Proof of identity (6 points + DOB per ID-82).
  3. Submit full packet (MV-82, MV-53 Copy 3, etc.) to a DMV office within 5 business days.

Fees:

  • Original registration: $25 ($12.50 registration + $12.50 plate).
  • Transfer: $12.50.

Exemptions: Use RV-6 form for ATVs used exclusively outside NY, at special events, agriculture, or non-hire snow plowing.

Ordering ATV Dealer Forms and Supplies (PD-3)

Use PD-3 (“Dealer Request For All-Terrain Vehicle Registration Forms”) to order MV-53 books, MV-82, RV-2 manuals, and RV-6 exemptions. Mail or fax to the Plate & Document Distribution Unit. The RV-2 includes a full list of downloadable forms available at dmv.ny.gov.

Key Responsibilities, Penalties, and Compliance Tips from RV-2

  • Never deliver an unregistered ATV (except exempt cases).
  • Maintain secure plate storage and accurate logs.
  • Dishonored checks incur a $35 penalty and possible suspension.
  • Violations of Vehicle and Traffic Law §§415, 417, or 420 can lead to registration revocation or fines.

The RV-2 emphasizes that all dealers must stay in good standing to avoid program withdrawal.

Access the complete 50+ page guide instantly:
Download RV-2 Form PDF

Additional helpful forms (all available free on dmv.ny.gov):

  • VS-1D (facility application)
  • MV-463 (plate issuance program)
  • MV-82 (vehicle registration/title)
  • RV-6 (exemption declaration)
  • ID-82 (proofs of identity)

Frequently Asked Questions About RV-2 Form and ATV Dealer Registration

Is the RV-2 Form still current in 2026?
Yes – the NY DMV continues to list RV-2 (7/19) as the official instruction guide with no newer revision published.

Do I need a bond to become an ATV dealer?
No – ATV-only dealers are exempt from the $50,000 dealer bond required for most motor vehicle dealers.

Where can I get help?
Contact Vehicle Safety Services at (518) 474-0919 or visit any NY DMV office.

For the most accurate, up-to-date instructions, always refer directly to the official RV-2 PDF and the NY DMV website (dmv.ny.gov). Following these guidelines ensures full compliance, smooth operations, and legal ATV sales in New York State.

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