VS-142 Form: Dealer and Transporter Requirements (PDF)

VS-142 Form – If you’re planning to open a car dealership, wholesale business, or register as a vehicle transporter in New York State, the VS-142 form is one of the first documents you must review. Officially titled “Facility Requirements – Dealers and Transporters,” this free PDF from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) outlines every facility, documentation, and inspection requirement your business must meet before approval.

Failing to comply with VS-142 will result in your application being denied — even if everything else is perfect. This 2025-updated guide (revision 6/25) is required reading alongside the full CR-78 Regulations.

What Is the VS-142 Form?

VS-142 is not an application you fill out. It is a comprehensive requirements checklist that explains:

  • What documents to submit upfront
  • What your physical location must look like during inspection
  • Additional obligations for dealers vs. transporters

It applies to anyone applying for a motor vehicle dealer registration or transporter registration under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §415.

Direct download (official NY DMV link):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs142.pdf

Who Needs VS-142?

You must follow VS-142 if you plan to:

  • Open a retail or wholesale motor vehicle dealership
  • Sell new or used cars, trucks, SUVs, or light vehicles
  • Operate as a registered transporter (delivery, repair, repossession, factory transport, etc.)

Exemptions apply to dealers selling only:

  • Trailers, motorcycles, vehicles over 10,000 lbs, ATVs, boats, or snowmobiles (these still use VS-142 for facility rules but skip the surety bond).

Key Requirements in VS-142 (2025 Update)

The document splits requirements into two groups:

1–10: Documents You Must Submit (Application Packet)

  1. Completed & manually signed Original Facility Application (VS-1 or VS-1D)
  2. Proof of business name (NYS Dept. of State filing receipt or County Clerk DBA)
  3. Photo IDs for all owners/officers
  4. NYS Sales Tax Certificate of Authority (DTF-17A)
  5. Surety bond (VS-3) — $20k, $50k, or $100k depending on sales volume and type
  6. Written statement explaining need for transporter plates (transporters only)
  7. Franchise agreement (new-car dealers only)
  8. Workers’ Compensation insurance proof
  9. Application fees (check or money order)
  10. Property proof (lease, deed, or notarized owner permission)

11–15: Facility Inspection Requirements (Must Be Ready on Inspection Day)

  • Secure storage for titles, odometer statements, and registry book (VERIFI enrollment required)
  • Heat, electricity, desk, and phone (cell phone OK)
  • Dedicated, verifiable mailing address
  • Retail dealers: Space to display at least 3 vehicles
  • Permanent signs meeting CR-78 §78.26 (red background, white lettering, visible from street)
  • Physical barrier if sharing space with other businesses

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Read VS-142 + CR-78 Regulations (both free PDFs).
  2. Gather documents 1–10.
  3. Mail everything to:
    Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
    P.O. Box 2700, Albany, NY 12220-0700
  4. DMV reviews and schedules an on-site inspection.
  5. Pass inspection (items 11–15).
  6. Receive your dealer/transporter certificate and plates (if approved).

Pro tip: Enroll in the VERIFI electronic system early — it replaces the old paper book of registry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is VS-142 a fillable form?
No — it’s a requirements guide. The actual application is VS-1 or VS-1D.

How often is VS-142 updated?
The current version is dated June 2025 (6/25). Always download the latest from dmv.ny.gov.

Do transporters need a bond?
Usually not — but they still follow all facility rules in VS-142.

What happens if I fail inspection?
Your application is denied or delayed until you fix the issues.

Final Tip

Save time and avoid rejection — download the VS-142 PDF today and review it before you spend money on a bond or lease. For questions, contact the NY DMV Office of Vehicle Safety at 518-474-0919.

Need the official VS-142 form right now?
✅ Download VS-142 PDF here (direct link from NY DMV)

This guide is based entirely on current official NY DMV sources (as of 2026). Always verify on the DMV website for the most up-to-date information before applying.

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