VS-143 Form – The VS-143 form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) checklist that outlines every facility requirement for opening and operating an official motor vehicle inspection station. Revised in December 2024 (VS-143 12/24), this one-page document ensures applicants meet strict standards before approval. Whether you want to open a public inspection station, dealer station, or fleet station, the VS-143 form is mandatory reading. All requirements must be satisfied, or your application will be denied.
Download the current VS-143 PDF directly from the official NY DMV website here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs143.pdf.
What Is the VS-143 Form?
The VS-143 Form: Facility Requirements for Inspection Stations is a concise checklist published by the NY DMV. It summarizes the minimum standards for physical facilities, equipment, staffing, and operational readiness required under Section 303 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Part 79 of the Commissioner’s Regulations (CR-79). The form does not repeat every detail from the full regulations but clearly states that all listed items must be met during the on-site inspection or the application is automatically denied.
Why Facility Requirements Matter for NY Inspection Stations
Meeting the VS-143 requirements ensures your station can safely and accurately perform safety and emissions inspections. Non-compliance leads to immediate denial, wasted application fees, and delays. Proper facilities also protect consumers, maintain inspection integrity, and comply with New York’s emissions and safety programs. Public emissions inspection stations are additionally subject to a statewide cap—check current limits before applying.
Complete List of VS-143 Requirements
The form lists 13 mandatory items. Here is the full checklist verbatim from the official VS-143 (12/24):
- Proof of business name (Filing Receipt for corporations/LLCs or notarized DBA for partnerships/individuals).
- Copies of driver licenses or government-issued photo IDs for all owners/officers/members.
- Payment of all required fees (check or money order to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”—no starter checks).
- Completed and signed Original Facility Application (stamped signatures not accepted).
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance (if you have employees).
- Repair shop registration at the same location (required for public inspection stations).
- At least one full-time certified inspector for the vehicle groups you will inspect.
- Dealer registration in the same name (for dealer inspection stations).
- Minimum vehicle count for fleet stations (25+ for private fleets, 5+ for government fleets).
- Required space as described in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 79.9.
- Unique and exclusive mailing address verifiable with USPS (exclusive mail receptacle).
- On-site safeguards for security documents.
- Successful on-site DMV inspection verifying all items.
Space Requirements per NY DMV Regulations (Part 79.9)
VS-143 explicitly references CR-79 Section 79.9 for minimum enclosed inspection area:
- Class 1 stations (cities/villages under 10,000 population or rural areas): minimum 300 square feet.
- Class 2 stations (cities/villages of 10,000+ population): minimum 600 square feet.
- Class 3 motorcycle stations: minimum 120 square feet.
Office space, display areas, and obstructions do not count toward the minimum. The bay must fully accommodate the largest vehicle in your approved inspection groups. Heavy-vehicle stations require specific door heights (at least 13 ft 6 in) and bay lengths (35–50 ft depending on semi-trailers). Temporary structures like tents are prohibited.
Required Equipment, Tools, and Technology (NYVIP3)
During the on-site inspection you must have (or show proof of order for):
- NYVIP3 computerized vehicle inspection system (CVIS) from Opus Inspection Inc. (nyvip3.com or 1-866-623-8378) capable of all your inspection groups.
- Basic tools: ¼-inch round-hole paper punch, tire tread depth gauge (1/32 inch), tire pressure gauge (psi).
- Heavy-vehicle extras: brake adjustment gauge, 1/16-inch feeler gauge, brake drum gauge (up to 24 inches), rotor thickness gauge.
- Emissions stations: full NYVIP3 OBD-II equipment, printer, bar-code scanner, and internet access for data transmission.
- Internet connection and proof of dedicated line (if required).
Official Signs and Posting Requirements (Part 79.13)
Public inspection stations must display:
- Permanently mounted outdoor signs (minimum 3 ft × 2 ft) clearly visible from the street showing approved inspection groups.
- Indoor postings: labor rate sign, inspection fee chart(s), and current list of certified inspectors.
DMV does not supply signs—you must purchase compliant versions from sign shops. Failure to post correctly results in denial.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening an NY DMV Inspection Station
- Review VS-143 and CR-79 (full regulations PDF at dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr79.pdf).
- Complete the appropriate Original Facility Application (VS-1DI, VS-1RI, or VS-1DRI).
- Gather all supporting documents listed in VS-143.
- Submit the hard-copy package to the Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services, P.O. Box 2700, Albany, NY 12220-0700.
- Await review and scheduling of the on-site inspection by an Automotive Facilities Inspector.
- Pass the on-site verification of equipment, space, signs, and inspector credentials.
- Receive your official station license and begin inspections.
How to Download the VS-143 PDF and Related Resources?
- VS-143 Facility Requirements → https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs143.pdf
- Full CR-79 Regulations → https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr79.pdf
- Open an Inspection Station page → https://dmv.ny.gov/business/open-an-inspection-station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About VS-143
Do I need a repair shop registration?
Yes—for any public inspection station.
What is the minimum space for a public station in a large city?
600 square feet (Class 2).
Is NYVIP3 equipment required?
Yes—mandatory since December 1, 2023 for all stations.
Can fleet stations get waivers?
Limited waivers are possible for fleet/dealer stations that only inspect their own vehicles.
Final Tips for Success
Always verify the latest version of VS-143 and CR-79 on the official NY DMV website, as regulations can be updated. Prepare thoroughly for the on-site inspection—having everything ready on the first visit avoids delays and extra costs. For questions, contact the DMV Vehicle Safety Application Unit at 518-474-0919.
By following the VS-143 Form: Facility Requirements for Inspection Stations exactly, you’ll meet every NY DMV standard and successfully launch your official inspection station. Download the PDF today and start planning your application. All information is current as of the latest DMV publications (2024–2026).