VS-18 Form – The VS-18 Form, officially titled “Statement That a Historical Registered Vehicle Will Be Used During Daylight Hours Only,” is a required New York State DMV document for certain historical vehicles. Owners use it during annual safety inspections to certify limited daylight-only operation and exemption from modern headlight requirements. This guide explains everything about the VS-18 form, who needs it, how to complete it, and where to download the official PDF directly from the NY DMV.
What Is the VS-18 Form?
The VS-18 is a one-page certification form issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It applies specifically to historical registered vehicles. The form allows owners to declare that their vintage vehicle:
- Was never manufactured or equipped with a sealed-beam (or subsequently approved) headlight system.
- Will be operated only during daylight hours — defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, when visibility ahead is at least 1,000 feet.
Inspection stations provide the blank form upon request and attach the completed version to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Record. The certification is valid only for the specific vehicle listed on the form. Vehicles originally equipped with sealed-beam headlights do not qualify.
Why Historical Vehicles Need the VS-18 Daylight-Use Statement?
New York grants special registration options for historical vehicles (typically those manufactured more than 25 years ago) used as collector’s items or exhibition pieces rather than daily transportation. These vehicles often have pre-1940s or early lighting systems that do not meet current safety-inspection standards for headlights.
The VS-18 form provides a legal exemption during the safety inspection process. By signing it, the owner agrees to restrict driving to daylight conditions only. This ensures the vehicle can still pass inspection without retrofitting modern sealed-beam headlights. The form appears in the official NY DMV Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations and on the DMV forms-and-publications page.
Who Must Complete the VS-18 Form?
You need the VS-18 form if you own a historically registered vehicle in New York and your vehicle:
- Qualifies for historical plates (standard or personalized “HL” or “HC” plates).
- Lacks a sealed-beam or approved modern headlight system.
- Requires a safety inspection (most historical vehicles still need annual inspections).
Inspection stations give the form to the motorist upon request. The owner fills it out and signs the certification before the inspection begins.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the VS-18 Form?
Filling out the VS-18 is straightforward. Follow these steps exactly as printed on the form:
- Owner Information — Enter your full name (Last, First, Middle), current mailing address, city/town, state, and ZIP code.
- Vehicle Details — Provide the plate number, month & year of expiration, vehicle year, make, and type.
- Certification Statement — Read the exact wording:
“I certify that the vehicle described above was never manufactured or equipped with a sealed beam (or subsequently approved) headlight system, and will be operated only during the period from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, when visibility for a distance of one thousand feet or more ahead of such vehicle is clear.”
- Sign and Date — Sign as the owner and enter the date.
- Submit to Inspector — The completed form stays with the inspection station.
Important: The certificate is vehicle-specific. It cannot be transferred or reused.
Download the Official VS-18 PDF (Free & Direct Link)
The most current version of the form is VS-18 (9/21), still active as of 2026. Download it directly from the official New York DMV website here:
Always use the official DMV link to ensure you have the latest authorized version. The form is free and requires no login.
Instructions for Inspection Stations
DMV provides clear guidance for certified inspection stations:
- Give the motorist a blank VS-18 upon request.
- Have the owner complete all fields and sign the certification.
- Inspect the vehicle according to its model-year requirements.
- Attach the completed VS-18 to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Record.
This process keeps the exemption properly documented for DMV records.
Key Requirements and Limitations
- Daylight-Use Only — Driving at night or in low-visibility conditions violates the certification and may result in inspection failure or registration issues.
- No Sealed-Beam Headlights — Vehicles factory-equipped with sealed beams are ineligible.
- Historical Registration Context — The vehicle must already qualify for (or hold) historical plates and be used primarily for exhibitions, parades, tours, or club activities — not daily commuting.
- Insurance Note — Historical vehicles require special insurance that often reflects the limited-use restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the VS-18 Form
Q: Is the VS-18 form required every year?
A: Yes, it is typically completed during each annual safety inspection for qualifying historical vehicles.
Q: Can I use the form for a regular (non-historical) vehicle?
A: No. The VS-18 is strictly for historically registered vehicles.
Q: Where do I get the form if my inspection station doesn’t have it?
A: Download the official PDF from the NY DMV website and print it yourself.
Q: Does the form expire?
A: The completed form is valid only for the inspection it accompanies; a new form is needed for future inspections.
Additional Resources for New York Historical Vehicle Owners
- Historical and Vintage Plates information: dmv.ny.gov/apply-for-historical-and-vintage-plates
- Full list of DMV forms: dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations (mentions VS-18)
For questions about historical registrations or inspections, contact your local NY DMV office or the Custom Plates Unit.
Ready to complete your inspection? Download the official VS-18 Historical Vehicle Daylight-Use Statement PDF now and keep your classic car legally on the road during daylight hours. Always verify the latest requirements on the official New York DMV website, as rules can be updated.