VS-1AB Form – Are you planning to launch an automobile brokerage business in New York State? The VS-1AB Form (Automobile Broker Business Application) is the official New York DMV document you need to obtain your business certificate. This form registers you to operate legally as an automobile broker under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 415 and General Business Law Article 35-B.
Updated as of February 2026 (VS-1AB (2/26)), the form ensures compliance with current state requirements for brokers who help consumers purchase vehicles for a fee. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or expanding your operations, this guide walks you through everything: eligibility, step-by-step instructions, required documents, fees, submission details, and the official PDF download.
What Is an Automobile Broker Business in New York?
Under New York law, an automobile broker business is any person or entity that, for a fee or commission paid by the consumer, offers to purchase, arrange, assist with, or effect the purchase of an automobile as an agent, broker, or intermediary.
Important exclusions:
- Registered motor vehicle dealers (under VTL Article 16)
- Individuals or businesses handling 3 or fewer vehicles per calendar year
Brokers must follow strict consumer protection rules (no advance fees, written contracts with specific disclosures, escrow for funds, and clear advertising). The $100,000 surety bond protects consumers, and the DMV business certificate is required to operate legally.
Who Needs to File the VS-1AB Form?
You must file VS-1AB if you want to:
- Operate as an automobile broker at a physical location in New York
- Charge consumers a fee for brokerage services
- Conduct business at more than one location (file a separate application per site)
Individual owners, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs all use this single form. Publicly traded companies have simplified stockholder requirements.
Key Requirements for New York Automobile Broker Certification
Before completing the form, gather these mandatory items:
- $100,000 Surety Bond: A complete, sealed, and signed original copy (including power of attorney) from a New York-authorized surety company. The bond must comply with General Business Law §740-a and be filed with the NYS Department of State.
- Proof of Identity: Copy (front and back) of a valid driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, or resident alien card for all owners, partners, officers, and managing members.
- Business Formation Documents:
- DBA (assumed name): County Clerk business certificate
- Partnership: County Clerk partnership papers
- Corporation/LLC: NYS Department of State filing receipt (plus assumed name filing if using DBA)
- Workers’ Compensation & Disability Insurance: Proof if you have employees (attach certificates).
- Zoning & Location Proof: Tax bill/deed (if owned) or lease/sublease (minimum 6-month term). Pending leases require a notarized owner statement.
- Disclosure of Past Issues: Any prior licenses, denials, revocations, hearings, or criminal convictions involving you, partners, officers, or immediate family.
Pro Tip: Incomplete applications are denied. Double-check that the business name on deeds/tax bills matches Part 1 exactly.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the VS-1AB Form?
The 4-page form must be completed in full. Here’s what each section requires:
Part 1: Business Information
- Business name, physical street address, phone, email
- Contact person, title, mailing address
Part 2: Ownership Structure
- Select: Individual, Individual DBA, Partnership DBA, or Corporation/LLC
- Provide full details (name, DOB, residence address, phone, driver license #, signature) for all owners/partners/officers/managing members and stockholders (percentage of stock)
- Attach extra pages if needed
Part 3: Business Type & Disclosures
- Check “Automobile Broker”
- Answer questions A–G about prior licenses, financial interests, hearings, convictions, additional owners, FEIN, employees, and surety bond details
Part 4: Place of Business
- Indicate own/lease/sublease/pending
- Provide lease expiration dates (minimum 6 months) and attach supporting documents
- Confirm proper zoning
Certification Page
- Sign and date under penalty of perjury, affirming compliance with all laws
Print clearly; use additional sheets where instructed.
Fees and Payment
Submit a check or money order for $487.50 (covers the 2-year registration and application fee), payable to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No starter checks accepted. The certificate is valid for 2 years.
Where to Submit the VS-1AB Application?
Mail the completed form, all attachments, surety bond copy, and payment to:
Vehicle Safety Services
Application Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220
Albany, NY 12228-0001
For assistance: Call the Office of Vehicle Safety Application Unit at 518-474-0919 or visit dmv.ny.gov.
Processing typically takes several weeks. Separate applications are required for each location.
Download the Official VS-1AB Form (PDF)
Direct download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs1ab.pdf (Current version: February 2026)
Always use the latest version directly from the NY DMV website to ensure compliance.
Additional Regulations: NYS Department of State (DOS) Role
While the DMV issues the business certificate via VS-1AB, the NYS Department of State oversees:
- The $100,000 surety bond (must be filed and kept in effect)
- Consumer contract rules, escrow requirements, advertising disclosures, and cancellation rights
No separate DOS application or license is issued. Brokers must understand and follow General Business Law Article 35-B in full.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the VS-1AB the same as a dealer license?
No. Dealers use VS-1D. Brokers have a specific certificate for intermediary services only.
Q: Can I operate without the surety bond?
No. The $100,000 bond is mandatory and must accompany your application.
Q: How long is the certificate valid?
Two years from issuance. Renewal is required.
Q: What if I have multiple locations?
File a separate VS-1AB for each.
Q: Where do I file the surety bond?
With the NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services (the bond copy goes with your DMV application).
Ready to Get Started?
Filing the VS-1AB Form is the essential first step to legally operate as an automobile broker in New York. By following this guide and using the official February 2026 PDF, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth application process.
Official Resources:
- NY DMV Forms: dmv.ny.gov
- NYS Department of State – Automobile Broker Information: dos.ny.gov/automobile-broker
For personalized help, contact the DMV Application Unit directly. Always verify the latest requirements on the official state websites, as regulations can evolve.
Start your application today—download the VS-1AB PDF and build a compliant, successful automobile brokerage business in New York State!