VS-20 Form – The VS-20 Form, officially known as the Facility Out-of-Business Attestation Form, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document for Vehicle Safety-regulated facilities closing permanently. Whether you operate a repair shop, body shop, inspection station, motor vehicle dealership, or transporter business, filing the VS-20 ensures compliance when shutting down operations.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the VS-20 form, including how to download the latest PDF, step-by-step completion instructions, required returns, submission addresses, and important consequences. All information is based on the official NY DMV resources as of 2026.
What Is the VS-20 Facility Out-of-Business Attestation Form?
The VS-20 is a two-page form (revised December 2024 – VS-20 (12/24)) used exclusively to notify the NY DMV that a Division of Vehicle Safety-regulated facility is permanently out of business. It serves two main purposes:
- Officially attests that the facility has ceased operations.
- Provides clear instructions for returning all DMV-issued items (certificates, plates, stickers, etc.).
Key fact: Surrendering your license via the VS-20 is final and irreversible. Once processed, you cannot reinstate the old license and must apply as a new facility (potentially facing waiting lists for certain licenses like public emissions inspection stations).
Who Needs to File the VS-20 Form?
You must file the VS-20 if you are:
- An owner, partner, principal, or officer of any NY DMV-regulated facility that is permanently closing.
- Operating a repair shop, body shop, inspection station (including emissions), motor vehicle dealer, transporter, boat dealer, snowmobile dealer, or similar Vehicle Safety-regulated business.
Important distinction:
- Permanent closure → Use VS-20.
- Temporary closure → Do not use VS-20. Contact your local Vehicle Safety Field Services Regional Office for instructions instead.
Why File the VS-20 Form? Benefits and Legal Requirements
Filing the VS-20:
- Protects your business from ongoing liability and complaints.
- Ensures proper return of DMV inventory (avoiding penalties).
- Officially closes your facility record with the DMV.
- Allows the DMV to update public records so consumers know the facility is no longer operating.
Failure to file can result in continued regulatory obligations, unreturned items penalties, or complications with future DMV applications.
How to Download the VS-20 Form PDF?
The official, always up-to-date VS-20 Form PDF is available directly from the NY DMV website at no cost:
Direct Download Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs20.pdf
Pro tip: Always download the latest version from the official NY DMV Forms page to ensure you have the December 2024 revision (or newer). Avoid third-party sites that may host outdated versions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the VS-20 Form
Follow these steps to correctly fill out the VS-20 PDF:
- Facility Information
Enter: Facility Number, Facility Name, Street Address, City, State, ZIP Code, Telephone Number, E-mail Address, Contact Person, and Date Out of Business. - Facility Type(s)
Check all applicable boxes (Repair Shop, Inspection Station, Motor Vehicle Dealer, Transporter, etc.). - Items Being Returned
Complete the table listing every DMV-issued item you are surrendering. Include:- Item/Form name
- Quantity
- Beginning Serial #
- Ending Serial # Attach an additional packing list if space is insufficient.
- Certification
An owner, partner, principal, or officer must sign and date the form.
Attach a copy of the signer’s government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.). - Review the Warning
The form includes a clear statement that false information may be punishable as a criminal offense.
Print or complete the fillable PDF, sign it, and prepare your shipment.
What DMV-Issued Items Must Be Returned with the VS-20?
You must return all items issued by the DMV. Common examples include:
- Official Business Certificate
- Inspection Sticker Stock
- Certificates of Sale (MV-50)
- Secure Power of Attorney Forms (MV-93)
- Salvage Certificates (MV-907A)
- Dealer/Transporter Plates
- In-Transit Permits
- Temporary Certificates of Registration (MV-53)
- Boat/Snowmobile registration items
Each category has a specific mailing address listed on Page 2 of the VS-20. Include a detailed packing list and ship securely.
Where and How to Submit the VS-20 Form?
Mail the completed VS-20 form and all returned items to the exact addresses printed on Page 2 of the form. Addresses differ by carrier:
United States Postal Service (USPS):
- Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services: PO Box 2700, Albany, NY 12220-0700
- Dealer Plate Issuance: PO Box 2820, Albany, NY 12220-0820
All Other Carriers (UPS, FedEx, etc.):
- Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services: 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220, Albany, NY 12228
- Dealer Plate Issuance: 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 322, Albany, NY 12228
- Plate & Document Distribution Unit: 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 226, Albany, NY 12228
Recommendation: Use a trackable shipping method and keep proof of delivery.
Important Notes and Consequences of Filing VS-20
- The DMV will process your submission and mark the facility as out of business.
- For public emissions inspection stations: You lose transfer rights and may face waiting lists for future applications.
- All vehicles must be transferred out of the VERIFI Book of Registry before submission (or the DMV will mark remaining vehicles as “sold”).
- Keep records of your submission for your files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the VS-20 Form
Q: Can I file the VS-20 online?
A: No. The form must be printed, signed, and mailed with physical items.
Q: What if my facility is only temporarily closed?
A: Contact the appropriate Vehicle Safety Field Services Regional Office (phone: 518-474-0919 for general inquiries) instead of using VS-20.
Q: How long does processing take?
A: The DMV does not publish exact timelines, but allow several weeks. Track your shipment.
Q: Is the VS-20 form free?
A: Yes – download directly from the official NY DMV site.
Q: Can anyone sign the form?
A: Only an owner, partner, principal, or officer. A copy of their government-issued ID is required.
Official NY DMV Resources and Next Steps
- Official VS-20 Download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs20.pdf
- Close a Repair/Body Shop Page: https://dmv.ny.gov/close-a-repair-or-body-shop
- Dealers & Transporters Closing Info: https://dmv.ny.gov/business/dealers-transporters
For questions about your specific facility, contact the NY DMV Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services or your regional Vehicle Safety office.
Need to close your NY DMV-regulated facility? Download the official VS-20 Facility Out-of-Business Attestation Form PDF today and follow this guide to ensure a smooth, compliant process. Always verify the latest version directly on the NY DMV website.