VS-47A Form – The VS-47A Form is the official Appraisal Repair Shop indoor sign required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for registered repair shops that perform insurance appraisals. This one-page consumer notification poster informs vehicle owners of their rights under New York Insurance Law and DMV repair shop regulations.
Repair shop owners and managers use the VS-47A to comply with state law while protecting consumers. The latest version is VS-47A (6/25), available as a free PDF download directly from the official NY DMV website.
What Is the VS-47A Form?
The VS-47A is officially titled “APPRAISAL REPAIR SHOP” and serves as a mandatory indoor consumer rights sign. It is furnished by the New York DMV and must be posted by any registered motor vehicle repair shop that performs appraisal work in connection with insurance claims.
Unlike a standard application form, the VS-47A is a pre-printed poster that repair shops display prominently. It includes a blank field for the shop’s DMV Registration Number. The form is one page long and focuses entirely on consumer protections rather than shop certification paperwork.
Purpose of the VS-47A Appraisal Repair Shop Certification Form
The primary purpose of the VS-47A is to ensure transparency and protect consumer rights during vehicle damage appraisals and repairs. It notifies customers that:
- Insurance companies cannot force repairs to a specific shop (Section 2610 of the New York Insurance Law).
- Vehicle owners do not have to repair their car to receive insurance payment.
- Repair invoices must clearly identify whether replacement body parts or airbags are new OEM, new aftermarket, or used (per Part 82.5 of DMV regulations).
The sign also directs customers to the shop manager for questions and provides official DMV contact information for filing complaints under the NYS Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Registration Act.
DMV Regulations Part 82.7(d) specifically requires every repair shop performing insurance appraisal work (including mobile units) to post this sign where consumers can easily see it.
Who Must Post the VS-47A Form?
Any New York State DMV-registered repair shop that conducts appraisal, evaluation, or estimating work for insurance claims must display the VS-47A. This includes:
- Traditional body shops that also perform insurance appraisals
- Drive-in appraisal stations (permanent or mobile)
- Shops registered solely for appraisal work (these are exempt from the standard VS-47 indoor sign)
General repair shops that do not perform insurance appraisals are exempt from VS-47A but must post the separate VS-47 “Registered Repair Shop Notice to Consumers” sign instead.
Registration as a motor vehicle repair shop is mandatory under Vehicle and Traffic Law for any business appraising or repairing damaged vehicles for compensation.
Key Information Printed on the VS-47A Form
The current VS-47A (6/25) contains the following mandatory text:
- SECTION 2610 OF THE INSURANCE LAW explains that insurance companies cannot require repairs at a particular shop — you have the right to choose.
- You do not have to repair the vehicle to receive your insurance payment.
- Invoices must specify the type of body parts and airbags used (new OEM, new aftermarket, or used).
Additional sections direct questions to the shop manager and provide the official complaint address:
- Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
POB 2700 – ESP, Albany NY 12220-0700 - Phone: 518-474-8943 (8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.)
The footer includes the form number VS-47A (6/25) and the official DMV website.
How to Obtain, Fill Out, and Display the VS-47A Form?
- Download the free official PDF from the NY DMV website.
- Print it clearly (standard letter size works for indoor posting).
- Fill in your DMV-issued Registration Number in the designated field at the top.
- Post the sign indoors in a conspicuous location where customers are likely to see it (required by Part 82.7).
Mobile appraisal units must also carry and display the sign visibly. Failure to post the required sign can result in DMV penalties or registration issues.
Download VS-47A PDF – Official Link
Get the most current version directly from the source:
VS-47A: Appraisal Repair Shop (PDF)
This is the only authorized source. Third-party sites may provide outdated versions.
Differences Between VS-47A and VS-47 Forms
- VS-47A → For shops performing insurance appraisals only. Focuses on Insurance Law Section 2610 and parts disclosure.
- VS-47 → Standard indoor sign for general repair shops. Covers estimates, invoices, returned parts, and storage rules (revised 8/24).
Shops doing only appraisal work post VS-47A and are exempt from VS-47 and the labor rate sign. Shops performing both repairs and appraisals must post both signs.
New York State Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Regulations (Part 82)
All requirements for VS-47A stem from DMV Regulations Part 82 (CR-82, revised 3/25). These rules govern registration, consumer protections, signage, and complaint procedures for every repair shop in New York. The full regulations are available as a free PDF on the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions About VS-47A
Is the VS-47A form free?
Yes — download it at no cost from dmv.ny.gov.
Do I need to renew the VS-47A sign?
No. Use the current (6/25) version. Update only if DMV issues a revised form.
Can mobile appraisal services use VS-47A?
Yes — they must post or display it visibly on the unit.
What if I don’t post the VS-47A?
It violates Part 82.7 and may lead to complaints or registration problems.
Where do I file a complaint against a repair shop?
Use the address and phone number printed on the VS-47A form. Complaints must generally be filed within 90 days or 3,000 miles of the repair.
The VS-47A Form is a simple but essential compliance tool for New York appraisal repair shops. By posting this official DMV sign, shops meet legal requirements while clearly informing customers of their rights regarding insurance appraisals and repairs.
Always use the latest official PDF from dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs47a.pdf to ensure full compliance with current New York DMV regulations. Proper use of the VS-47A protects both your business and your customers.