MV-653

The NY DMV MV-653 form, titled Political Subdivision Certification of Eligibility for Official Plates, is a legal document used by New York State political subdivisions—such as counties, cities, towns, and villages—to certify that a vehicle is eligible for "Official" state license plates. To qualify, the vehicle must be owned or controlled by the government entity and operated by its employees or authorized agents strictly for official municipal business. Proper certification allows these entities to comply with state regulations and may exempt the vehicles from certain registration fees and tolls.

The form requires specific information, including the name of the government agency, the vehicle's year, make, model, and identification number (VIN). It must be signed by a duly appointed public officer who certifies the accuracy of the information under penalty of law. Once completed, the form is submitted to the DMV for supervisor approval and the issuance of an authorization code. Notably, volunteer fire or ambulance companies must use a different form, the MV-653V, rather than the standard MV-653.