Escort Driver Endorsement

Escort driver endorsement is mandatory if

• you escort over-dimensional loads on the highways of New York State
  • These are loads with a width that exceeds 12 feet, and/or length of 80 feet or greater, and/or a height of 14 feet or greater. Also included are loads that have an overhang of the load/vehicle which exceeds the main body of the vehicle by greater than 10 feet.
• you act as a flag person for over-dimensional loads

Escort driver endorsement is not mandatory if

• you escort an over-dimensional load that is less than the requirement above
• you are a member of the military and escort military convoys
• you escort state governmental vehicles

To qualify for an escort driver endorsement, you must

• be 21 years old or older
• have a valid New York State driver license
• pass the Escort Driver's Endorsement Test

Out-of-state drivers with a valid license in the state or jurisdiction in which you are a resident are not eligible for an escort endorsement, but can get an escort driver certification.

Out-of-state drivers who do not have current New York State driving privileges are not eligible for an escort endorsement or certification.

New York State does not recognize escort vehicle driver certifications issued in other states. To legally operate an escort vehicle in New York State, you must have a valid New York State Certified Vehicle Escort Card (MV-64). You must carry the MV-64 card with your driver license when you drive an escort vehicle in New York State.

To get your escort vehicle driver endorsement

• go to a DMV office that offers the escort driver endorsement test
• complete the Vehicle Escort Driver Application (PDF) (MV-65)
• take the written test
  • You will receive test forms at the DMV office. Notes, manuals, and other study materials are not permitted. The DMV associate who administers the test is not permitted to discuss questions or offer any assistance.

You do not need to make an appointment to take the test. However, the test is not offered in all DMV Offices. Call the DMV office where you plan to take the test to be sure the test is offered at that location.

To take the test, bring a driver license, your social security number and $40 test fee (checks should be made payable to The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles). You will be asked to complete an application for Escort Service Endorsement before you take the written test. If you have a NY State driver license, you must bring it with you when you go to the office to take the test. If you have a driver license issued by another state, you must bring your valid driver license and additional identification with you to the office. Use DMV's interactive pre-screening tool to determine the forms and documents you will need to bring with you.

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

All information necessary to pass the test is in the Department of Transportation Certified Escort Manual (PDF). 

You should also be familiar with the New York State Driver's Manual.

If you pass the test you will be immediately endorsed to provide escort services for over-dimensional loads. Your new license will have a J endorsement code printed on the front (if you are an out-of-state driver, your certification will be mailed to you). You must have your license with a J endorsement code (or your certificate card) in your possession when providing escort services.

See sample license documents for endorsement code placement.

The fee to take the vehicle escort test is $40.00. Checks must be made payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. There are no additional fees for the initial certification.

You may take the written test again if you do not pass. The fee is $40.00 each time you take the test.

If you have a New York State driver license, your Escort Driver Endorsement will expire at the same time as your driver license. If you have a driver license from another state, your certificate will be valid for four years from the date it is issued.

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail. Follow the instructions in the renewal notice to renew your Escort Driver Endorsement. Remember to keep your mailing address current with New York State DMV. 

If you do not renew your endorsement within two years of the expiration date, you will be required to retake and pass the written test.

If you have a New York State driver license, you must change your address or name within ten days. 

If you have a license issued by another state, you must notify DMV’s Bus Driver Unit in writing within ten days. Send your DMV ID Number (Client ID Number) (located on your escort certificate), your former address or name, and your new address or name to the DMV Bus Driver Unit at the address below.

If your Vehicle Escort Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may apply for a replacement by writing to DMV. You must send your name, address, and DMV ID Number (Client ID Number) (located on your escort certificate), if available. Send your request and a check or money order for $5 made payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to the DMV Bus Driver Unit at the address below.

Your escort endorsement or certificate is not valid if your driver license or privilege is revoked or suspended in the issuing jurisdiction, or if you have lost your privilege to drive in New York State.

Your endorsement or certification may also be canceled if

• violate safe escort procedures or Title 17, Part 154 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR)
• you become physically, mentally, or medically unable to drive
• you provide false or fraudulent information on the application for endorsement/certification as an escort driver

Depending on the nature of the violation, the driver may be subject to fines and penalties. See New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law and/or Title 17 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part 154 and/or Title 21 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part 102.