Get And Keep A New York Escort Certificate

Who Needs A New York Escort Certificate?

You need it to escort an over-dimensional load on New York highways, or to act as a flag person for one. The DMV defines over-dimensional by four numbers:

• Width: over 12 feet.
• Length: 80 feet or more.
• Height: 14 feet or more.
• Overhang: more than 10 feet beyond the vehicle’s main body.

You do not need it for smaller loads, for military convoys if you are military, or for escorting state government vehicles.

“New York State does not recognize escort vehicle driver certifications issued in other states.”

How Do You Take The New York Escort Test?

1. Call the DMV office first. Not every office gives the test. No appointment is needed.
2. Bring your license, your Social Security number and a $40 check to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Out-of-state applicants bring extra identification.
3. Complete form MV-65, the Vehicle Escort Driver Application.
4. Take the written test. Notes, manuals and study materials are not permitted. Staff cannot help with questions.
5. Pass, and the certificate is issued to you at the counter. A retake costs $40 again.

Out-of-state drivers without current New York driving privileges are not eligible for the certificate.

What Should You Study For The Test?

The DMV bases the test on the New York State Certified Escort Manual. The DMV page says it is available from DMV offices or Call Centers; it is not posted as a download there. Ask for it when you call to confirm the test location.

The test is closed book, so study before you go. Our certification test preparation guide sets out a study plan. A third-party practice quiz does not replace the state manual.

Passed The Test But Never Got The Certificate?

The DMV page says a passing applicant receives the certificate at the counter. If you passed and left without one, contact the office listed on the DMV’s escort page: the Utica Processing Center, 207 Genesee Street, 15th Floor, Utica, NY 13501, phone 315-793-2616.

Have your DMV ID (Client ID) number ready if you have it. If the card was issued and then lost, stolen or destroyed, send form MV-65 with a $5 check or money order to the same address.

Wallet Card Or Letter After Renewal?

The DMV page calls the credential the New York State Certified Vehicle Escort Card (MV-64). It does not describe what a renewal looks like when it arrives.

If your renewal came as a full-size sheet and you are unsure it counts as the MV-64 card, check with the Utica Processing Center before your next New York job.

How Long Does It Last, And How Do You Renew?

• New York license: the endorsement expires with your driver’s license.
• Out-of-state license: the certificate is valid for four years from issue.
• Renewal: follow the notice the DMV mails you.
• Two-year lapse: if you do not renew within two years of expiry, you retake the test.

Out-of-state holders must report an address or name change to Utica on form MV-65 within ten days.

Does A New York Card Work In Other States?

Arizona accepts a certificate from any state. None of the seven published lists we checked names New York: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington. See the pilot car reciprocity table before you work outside New York.

Where Does RouteAll Fit?

RouteAll does not issue or check escort credentials. Once you hold the MV-64 card, RouteAll Pilot Pro keeps each job’s client, route, dates, miles and rate together and exports your pilot invoice. Viewing a route the hauler shares with you is free.

Before You Roll

Carry the MV-64 card with your driver’s license on every New York escort job. Diary your expiry date: a lapse over two years means the test again.

Common Questions

I passed the New York escort test but never got my certificate. Who do I call?

The DMV says a passing applicant gets the certificate at the counter. The contact office on the DMV’s escort page is the Utica Processing Center: 207 Genesee Street, 15th Floor, Utica, NY 13501, phone 315-793-2616. A lost card is replaced with form MV-65 and $5.

Is the New York escort test open book?

No. The DMV says notes, manuals and other study materials are not permitted, and staff cannot discuss the questions. Study the New York State Certified Escort Manual, available from DMV offices or Call Centers, before the test.

Does New York accept other states’ pilot car certifications?

No. The New York DMV does not recognize escort certifications issued by other states. You need a New York MV-64 card for loads over 12 feet wide, 80 feet or longer, 14 feet or taller, more than 10 feet of overhang, or to flag.