OL 140 Form – The OL 140 form is an essential document for anyone applying for a California driving school or traffic violator school (TVS) owner license. Titled “Property Use Verification for a Driving School or Traffic Violator School License,” this official California DMV form confirms that your proposed business location meets local zoning requirements. Whether you’re starting a new driving school or opening a classroom for traffic violator education, the OL 140 Property Use Verification Driving School PDF must be completed and submitted as part of your license application.
What Is the OL 140 Form and Why Does It Matter?
The OL 140 form verifies that the property where you plan to operate your driving school or TVS is properly zoned and approved by the local government agency responsible for land use. California Government Code Section 65850 requires this verification before the DMV can issue a license.
Without a properly completed OL 140, your application for a Driving School Owner License or Traffic Violator School Owner License will be incomplete. The form protects consumers and ensures that driving schools operate in locations suitable for instruction—either as a full office (with mandatory signage) or as a classroom-only facility.
Who Needs the OL 140 Property Use Verification Form?
You must submit the OL 140 form if you are:
- Applying for a new Driving School Owner License
- Applying for a Traffic Violator School Owner License
- Adding a new office or classroom location to an existing licensed school
The form is not completed by the applicant. Instead, an official from your local planning, zoning, or property-use agency (city, county, or city-and-county) must fill out and sign the certification section.
Both driving schools offering behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction and TVS programs that help drivers dismiss tickets require this verification.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete the OL 140 Form?
- Provide Applicant Information – Fill in your name, the zoned business name, complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Submit to Local Zoning Official – Take the form (completed in ink) to the agency responsible for property-use approvals in your area.
- Choose the Correct Certification Section:
- For a Driving School:
- Approved for Driving School office (sign mandatory)
- Approved for Driver Education classroom only
- Not approved options
- For a Traffic Violator School:
- Approved for TVS office (sign mandatory)
- Approved for TVS classroom only
- Not approved options
- For a Driving School:
- Local Official Completes Certification – The official signs, dates the form, provides their title, agency name, and contact phone number.
- Return to DMV – Submit the signed OL 140 with your full license application package.
Important Tip: Always use the most current version of the form. The official OL 140 PDF (REV. 3/2011) is still the active document used by the DMV.
Official OL 140 Form PDF Download Link
Download the latest official OL 140 Property Use Verification Driving School PDF directly from the California DMV here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/OL-140-R3-2011-ASB-WWW.pdf
You can also find the form on the DMV’s Occupational Licensing Forms page along with all other required driving school documents.
Full Requirements for California Driving School Owner License
In addition to the OL 140 form, a complete Driving School Owner License application must include:
- Proof of business ownership or rental agreement
- Surety bond (OL 218)
- Driving School Insurance Certificate (OL 207)
- Vehicle Safety Inspection Reports (OL 221A / OL 211 for motorcycles)
- Live Scan fingerprints (DMV 8016) for all owners
- Photos of the business office, signage, and location
- Certificate of Compliance with California Labor Code (OL 4002)
All applications are now submitted online through the DMV Occupational Licensing portal. Applications remain valid for one year from submission.
OL 140 Form for Traffic Violator School (TVS) Applications
TVS owners follow nearly identical requirements. The OL 140 form is mandatory for every office and classroom location. Additional TVS-specific documents may include:
- OL 144 Classroom Lease or Rental Agreement (if the classroom is not at the main business address)
- OL 142 ADA Compliance Assurance
- Approved lesson plan
The same local zoning verification process applies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting OL 140
- Having the applicant sign the form instead of the local zoning official
- Submitting a form without the required “sign mandatory” checkbox for office use
- Using an outdated or unofficial version of the OL 140 PDF
- Forgetting to include the form for every proposed classroom or office location
- Missing the local official’s telephone number or date
Double-check that the form is filled out completely in ink before submitting to the DMV.
How to Apply Online for Your Driving School or TVS License?
- Create an account at the DMV Occupational Licensing Online portal.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all supporting documents, including the signed OL 140 form.
- Pay the required fees (original, renewal, or modification).
- Schedule and pass the DMV inspection of your facility.
Detailed instructions, checklists, and video tutorials are available directly on the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions About OL 140 Form
Can I fill out OL 140 myself?
No. Only a local government zoning official can complete and certify the property-use section.
Is the OL 140 form required for every classroom location?
Yes. Each office and each classroom must have its own completed OL 140.
How long is the completed OL 140 valid?
It remains valid as long as your license application is processed within one year of submission.
Where can I find the latest OL 140 PDF?
Use the direct official link provided above or visit the DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page.
Get Started with Your Driving School License Today
The OL 140 Form: Property Use Verification Driving School PDF is your first critical step toward operating a legal and compliant California driving school or traffic violator school. By securing proper zoning approval early, you avoid delays in your DMV license application and set your business up for long-term success.
Download the official form now, contact your local zoning department, and begin the online application process through the California DMV. For the most current requirements, always refer to the official DMV resources linked throughout this guide.
Need help with the full application? Visit the California DMV Occupational Licensing section or contact Vehicle Industry Services for assistance with your driving school or TVS license.