OL 321 Form – The OL 321 Form is the official Application for Permit to Deploy Autonomous Vehicles on Public Streets issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form allows autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturers to obtain a deployment permit for operating self-driving vehicles on California’s public roads beyond the testing phase.
Revised in July 2020 (Rev. 7/2020) and still the current version as of 2026, the OL 321 PDF is the mandatory application document for the DMV’s Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Program. It ensures manufacturers meet strict safety, insurance, and operational standards before deploying Level 3, 4, or 5 autonomous vehicles for public use.
Why the OL 321 Form Matters for Autonomous Vehicle Deployment?
California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle regulation. The OL 321 permit is the final step after drivered or driverless testing. It authorizes full public deployment, including vehicles sold or leased to consumers. Without an approved OL 321, manufacturers cannot legally deploy AVs on public streets.
The form enforces compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 13, Section 228.06, focusing on safety, cybersecurity, data recording, and emergency response capabilities.
Who Must File the OL 321 Form?
Only licensed AV manufacturers with prior testing permits may apply. The form is required for:
- Deploying autonomous vehicles designed for public roads (including Level 4 and 5 vehicles without manual controls)
- Vehicles intended for sale, lease, or commercial operation in California
- Manufacturers planning driverless operations with remote support
Companies must already hold a valid DMV manufacturer license and demonstrate extensive prior testing.
Key Requirements and Acknowledgments in the OL 321 Form
The OL 321 PDF requires manufacturers to complete three main sections and provide extensive supporting documentation. Applicants must acknowledge and initial compliance with these critical requirements (per CCR §228.06):
- The vehicle operates only within its disclosed Operational Design Domain (ODD)
- Equipped with a collision data recorder capturing at least 30 seconds before incidents
- Full compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and California Vehicle Code
- Ability to detect and respond to roadway conditions while complying with traffic laws
- Annual updates to software and mapping data
- Robust cybersecurity protections
- Safety validation through testing and validation methods
- Special provisions for driverless vehicles (remote operator communication and owner information display)
- No unreasonable safety risks from defects
Failure to meet these can result in permit denial or revocation.
Required Attachments and Supporting Documents for OL 321
A complete OL 321 application must include (in the exact order specified by the DMV checklist OL 321C):
- Proof of $5 million liability insurance, surety bond (OL 317A), or self-insurance (OL 319A)
- Detailed description of the vehicle’s Operational Design Domain (ODD)
- Explanation of restricted conditions (snow, fog, construction zones, etc.) and safe disengagement procedures
- Consumer education plan (for vehicles sold or leased to the public)
- Plan for safe stop in case of autonomous technology failure
- Law enforcement interaction plan
- Written privacy disclosure (per CCR §228.24)
- Summary of testing conducted in the intended ODD
- Any NHTSA exemption evidence (if applicable)
- Corporate documents (Articles of Incorporation, Statement of Information, etc.)
All documents must follow strict formatting rules in CCR §228.06(e).
How to Download the Official OL 321 Form PDF?
You can download the latest OL 321 PDF directly from the California DMV website:
Direct Download Link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/OL-321-R7-2020-ASB-WWW.pdf
The form can be completed online or printed and filled out by hand using black or blue ink. Always use the most recent version from the official DMV portal to avoid rejection.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit the OL 321 Application?
- Complete the OL 321 Form – Fill out manufacturer information, vehicle details, and all acknowledgments.
- Gather All Required Attachments – Use the official OL 321C Deployment Checklist to verify completeness.
- Prepare Payment – Include the non-refundable $3,275 application fee.
- Submit by Mail – Send the original signed application and all documents to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles Branch
2415 1st Avenue, MS D405
Sacramento, CA 95818 - Track Your Application – Questions can be emailed to [email protected].
The DMV reviews applications thoroughly for safety and regulatory compliance before issuing a deployment permit.
Application Fee and Processing Information
- Fee: $3,275 (non-refundable)
- Processing Time: Varies based on completeness and complexity of the safety case
- Validity: Deployment permits are ongoing but subject to annual reporting, updates, and potential audits
Manufacturers must also comply with ongoing requirements such as monthly disengagement reports and immediate reporting of safety-related defects.
California’s Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Program Overview
The OL 321 form is central to California’s three-tier AV permitting system:
- Drivered Testing Permit
- Driverless Testing Permit
- Deployment Permit (via OL 321)
As of late 2025, only a small number of companies had secured full deployment permits, reflecting the rigorous safety standards. California continues to refine regulations (with 2025 proposals addressing autonomous trucks and updated safety requirements), but the OL 321 remains the core application document.
Where to Find More Information and Resources?
- Official DMV Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Program page: dmv.ca.gov AV Deployment
- Full regulations: California Code of Regulations Title 13, Article 3.8
- Contact: Autonomous Vehicles Branch at [email protected]
For the most current guidance, always refer directly to the California DMV website, as rules and forms can be updated to reflect advancing autonomous vehicle technology and safety standards.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official California DMV sources as of April 2026. Manufacturers should consult the DMV directly for personalized application assistance.