Illinois Form DSD A 308: Disaster Displacement Certificate – When a major disaster forces U.S. citizens to leave their homes and relocate to Illinois, obtaining official identification can become challenging. The Illinois Secretary of State provides a specific solution: Form DSD A 308, the Certificate of Residence for Persons Displaced by a Disaster. This official document serves as proof of temporary residence and helps eligible individuals apply for an Illinois driver’s license or state ID card.
This guide explains what Form DSD A 308 is, who can use it, how to complete it correctly, and where to submit it. All information is based on official guidance from the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department.
What Is Illinois Form DSD A 308?
Form DSD A 308 is an official Illinois Secretary of State document issued by the Driver Services Department. It certifies that an applicant currently resides at a temporary address in Illinois after being displaced by a major disaster.
According to the form itself (printed December 2017), the Certificate of Residence for Persons Displaced by a Disaster “can be used to provide proof of temporary residence.” It must be completed by both the individual making the certification and the applicant for whom the certification applies.
The form is specifically designed for U.S. citizens who have relocated to Illinois because of a major disaster that occurred within the United States or U.S. territories.
Download the official form here: Illinois Form DSD A 308 PDF.
Who Is Eligible to Use Form DSD A 308?
Eligibility is limited to:
- U.S. citizens
- Individuals who have relocated to Illinois
- Persons displaced by a major disaster occurring within the U.S. or U.S. territories
The form is not intended for individuals displaced by disasters outside the United States or for non-citizens. Applicants typically need this certificate when they lack traditional proof-of-residency documents (such as utility bills or lease agreements) because of the disaster.
Related resources from the Illinois Secretary of State include standard residency document lists available on the official Acceptable Identification Documents page.
Purpose of the Certificate of Residence
When applying for an Illinois driver’s license or state identification card, applicants must generally provide proof of Illinois residency (Group D documents). Common examples include bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements dated within specific timeframes.
Disaster displacement often leaves people without these standard documents. Form DSD A 308 fills that gap by serving as acceptable proof of temporary residence. It allows displaced individuals to establish their current Illinois address so they can obtain essential identification needed for daily life, employment, banking, and government services.
How to Complete Form DSD A 308?
The form requires information from both the certifier (the person confirming the applicant’s residence) and the applicant. Key sections include:
- Certifier’s Information: Printed name of the individual making the certification and their relationship to the applicant.
- Applicant’s Current Residence: Full street address, city, ZIP code, and county in Illinois.
- Applicant Details: Full name, date of birth, phone number, and Social Security number.
- Disaster Information: Area where the disaster occurred and, if applicable, the identification number of the FEMA card.
- Supporting Documents: List of all documents the applicant presented, along with identifying numbers.
- Alternate Mailing Address: Indicate whether an alternate mailing address is being used and provide it if applicable.
- Signatures: Signature, date, and driver’s license/state ID number of both the certifier and the applicant.
Both parties must sign under penalties of perjury. The form clearly states that making any false statement is punishable by law.
An official section for Driver Services Department (DSD) staff use appears at the bottom for facility details and employee signatures.
Where to Submit Form DSD A 308?
Submit the completed form in person at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility when applying for a driver’s license or state ID. Staff will review the form along with other required identification documents.
Locate a facility near you using the official Illinois DMV Facility Finder.
Contact information listed on the form includes the Driver Services Department Field Headquarters at 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723, phone 217-782-7044. The main Illinois Secretary of State website is www.ilsos.gov.
Additional Documents Usually Required
Form DSD A 308 addresses residency. Applicants still need documents that prove other required elements:
- Legal name and written signature (Group A)
- Date of birth (Group B)
- Social Security number (Group C), when applicable
For REAL ID-compliant cards, two residency documents are typically required. Always check the current list of acceptable documents on the Illinois Secretary of State website before visiting a facility, as requirements can be updated.
Official checklists and detailed lists are available on the Document Requirements page.
Important Warnings and Tips
- Complete the form accurately. False statements carry legal penalties.
- Bring original documents when possible; photocopies are generally not accepted for identification purposes.
- If you have a FEMA registration or disaster-related documents, bring them to support your application.
- The form is specifically for temporary residence proof related to disaster displacement. Other situations (such as homelessness) may require different forms, such as the Homeless Status Certification.
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form DSD A 308 only for driver’s licenses?
It is primarily used to support applications for Illinois driver’s licenses or state ID cards by providing proof of temporary residency.
Does the form expire?
The form itself does not list an expiration date, but it should be submitted promptly as part of a current application. Facilities may require recent supporting information.
Can non-citizens use this form?
No. The form is designated for U.S. citizens displaced by a major disaster within the U.S. or its territories.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department or visit a local facility. Official publications and forms are also listed on the Motorist Publications and Forms page.
Conclusion
Illinois Form DSD A 308 provides a practical path for U.S. citizens displaced by disaster to establish temporary residency and obtain essential identification. By completing this Certificate of Residence accurately and presenting it with other required documents at a Driver Services facility, eligible individuals can move forward with obtaining an Illinois driver’s license or state ID.
Always download the form directly from the official source and verify current requirements on the Illinois Secretary of State website before applying.
Official Download Link: Download Illinois Form DSD A 308 (PDF)
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ilsos.gov or call the Driver Services Department.