Illinois Form DSD SR 21 General Release Guide

Illinois Form DSD SR 21 General Release Guide – If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash in Illinois and face a Safety Responsibility suspension because of missing insurance or unpaid damages, the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SR 21 (General Release) can help restore your driving privileges. This official form documents a settlement between the parties and releases the at-fault driver from further liability claims related to the crash under the Illinois Safety Responsibility Law.

This guide explains what the form is, when you need it, how to complete it correctly, and how to submit it. All information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and current state law so U.S. drivers—especially Illinois residents—can navigate the process accurately.

What Is Illinois Form DSD SR 21 (General Release)?

Form DSD SR 21 is the official General Release and Acceptance document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, Safety & Financial Responsibility Section. It allows the party who suffered damages (the party receiving money) to release the other party (the party paying money) from all claims arising from a specific crash.

The form is used primarily when an uninsured motorist or vehicle owner reaches a financial settlement with the injured party or property owner. Once properly completed, notarized, and accepted by the Secretary of State, it satisfies the security deposit requirement under the Illinois Safety Responsibility Law (625 ILCS 5/7-201 et seq.) and can lead to reinstatement of a suspended driver’s license or vehicle registration.

You can download the current official form (including instructions labeled DSD SR-21.5) directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DSD SR 21 PDF.

When Do You Need Form DSD SR 21?

The Illinois Safety Responsibility Law applies to crashes that result in:

  • Bodily injury or death, or
  • Property damage exceeding $500 to any one person.

If the Illinois Department of Transportation certifies that a driver or owner lacked liability insurance at the time of the crash, the Secretary of State may suspend the driver’s license and vehicle registration until financial responsibility is shown. One accepted method of compliance is a notarized General Release (Form DSD SR 21) showing that the damaged party has been compensated and releases all claims.

Other compliance options include an installment agreement (DSD SR 11), a security deposit (DSD SR 81), or proof of a final court judgment of non-liability. The General Release is often the simplest route when the parties have already reached a private settlement.

Key Requirements for Completing Form DSD SR 21

According to the official instructions provided with the form, the following rules must be followed:

  1. The individual certified by the Illinois Department of Transportation (or their authorized representative)—usually the party who received the settlement money—must sign the release section.
  2. All signatures must be notarized.
  3. The form submitted to the Secretary of State must include the driver’s license number, full name, and date of birth of the party whose privileges are being reinstated.
  4. Proof of Financial Responsibility in the form of an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance must also be filed. The SR-22 must be maintained for 36 months. Failure to keep continuous coverage results in an immediate new suspension.
  5. Allow 10 to 20 working days for processing after the office receives the completed form.

The form itself contains two main parts:

  • General Release – Completed and signed by the party receiving money (the releasor).
  • Acceptance of the General Release – Signed by the party paying money (the releasee).

Both sections require notarization. Spaces are provided for the accident number, driver’s license number of the paying party, insurance claim/file number (if applicable), the exact settlement amount, crash location, and date of the crash.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Out and Submit the Form

  1. Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_sr21.pdf.
  2. Enter the Accident Number (if known), the Driver’s License Number of the party paying money and accepting the release, and any Insurance Claim/File Number.
  3. In the General Release section, fill in the exact dollar amount of the settlement, the name of the party being released, the crash location, and the approximate date of the crash.
  4. The party receiving money signs the release. If acting as a subrogee (for example, an insurance company), note that on the form.
  5. Have both signatures notarized by a licensed notary public.
  6. The party paying money signs the Acceptance section and provides their current address.
  7. Mail the completed, notarized original form to:
    Illinois Secretary of State
    Driver Services Department
    Safety & Financial Responsibility Section
    2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
    Springfield, IL 62723
  8. Separately arrange for your insurance company to file an SR-22 certificate directly with the Secretary of State.

You can check the status of your driving privileges 24 hours a day by calling the automated attendant at 217-782-3720 and selecting option 1. Have your driver’s license number and Social Security number ready.

Additional Requirements for License Reinstatement

Filing Form DSD SR 21 alone is not enough. You must also:

  • Pay the required reinstatement fee (currently $70 for most Safety Responsibility suspensions).
  • Maintain continuous SR-22 insurance coverage for three years (36 months).
  • Satisfy any other outstanding suspensions or requirements on your record.

Once the Secretary of State processes the release and the SR-22 is on file, a confirmation letter is mailed. You may resume driving as soon as the automated system shows your privileges as valid.

Where to Find Official Information and Related Forms?

Always use documents from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to avoid outdated or unofficial versions:

Related forms you may also need include DSD SR 11 (Installment Agreement), DSD SR 81 (Security Deposit), and DSD SR 84 (Mandatory Insurance SR-22 Requirement).

Important Tips for U.S. Drivers Completing the Process

  • Never use an unofficial or fillable version from third-party websites for submission. Only the official PDF from ilsos.gov is accepted.
  • Keep copies of the signed and notarized form for your records.
  • If the party receiving money is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign. If the party is deceased, the administrator or executor of the estate must sign with supporting court documentation.
  • A covenant not to sue may also be accepted in place of a full release under certain circumstances, but Form DSD SR 21 is the preferred official document.
  • Processing times can vary; submit early if your suspension effective date is approaching.

Conclusion

Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SR 21 — General Release is a critical tool for drivers who need to demonstrate that crash-related claims have been settled under the Safety Responsibility Law. By carefully completing the notarized form, filing the required SR-22 insurance certificate, and submitting everything to the Springfield office, most drivers can restore their privileges within a few weeks.

For the most current version of the form and any updates to procedures, always visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website and download the document at https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_sr21.pdf. If you have questions about your specific case, contact the Safety & Financial Responsibility Section at 217-782-3720.

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