Illinois DSD SB 16 School Bus Driver Active Duty Form – The Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SB 16, officially titled the School Bus Driver Active Duty Form, is a critical document for school bus permit holders who are service members called to active military duty. This form allows employers to notify the Illinois Secretary of State so the driver’s school bus permit can be placed in inactive status, protecting the permit from expiration while the driver serves.
This guide covers everything U.S. residents—especially Illinois school bus drivers, employers, and school transportation providers—need to know about Form DSD SB 16, including its purpose, legal basis, how to complete it, submission instructions, and related requirements under Illinois law.
What Is Illinois Form DSD SB 16?
Form DSD SB 16 is the official School Bus Driver Active Duty Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. Employers use it to report when a school bus driver permit holder who is a service member has been called to active duty.
According to the official form and Illinois administrative rules, the document collects:
- School bus driver personal information (name, address, driver’s license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois file number for out-of-state drivers)
- Date of deployment (with a requirement to enclose a copy of deployment orders)
- Expected date of return from active duty
- Employer details (name, address, representative, telephone number, and school bus number)
The form is available as a fillable PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Download it here: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_sb16.pdf.
Legal Authority and Purpose of the Form
The form is grounded in Illinois Vehicle Code Section 6-106.1 and 92 Illinois Administrative Code Section 1035.46 (Military Deferrals). These rules protect school bus drivers who are members of the Armed Services, reserve forces of the United States, or the Illinois National Guard when called to active duty.
“Active duty” is defined as service pursuant to an executive order of the President of the United States, an act of Congress, or an order of the Governor.
Key purposes include:
- Allowing the school bus permit to be placed in inactive status so it does not expire during military service
- Preventing the permit from being characterized as invalid due to non-compliance while the driver is deployed
- Ensuring proper notification and documentation for both the employer and the Secretary of State
For the full regulation, see the Legal Information Institute entry on Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 1035.46.
Who Needs to File Form DSD SB 16?
The form is submitted by the employer of the school bus driver permit holder, not the driver themselves. Requirements apply when:
- The permit holder is a service member called to active duty
- The driver provides a copy of their military orders to the employer
- The employer must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of receiving the military order
If active duty is extended, the employer must submit a second Form DSD SB 16 after being notified by the driver.
This process supports Illinois school districts, private schools, religious institutions, and transportation companies that employ school bus drivers.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD SB 16?
Follow these steps for accurate completion:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State: DSD SB 16 PDF.
- Open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results (as recommended by the Secretary of State).
- Complete the School Bus Driver Information section with accurate personal details.
- Enter the Date of Deployment and enclose a copy of the official deployment orders.
- Provide the Expected Date of Return from Active Duty. Note that extensions require a new form submission.
- Fill in all Employer Information fields completely.
- Submit the completed form to the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, Safe Ride Section.
Mailing Address:
SAFE RIDE SECTION
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Phone: 217-782-7674
Official forms and publications are also listed on the Secretary of State’s Driver’s License and ID Card Publications page: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/dlid.html.
What Happens After Submission?
Once the Secretary of State receives Form DSD SB 16:
- The school bus permit is placed in inactive status.
- The permit remains protected during the period of active duty.
- Upon the driver’s return, the employer must submit the companion form—School Bus Driver Return from Active Duty Form (DSD SB 17)—available on the official school bus permit page.
Within 90 days after returning from active duty, the permit holder must renew the school bus permit by:
- Obtaining a new physical examination (as required under 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1035.20)
- Completing the required refresher training course (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1035.30)
Additional school bus permit information is available on the official Illinois Secretary of State School Bus Permit page: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/schoolbus.html.
Related Forms and Resources
Several related forms support the school bus driver permit process:
- DSD SB 17 – School Bus Driver Return from Active Duty Form
- DSD SB 2 – School Bus Driver Application/Certification
- DSD SB 21 (or current equivalent) – Physical Examination and Certificate for Illinois School Bus Driver
- DSD SB 3 – School Bus Driver Employer Notification/Removal Form
- DSD SB 8 – Waiver Request Form
All official forms are published by the Illinois Secretary of State and should be obtained only from trusted .gov sources to ensure the most current version.
Why Compliance Matters for Illinois School Bus Operations?
Proper use of Form DSD SB 16 helps maintain continuous, safe school transportation while supporting service members. Non-compliance can affect permit status and may expose employers to penalties under the Illinois Vehicle Code for allowing unqualified individuals to operate school buses.
Illinois law prioritizes the safety of students transported on school buses. The military deferral process balances that priority with respect for those serving in the Armed Forces and National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form DSD SB 16 only for Illinois residents?
The form applies to holders of Illinois school bus driver permits, including those with out-of-state driver’s licenses who hold an Illinois permit and Illinois file number.
Can the driver submit the form themselves?
No. The employer is responsible for submitting the form after receiving the military orders from the driver.
What if the expected return date changes?
Submit a new Form DSD SB 16 to notify the Secretary of State of the extension.
Where can I find the most current version of the form?
Always download directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the official, up-to-date document: Official DSD SB 16 PDF.
Conclusion
Illinois Form DSD SB 16 – School Bus Driver Active Duty Form plays an essential role in supporting military service members who hold school bus driver permits. By following the clear procedures outlined in Illinois law and using the official form, employers can protect drivers’ permits and maintain compliance with Secretary of State requirements.
For the latest forms, regulations, and contact information, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website at www.ilsos.gov or contact the Safe Ride Section at 217-782-7674.
Download Form DSD SB 16 today: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_sb16.pdf.