Illinois Form DSD X 174: Affidavit for Minor Drivers – Parents and legal guardians in Illinois play a critical role when a teen under age 18 applies for a driver’s license. One essential document in this process is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD X 174 — Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive. This official form provides written parental or guardian consent and confirms that the minor has completed the required practice driving hours. Understanding and correctly completing Form DSD X 174 helps ensure a smooth application at a Driver Services facility.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD X 174?
Form DSD X 174 is the official Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. It serves two primary purposes:
- It gives written consent for the Secretary of State to issue a driver’s license to a minor.
- It certifies that the minor has completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, and is sufficiently prepared to operate a motor vehicle safely.
The form is completed by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult who is legally responsible for the minor. It includes a notary section and must be signed under penalty of perjury pursuant to Section 1-109 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/1-109).
According to the official Illinois Secretary of State website, this form is used when the parent or legal guardian cannot accompany the teen to the Driver Services facility in person to provide consent.
Who Needs to Complete Form DSD X 174?
This form is required for applicants under age 18 who are applying for an Illinois driver’s license under the state’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. Specifically:
- Teens ages 16–17 seeking their first driver’s license after holding an instruction permit.
- Situations where the parent or legal guardian cannot appear in person at the facility.
- Cases involving another responsible adult (age 21 or older) who can explain their relationship to the minor.
If a parent or legal guardian can accompany the minor to the Driver Services facility, they may provide written consent directly without using this form. However, when that is not possible, the completed and notarized Form DSD X 174 is accepted.
Parents should note that consent can later be withdrawn using a separate form until the driver turns 18.
Key Requirements for Minors Obtaining a Driver’s License in Illinois
Illinois follows a Graduated Driver’s License system designed to give new drivers progressive experience. For the Initial Licensing Phase (ages 16–17), key requirements include:
- Completion of a state-approved driver education course.
- Holding a valid instruction permit for a minimum of nine months without certain convictions.
- Certification of at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Written consent from a parent or legal guardian (either in person or via Form DSD X 174).
- Passing the required vision, written, and road tests (if applicable).
Nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits also apply during this phase. Full details are available on the official Illinois Graduated Driver’s License page.
The 50-hour practice requirement must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 21 or older who has held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. A separate 50-Hour Practice Driving Log (Form DSD X 152) is recommended for tracking these hours.
How to Fill Out Form DSD X 174?
Form DSD X 174 is a fillable PDF. Download it to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results. The form requests the following information:
- Full name, driver’s license or ID number, and telephone number of the parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult.
- Full name, date of birth, and driver’s license or instruction permit number (if any) of the minor.
- Relationship to the minor (Parent/Legal Guardian or Other Responsible Adult). If “Other,” an explanation is required.
- Certification that the minor has completed 50 hours of practice driving (including 10 nighttime hours) and is prepared to drive safely.
- Signature, address, city, state, and ZIP code of the person giving consent.
- Notary public section: The form must be subscribed and sworn before a notary, who will complete the date, signature, and commission expiration and place their seal.
All statements are made under penalties of perjury. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the license application.
Where to Download Form DSD X 174?
The official current version of Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD X 174 is available directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Download the form here:
Download Official Form DSD X 174 (PDF)
Always use the version published by the Illinois Secretary of State to ensure it is the most current. Forms are also listed on the official Driver’s License and ID Card Publications and Forms page.
Submitting the Form and Next Steps
Bring the completed and notarized Form DSD X 174 to a Driver Services facility along with the minor’s other required documents, which typically include:
- Valid instruction permit.
- Acceptable identification documents.
- Proof of completion of driver education (if required).
- 50-Hour Practice Driving Log (recommended).
Many Illinois Driver Services facilities require appointments for driver’s license services. Schedule an appointment online through the official Illinois Secretary of State website or by phone. Use the DMV Facility Finder to locate the nearest office and confirm current requirements.
After successful application and testing, the minor will receive a temporary paper credential valid for driving while the permanent card is mailed.
Related Forms and Resources
Several companion documents support the minor licensing process:
- Form DSD X 152 — 50-Hour Practice Driving Log / Under Age 18 Applicant. Available on the official forms page.
- Form DSD A 325 — Withdrawal of Consent for a Minor. Parents or guardians may use this to cancel consent until the driver turns 18.
- Parent-Teen Driving Guide and Parent-Teen Driving Contract publications, which offer practical guidance for supervised practice.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov. Contact Driver Services Field Services at 217-782-7044 or visit a local facility for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DSD X 174
Is Form DSD X 174 required if a parent goes to the DMV with the teen?
No. If the parent or legal guardian accompanies the minor and provides written consent in person, the affidavit form is generally not needed.
Does the form need to be notarized?
Yes. The official form includes a notary section and must be sworn before a notary public.
Can someone other than a parent complete the form?
Yes. A legal guardian or other responsible adult may complete it, but they must clearly explain their relationship to the minor.
What happens if consent is withdrawn later?
A parent or legal guardian may withdraw consent at any time until the driver turns 18 by contacting the Secretary of State’s office (using Form DSD A 325 or other authorized methods). Driving privileges are cancelled, and the teen must reapply, retake tests, and pay applicable fees to regain a license.
Is there a fee for Form DSD X 174 itself?
No. There is no fee for obtaining or submitting the form. Standard driver’s license application and testing fees still apply.
Completing Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD X 174 correctly is an important step in helping a minor driver begin their driving career under Illinois law. By following the official requirements and using current forms from the Secretary of State, families can navigate the process efficiently and help new drivers start safely.