Illinois RT OPR 3 School Bus Affirmation Form Guide – School transportation providers in Illinois must follow strict rules to operate legally. One essential document is the Illinois Secretary of State Form RT OPR 3 — School Bus Affirmation. This form allows eligible bus owners to obtain special school bus license plates under Illinois law. It confirms that the vehicles will be used only for school purposes under a written contract and that they meet required liability insurance standards.
This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete it, related legal requirements, and where to submit it. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State materials and the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
What Is Form RT OPR 3?
Form RT OPR 3 is an official affirmation document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Special Plates Division. It is required to authorize the issuance of motor vehicle school bus license plates under Section 3-808(a)(4) of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (625 ILCS 5/3-808).
The form is typically used when school buses are owned or operated by a private company or individual under a written contract with a school district, rather than being owned directly by the school district itself. By signing the form, the principal or school board member and the bus owner jointly affirm three key points:
- The statement authorizes the Secretary of State to issue school bus license plates.
- The bus or buses will be used exclusively as school buses for school purposes under a written contract between the named school district and the bus owner.
- The buses will meet the liability insurance requirements in Section 12-707.01 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (625 ILCS 5/12-707.01).
The form also includes a section to list each bus by year, make, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Who Needs to Complete Form RT OPR 3?
This form is required for operators of vehicles that qualify for reduced-fee or special school bus registration under 625 ILCS 5/3-808(a)(4). Common situations include:
- Private bus companies or contractors that provide transportation services to public or private school districts under a written contract.
- Bus owners whose vehicles are used exclusively for school purposes but are not owned or operated by the school district itself.
- Entities seeking official school bus license plates rather than standard commercial or passenger plates.
School districts that own and operate their own buses may follow different registration procedures. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State, as rules can be updated.
Key Legal Requirements Linked to the Form
Two main statutes govern the use of Form RT OPR 3:
625 ILCS 5/3-808 – Governmental and Charitable Vehicles
This section sets a registration fee of $10 per two-year registration period for vehicles used exclusively as school buses for any school district when the vehicles are neither owned nor operated by the district. The RT OPR 3 form provides the required affirmation for this category.
625 ILCS 5/12-707.01 – Liability Insurance
School buses (and other vehicles requiring a school bus driver permit) must carry substantial liability coverage. For most school buses, the minimum is $2,000,000. This can be met by either:
- A $2,000,000 combined single limit primary commercial automobile policy, or
- A $1,000,000 primary commercial automobile policy plus a minimum $5,000,000 excess or umbrella liability policy.
Vehicles used solely in connection with private day care facilities, day camps, summer camps, or nursery schools have a lower minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit per crash. Primary coverage must come from a licensed insurer, intergovernmental cooperative, or certified self-insurer.
A separate School Bus Insurance Affirmation form (VSD 928) is sometimes used in conjunction with registration to document compliance with these insurance rules.
How to Fill Out Form RT OPR 3?
The form is straightforward but must be completed accurately. Follow these steps:
- Identify the parties – Enter the name of the principal or member of the school board and the name of the bus owner at the top.
- Review the affirmations – Read the three numbered statements carefully. By signing, both parties confirm the exclusive school use and insurance compliance.
- Name the contract parties – In statement 2, fill in the name of the school district and the name of the bus owner to document the written contract.
- Describe the buses – In the “Description of Buses” section, list the year, make, and full Vehicle Identification Number for each bus covered by the affirmation.
- Obtain signatures – Both the authorized agent of the bus company/owner and the principal or school board member must sign and date the form.
Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay plate issuance.
Where to Submit Form RT OPR 3 and How to Obtain Plates?
Submit the completed and signed Form RT OPR 3 to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 532
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-6901
You may also need to include the appropriate registration application, proof of ownership, payment of the applicable fee (generally $10 per two-year period for qualifying school buses under Section 3-808), and any other required supporting documents. Contact the Special Plates Division or visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website for the most current submission instructions and any additional forms.
Download the Official Form RT OPR 3
Always use the official version of the form from the Illinois Secretary of State. Download the current PDF here:
Download Illinois Form RT OPR 3 – School Bus Affirmation (PDF)
For best results, open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader and fill it out digitally or print it for handwritten completion.
Related School Bus Requirements in Illinois
Obtaining school bus plates is only one part of legal operation. Operators must also ensure:
- Drivers hold a valid Illinois School Bus Driver Permit (issued by the Secretary of State) and meet age, training, physical exam, background check, and driving record requirements.
- Vehicles comply with equipment standards under Article VIII of the Illinois Vehicle Code (including “SCHOOL BUS” lettering, stop arms, flashing lights, and other safety features).
- Pre-trip inspections are performed daily as required by Illinois Department of Transportation rules.
- Insurance remains in force at the required minimum levels throughout the registration period.
Failure to maintain compliance can result in plate cancellation, fines, or other enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form RT OPR 3 required every year?
The form supports the two-year registration period under Section 3-808. Renewals or changes in ownership/contract may require a new affirmation. Confirm with the Special Plates Division.
Can the same form cover multiple buses?
Yes. The description section allows listing multiple vehicles by year, make, and VIN.
What if the school district owns the buses?
District-owned buses may qualify under different provisions of Section 3-808 and may not need this specific contractor affirmation form.
Where can I get more official information?
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov or contact the Vehicle Services Department, Special Plates Division at the address and phone number listed above. For the full text of the statutes, refer to the Illinois General Assembly website at ilga.gov.
Conclusion
Form RT OPR 3 is a critical step for private operators seeking school bus license plates in Illinois. By properly completing and submitting the School Bus Affirmation, bus owners and school officials document exclusive school use and required insurance coverage. Always download the official form from the Illinois Secretary of State, keep accurate records, and stay current with any updates to vehicle registration or insurance rules.
For the most reliable and up-to-date guidance, rely on official sources from the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Compiled Statutes rather than third-party summaries.