PennDOT Form DL-9005 School Bus Driver Agreement – School bus contractors and employers of school bus drivers in Pennsylvania rely on accurate driver records to maintain safety and compliance. The official PennDOT Form DL-9005, titled “Internet User Application/Licensing Agreement For School Bus Contractors,” provides authorized businesses with unlimited electronic access to driver histories for their current and prospective school bus (commercial) driver employees.
This SEO-optimized guide explains everything U.S. employers need to know about Form DL-9005, including purpose, eligibility, step-by-step completion, fees, legal requirements, and how to download the current version directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-9005?
Form DL-9005 is the official Internet User Application and Licensing Agreement issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Driver Licensing. It allows approved school bus contractors to obtain free, unlimited online access to Pennsylvania driver records specifically for commercial drivers and school bus drivers employed or being considered for employment.
The current version is DL-9005 (6-23). Once approved, the account grants one year of unlimited electronic access to qualifying driver histories. After the initial year, access is maintained through the annual renewal process using Form DL-9010.
Official source information is available on the PennDOT Online Business Driver History Request Service page.
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-9005?
This form is designed exclusively for:
- School bus contractors
- Employers of school bus drivers operating in Pennsylvania
- Businesses that need ongoing access to driver abstracts for hiring, monitoring, or compliance purposes related to school bus and commercial drivers
It is not intended for general employers, insurance agents seeking individual paid records, or access to non-commercial driver records. Those entities use different forms such as DL-9001 or pay per individual record.
Key Benefits of the DL-9005 Account
- Unlimited free electronic access to driver records of current and potential school bus/commercial driver employees for one full year
- Real-time online retrieval and printing of driver histories
- Streamlined compliance with federal and state requirements for checking driving records
- Secure account with username and temporary password issued after approval
Standard individual driver record requests currently cost $14 each (as of the fee adjustment effective July 1, 2023). The DL-9005 unlimited access model offers significant cost savings for contractors with multiple drivers.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-9005?
Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or rejection:
- Download the official form – Use only the current version from PennDOT.
- Complete all sections:
- Part A: Main Office information (legal business name, addresses, contact person, email, website, record storage location)
- Part B: Business Identification (Federal EIN, date and state of incorporation, Dun & Bradstreet number if applicable, DOT/MC numbers – attach certification copies)
- Part C: Ownership details (names, titles, phone numbers, and driver’s license/ID numbers of owners, partners, or corporate officers)
- Part D: Business Description (type of business and specific explanation of how driver abstracts will be used)
- Part E: Business References and estimated number of commercial driver employees
- Part F: Requester Account History (answer all questions regarding prior accounts, administrative actions, criminal history, etc.)
- Sign the Internet User Affidavit under the appropriate category (Individual, Partnership, or Corporation).
- Have the form notarized – The notary must complete the acknowledgment section.
- Prepare the non-refundable annual access fee of $200 in the form of a check or money order payable to PennDOT.
- Mail the completed, notarized form and fee to:
PennDOT
Driver Record Services, 3rd Floor
Bureau of Driver Licensing
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Questions can be directed to PennDOT at (717) 705-1051.
Important Legal and Compliance Terms
By signing Form DL-9005, the requester agrees to strict conditions, including but not limited to:
- Using records only for the stated employment-related purpose and in compliance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 6114, Title 67 Pa. Code Chapter 95, the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2721 et seq.), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Protecting the confidentiality of driver records
- Never selling, transferring, or publishing the information
- Not combining data into other databases except as required by law
- Using a web browser with 128-bit encryption and limiting sessions to 25 transactions
- Notifying PennDOT of any changes within 10 days
- Allowing audits by PennDOT
- Understanding that the account is limited to commercial/school bus driver employees only
Violation of these terms can result in termination of the account at the discretion of the Bureau of Driver Licensing Director.
Annual Renewal Requirements
Access lasts one year from the date the account is issued. To maintain unlimited free access, submit Form DL-9010 (Internet User Renewal Application) along with the $200 annual fee at least 30 days before expiration. Failure to renew converts the account to a paid-per-record basis.
The renewal form and additional details are available on the official PennDOT business partners page.
Download the Official PennDOT Form DL-9005
Always download the most current official version directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure accuracy and acceptance.
Download Form DL-9005 (PDF) here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-9005.pdf
Additional Resources and Related Forms
- Online Business Driver History Request Service
- Form DL-9010 – Internet User Renewal Application
- Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services Home
Final Tips for Successful Application
Print clearly or type all information. Attach required supporting documents (incorporation certificates, licenses). Double-check that the affidavit is properly signed and notarized. Keep a complete copy of everything submitted for your records. Processing times can vary; contact the number listed on the form if you have not received account credentials within a reasonable period.
By properly completing Form DL-9005, school bus contractors in Pennsylvania gain an efficient, cost-effective tool for verifying driver qualifications and supporting safe student transportation across the Commonwealth.