DL 128 Form – The DL 128 Form (Dismissal for Reason Involving Pupil Transportation Safety) is an official California DMV document used by employers to report drivers who have been fired for safety reasons related to transporting pupils. Carriers must file this form within five days of dismissal as required by California Vehicle Code §1808.8a. This ensures unsafe drivers are flagged in the DMV system to protect student safety on school buses and other pupil transportation vehicles.
If you are a school district, charter school, or private carrier needing to report a driver dismissal for pupil transportation safety issues, this guide explains everything about the DL 128 PDF, who must use it, how to complete it, and where to submit it. The latest official version is available for free download directly from the California DMV.
What Is the DL 128 Form?
The DL 128 Form is titled “Dismissal for Reason Involving Pupil Transportation Safety.” It is a mandatory reporting tool for California carriers (employers) who dismiss a driver because, for safety reasons, that driver should no longer transport pupils.
California law requires employers to notify the DMV’s Driver Safety Services Unit whenever a driver is terminated for pupil-safety-related causes. The form helps the DMV maintain accurate records and take appropriate action on the driver’s license or certification status.
Important note: This is not a routine termination form. It is reserved exclusively for serious safety violations that make continued pupil transportation unsafe.
Who Must File the DL 128 Form?
Only carriers (employers responsible for pupil transportation) complete and submit the DL 128. Typical users include:
- School districts
- Charter schools
- Private bus companies contracted for school or pupil transport
- Any employer operating vehicles that carry pupils
Individual drivers, parents, or non-carrier employees do not file this form. The reporting employee (usually a supervisor or HR representative) must sign it under penalty of perjury.
Legal Requirement and Deadline
California Vehicle Code §1808.8a mandates that carriers report any driver dismissed for a cause relating to pupil transportation safety within five days of the dismissal date. Failure to report can result in non-compliance with state law. The DMV uses the information to evaluate the driver’s fitness to continue operating pupil-transport vehicles.
How to Download the Official DL 128 PDF (Free & Updated)?
The most current official DL 128 PDF (REV. 4/2016) is hosted directly on the California DMV website:
Download DL 128 Form PDF
This is the exact form referenced on the DMV’s official forms page. Always download from dmv.ca.gov to ensure you have the authentic, government-issued version. Additional copies are available free on the DMV website.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DL 128 Form?
The DL 128 is a one-page form that must be typed or printed legibly. Follow these steps:
- Driver Information
- Driver’s Full Name
- Birth Date
- Termination Date
- Driver License Number
- Reason for Termination
Provide detailed information concerning the reason for dismissal based on pupil transportation safety. Be specific—vague entries may delay processing. - Employer / Reporting Information
- Reporting Employee’s Name
- Work Phone Number
- Company Name
- Company Address
- Certification
The reporting employee must certify under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct, then sign and date the form.
Pro tip: Keep a copy for your records before mailing.
Where to Submit the Completed DL 128 Form?
Mail the completed form to:
Driver Safety Services Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
MS J234
The DMV will notify the carrier of any action taken. Do not fax or email this form—submission by mail is required.
Key Restrictions: When NOT to Use the DL 128 Form
The DMV is very clear: Use this form only for drivers fired because they should not be transporting pupils for safety reasons.
Do NOT use DL 128 for:
- Routine terminations or retirements
- Drivers who quit or transfer
- Firings for tardiness, absenteeism, insubordination, dishonesty, or other non-safety work habits
For certain school bus safety violations (that do not result in dismissal), use Form DL 1072 instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DL 128
Is the DL 128 form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official revision (REV. 4/2016) remains the active form posted on the DMV website.
Can I fill out the form online?
No. You must print, complete, sign, and mail the PDF.
What happens after I submit the DL 128?
The DMV reviews the report and notifies you of any action taken regarding the driver.
Who can access the information on the form?
The DMV treats the report as official driver-record documentation under state privacy and safety regulations.
Why the DL 128 Form Matters for Pupil Safety?
By promptly reporting unsafe drivers, California carriers help the DMV protect millions of students who ride school buses and pupil-transport vehicles every day. The DL 128 is a critical tool in maintaining high safety standards across the state’s pupil transportation industry.
Official Download Link (Direct from DMV):
DL 128 Form – Dismissal for Pupil Transportation Safety PDF
For the latest forms and instructions, always visit the California DMV website. If you need additional copies or have questions about pupil transportation regulations, contact the Driver Safety Services Unit directly.
Last updated: April 2026 – Information sourced directly from official California DMV publications and forms.