DL 524 ETP Form – The DL 524 ETP Form is the official California DMV Employer Testing Program Surety Bond required for qualified commercial employers to participate in the Employer Testing Program (ETP). This $100,000 surety bond protects the state against financial losses from fraudulent CDL skills testing activities.
Businesses seeking to administer in-house commercial driver license (CDL) drive tests for employees must file this form as part of their ETP application. Below is a complete, up-to-date guide based on official California DMV sources.
What Is the DL 524 ETP Form?
The DL 524 ETP (REV. 5/2019) is the standardized Employer Testing Program Surety Bond form issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It serves as a financial guarantee that an Employer Testing Firm will comply with state and federal regulations when conducting CDL skills tests.
The bond is required under:
- California Vehicle Code §15250
- California Code of Regulations, Title 13, §25.23
- Federal regulation 49 CFR §383.75
It ensures the state (or any other state) can recover costs to re-test drivers if the employer or its examiners engage in fraudulent activities related to commercial driver skills testing.
Why Does the California DMV Require the Employer Testing Program Surety Bond?
The ETP allows approved commercial employers to issue the Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP) instead of sending employees to a DMV office for the drive test portion of the CDL. To safeguard the integrity of this third-party testing program, the DMV mandates a $100,000 surety bond.
The bond covers potential re-testing expenses caused by fraud and runs concurrently with the employer’s authorization period (typically 3 years) and any renewals. It is issued by an admitted surety insurer authorized to do business in California.
Who Needs to File the DL 524 ETP Form?
Any commercial employer applying for or renewing authorization under the Employer Testing Program (ETP) must submit the DL 524 ETP surety bond. This includes:
- Private companies and fleets that test their own employees for Class A or B CDLs
- Employer Testing Firms as defined in California Vehicle Code §15250(c)
Governmental employers are exempt from the surety bond requirement. The principal name and DBA on the DL 524 ETP must exactly match the name on the DL 520 ETP application form.
Key Requirements of the DL 524 ETP Surety Bond
- Penal Sum: $100,000
- Issuer: Must be an admitted surety company authorized in California
- Term: Begins on the effective date listed and remains in force for the authorization period plus renewals
- Liability: Joint and several between the Principal (employer) and Surety; aggregate liability capped at $100,000
- Cancellation: Possible per California Code of Civil Procedure rules, but the bond must stay active during the entire authorization period
The form must be completed error-free or accompanied by an approved surety bond rider for corrections to the principal name, DBA, service address, or effective date.
How to Complete the DL 524 ETP Form Step by Step?
Follow these official instructions from the DMV form:
- DMV Use Only – Leave blank (Employer Number filled by DMV)
- Principal Name(s) and DBA – Enter the exact legal name and any doing-business-as names (match DL 520 ETP exactly)
- Employer Testing Firm Service Address – Provide the address for service of notices
- Surety Information – Full surety company name, state of incorporation, and service address
- Bond Details (Surety completes):
- Bond Number
- Premium Amount
- Bond Effective Date
- Execution – Sign in the city/county on the specified date
- Attorney-in-Fact – The authorized surety representative must sign and print their name, certifying under penalty of perjury
The bond references federal and state laws and includes standard surety provisions for service of process.
Where to Download the Official DL 524 ETP PDF?
Direct official download (always use the latest version from DMV):
Download DL 524 ETP – Employer Testing Program Surety Bond PDF
This is the current REV. 5/2019 version hosted on the official DMV website. Do not use third-party copies, as they may be outdated or invalid.
How to Submit the DL 524 ETP Form with Your ETP Application?
The DL 524 ETP is submitted as part of a complete ETP application package, which also includes:
- DL 520 ETP (Application for Employer Number – $45 fee)
- DL 520B ETP (ETP Agreement)
- Route documents (DL 807 ETP, DL 814 ETP, and maps)
Submission process:
- Schedule an appointment with your local Occupational Licensing (OL) Inspections office
- Submit in person (no mail-in for initial application)
- Mail completed bonds or questions to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing, ETP Unit
PO Box 932342, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
Phone: (916) 229-3154
Renewals occur every 3 years and require the bond (or continuation certificate) to remain active.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with DL 524 ETP
- Mismatched principal name/DBA between DL 520 ETP and DL 524 ETP
- Using an unapproved surety company
- Missing or incorrect effective date
- Failing to attach a rider for corrections
- Submitting without the full ETP application package
Any mismatch can delay or reject your application.
Related Forms in the California Employer Testing Program
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DL 520 ETP | Application for Employer Number |
| DL 520B ETP | ETP Agreement |
| DL 524 ETP | Surety Bond (this form) |
| DL 170 ETP | Certificate of Driving Skill |
| DL 811 ETP | Examiner Certification Application |
All forms are available on the official DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page.
Frequently Asked Questions About DL 524 ETP
Is the DL 524 ETP form free?
Yes – the PDF is free to download from the DMV website. You pay only the surety bond premium to the insurance company.
How much does the surety bond cost?
Premiums are a small percentage of the $100,000 bond amount and depend on your credit and financial strength. Contact an admitted California surety for a quote.
Can governmental employers skip this form?
Yes – governmental entities are exempt from the surety bond requirement.
How long is the bond valid?
It remains in effect for the full ETP authorization period (3 years) and any subsequent renewals unless canceled according to law.
Where do I get help?
Contact the DMV ETP Unit at (916) 229-3154 or your local OL Inspector’s office.
The DL 524 ETP Form is a critical document for any California employer wanting to streamline CDL testing through the official Employer Testing Program. Always download the latest version directly from the California DMV and ensure exact matching information across all required forms. For the most current requirements, visit the official DMV ETP application page.
Official DL 524 ETP PDF Download
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/06/DL-524-ETP-R5-2019-ASB-WWW.pdf
Stay compliant and keep your ETP authorization active by maintaining a valid surety bond at all times.