DL 817 ETP Form: Employer Testing Program Reactivation PDF

DL 817 ETP Form – The DL 817 ETP Form (Employer Testing Program Request for Reactivation Employer Number) is an official California DMV document that allows qualified commercial employers to quickly reactivate a previously voluntarily cancelled Employer Number in the Employer Testing Program (ETP). This one-page PDF streamlines the process for companies that want to resume administering commercial driver’s license (CDL) drive tests in-house instead of sending employees to a DMV office.

Download the official DL 817 ETP Form here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/DL-817-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf (Revision 10/2017 – still current as of 2026).

What Is the Employer Testing Program (ETP)?

The California DMV’s Employer Testing Program (ETP) authorizes qualified commercial employers to administer the behind-the-wheel drive test portion of CDL requirements for their own employees. Instead of scheduling a DMV appointment, certified employers can conduct the vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test using DMV-approved routes and standards.

ETP participants must follow strict rules under Title 13, California Code of Regulations (Article 2.1, §§25.06–25.23) and Vehicle Code §§12804.9(e), 15250(c) and (d). DMV conducts random audits, annual inspections, and may require re-testing of randomly selected drivers to ensure compliance.

Why Use the DL 817 ETP Reactivation Form?

Employers who voluntarily cancelled their ETP Employer Number (using form DL 520C ETP) can use the DL 817 ETP to request reactivation without starting the entire application process from scratch. This is especially useful for companies that paused participation due to temporary changes in operations but now want to resume testing employees for Class A or Class B CDLs.

Important note from the form: “I am requesting reactivation of my firm’s Employer Number.” If your Employer Number is due to expire within 60 days, you must also submit a full Application for Employer Number (DL 520 ETP), renewal fees, and updated route documentation.

Who Should Complete the DL 817 ETP Form?

Only the authorized Administrator of the ETP for your company may complete and sign the form under penalty of perjury. The Administrator acts as the main point of contact with the DMV and certifies that the company still meets all ETP qualifications.

Required information includes:

Employer Number (pre-filled or entered)
Date the firm voluntarily cancelled the number
Employer name, phone, mailing address, and street address
Administrator’s printed name, work phone, title, driver license number, signature, and address

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DL 817 ETP Form?

Enter the Employer Number in the space provided.
Fill in the voluntary cancellation date.
Check the reactivation request box.
Provide complete employer contact information (name, phone, mailing and street addresses).
List the Administrator’s details (printed name, work phone).
Review all certifications – the form states that the company will abide by all ETP regulations and that the DMV may cancel, suspend, or revoke the Employer Number if responsibilities are not met.
Sign and date the certification under penalty of perjury.
Include the Administrator’s full street address.

The form is simple and fits on one page. Incomplete submissions will be returned.

Key Requirements and Warnings for ETP Reactivation

60-day expiration rule: If your Employer Number expires soon, you must complete the full DL 520 ETP renewal package plus route maps and fees.
Ongoing compliance: Employers must maintain a documented driver training/testing program, use only DMV-approved primary and alternate routes, keep examiners current, and remain enrolled in the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
Surety bond and fees: A $45 application/renewal fee applies in most cases; a surety bond (DL 524 ETP) is required.
ELDT compliance: All CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (mandatory since February 2022) through a registered provider.
DMV may require an on-site review for reactivations.

Failure to meet these standards can result in cancellation of the Employer Number.

How to Submit the DL 817 ETP Form and Next Steps?

Mail or deliver the completed DL 817 ETP to the DMV’s Occupational Licensing / ETP Unit (address appears on related forms; check the latest instructions on the DMV website). The DMV will process the request and issue an effective date for reactivation.

After reactivation:

Update any examiner certifications if needed (DL 811 ETP or DL 818 ETP).
Submit annual Examiner Driver Testing Logs (DL 819 ETP).
Renew the Employer Number every 3 years.

Benefits of Reactivating Your ETP Employer Number

Faster CDL processing for employees – no DMV drive-test wait times.
Cost and time savings for fleet operations.
Full control over training and testing schedules.
Compliance advantage – demonstrates a professional, DMV-approved driver development program.

Thousands of California commercial employers rely on the ETP to keep their fleets moving efficiently.

DL 520 ETP – Application for Employer Number (new or renewal)
DL 520C ETP – Voluntary Cancellation Request
DL 524 ETP – Surety Bond
DL 170 ETP – Certificate of Driving Skill (issued after testing)
DL 818 ETP – Refresher Training Request for examiners

All forms are available on the official DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page.

Frequently Asked Questions About DL 817 ETP

Can I reactivate if my Employer Number expired (not voluntarily cancelled)?
You may need to submit a new DL 520 ETP application instead. Contact the DMV ETP Unit for clarification.

Is there a fee for the DL 817 ETP itself?
The reactivation form has no separate fee listed, but full renewal fees apply if expiration is near.

How long does reactivation take?
Processing times vary; submit well in advance of planned testing.

For the most current details, always refer to the California DMV’s official ETP pages.

Ready to reactivate? Download the DL 817 ETP Form directly from the California DMV:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/DL-817-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf

Stay compliant, keep your drivers on the road faster, and take full advantage of the Employer Testing Program today. For questions, visit the DMV’s ETP section or contact Occupational Licensing.