IL SOS Form DSD CDTS 123 Non-CDL Safety Officer License – If you work for a company, municipality, fire department, or other qualified organization in Illinois that conducts non-commercial driver’s license (Non-CDL) skills testing, you may need Form DSD CDTS 123. This official application from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) allows individuals to become licensed Safety Officers under the Non-CDL Third-Party Certification Program. This program lets authorized entities administer drive tests for Non-CDL Class A, B, C, and M licenses to their own employees or members, reducing the need for testing at state facilities.
What Is Form DSD CDTS 123?
Form DSD CDTS 123 is the official “Application for Non-CDL Third-Party Certification Program Safety Officer License” issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, Commercial Driver Training Section. It is used by individuals who want to administer Non-CDL skills (drive) tests on behalf of a licensed third-party certification entity.
Unlike the CDL version of the program, the Non-CDL track covers standard vehicle classifications that do not require a Commercial Driver’s License. A licensed Safety Officer may only test employees or members of the specific third-party entity listed on their license and only in the vehicle classes indicated on that license.
You can download the current form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Form DSD CDTS 123 (PDF)
Who Needs This Form?
You need Form DSD CDTS 123 if you are employed by (or seeking employment with) a third-party certification entity that has been licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State to conduct Non-CDL skills testing. Typical applicants include:
- Employees of private companies that operate their own vehicle fleets
- Municipal or government agency staff
- Fire department personnel
- Union or membership organization representatives authorized to test members
The third-party entity itself must already hold (or be applying for) a Non-CDL Third-Party Certification Entity License using Form DSD CDTS 120. Safety Officers cannot operate independently; their license is tied to a specific entity.
Key Requirements for Safety Officer Applicants
According to Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1030.60, and the form instructions, applicants must meet several conditions:
- Be employed by a licensed third-party certification entity (or have a clear path to employment with one)
- Hold a valid Illinois driver’s license (or, in limited cases involving contiguous-state entities, a license from Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Kentucky)
- Answer a series of background questions truthfully regarding prior convictions, suspensions, or license actions
- Indicate the Non-CDL classifications they intend to test: Class A (Non-CDL), Class B (Non-CDL), Class C (Non-CDL), and/or Class M
- Agree that the Safety Officer license is non-transferable and must be surrendered if employment with the listed entity ends
- Obtain signature approval from an authorized official of the third-party certification entity
The form asks specific yes/no questions about:
- DUI or related serious traffic convictions
- Repeated traffic suspensions or collisions
- Perjury or false statements related to the Illinois Vehicle Code
- Prior denial, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of any driver’s license
- Prior denial or adverse action on a Safety Officer license
- Current employment by a commercial driver training school
Any “Yes” answers require a written explanation.
How to Complete Form DSD CDTS 123?
The form is straightforward and must be printed or typed. Sections include:
- Applicant Information — Full name, home address, phone, city/state/ZIP, driver’s license number, and email.
- Third-Party Entity Details — Name, address, phone, and email of the certification entity for which you will test.
- Background Questions — Six yes/no questions with space for explanations.
- Classifications — Check the Non-CDL classes (A, B, C, and/or M) you intend to test.
- Applicant Certification and Signature — You swear under penalty of perjury that the information is true and agree to the employment-related conditions.
- Entity Authorization — An authorized official of the third-party entity must print their name, sign, list their title, and date the form.
False statements can result in denial of the license and potential criminal penalties.
Where and How to Submit the Application?
Completed applications (along with related entity documents) should be mailed to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W Hawthorne Ln.
West Chicago, IL 60185
After the Commercial Driver Training Section receives the documents, staff will contact the entity to schedule required training. For questions, call 630-520-9310.
Related forms often submitted together include:
- Application for Non-CDL Third-Party Certification Entity License (DSD CDTS 120)
- Agreement Between the Illinois Secretary of State and Driver’s License Third-Party Certification Entity
- Surety bond, training forms, and road-test route documentation
Full program details are available on the official Third-Party Certification Program page:
Illinois SOS Third-Party Certification Program
Important Rules After Licensing
Once licensed, Safety Officers must follow strict rules:
- Test only employees or members of the entity named on the license
- Test only in the vehicle classes listed on the license
- Surrender the license immediately upon termination of employment with that entity
- Apply for a new Safety Officer license if moving to a different third-party entity
- Maintain accurate testing records for at least four years
- Allow unannounced audits by the Illinois Secretary of State and, where applicable, federal authorities
The license cannot be sold, assigned, or transferred.
Why the Non-CDL Third-Party Program Matters?
For many Illinois businesses and public agencies, sending employees to state facilities for every Non-CDL skills test creates scheduling delays and operational costs. The Third-Party Certification Program allows qualified organizations to conduct these tests internally under SOS oversight, while still meeting the same safety standards required by the state. This benefits employers, employees, and the overall efficiency of Illinois’ driver licensing system.
Download the Official Form and Get Started
Always use the most recent version of the form from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Forms may be updated, and outdated versions can delay processing.
For complete regulatory details, review Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1030.60 (Third-Party Certification Program) available through official state resources or the Legal Information Institute.
If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, contact the Commercial Driver Training Section at 630-520-9310 or visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website for the latest guidance.