Illinois DSD CB 1 Charter Bus Form Guide – If you plan to drive a charter bus transporting Illinois students (grade 12 or below) to school-sponsored activities, you need the Charter Bus Endorsement on your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The official form for this process is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CB 1 — Charter Bus Application/Certification.
This comprehensive guide explains what the form is, who needs it, eligibility requirements, how to complete it, and where to download the official PDF. All information is based on current official sources from the Illinois Secretary of State.
What Is Form DSD CB 1?
Form DSD CB 1 (also referenced as DSD CB-1.2) is the official application and certification document required by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department. It is used by applicants seeking a Charter Bus Endorsement and by their employers to certify that all pre-employment and legal requirements have been met under the Illinois Vehicle Code (Sections 6-104 and 6-508).
The form covers both new applicants and reapplicants (those renewing or reinstating the endorsement). It includes sections for personal information, employer verification of age, medical examination, criminal background check, and formal certifications under penalty of perjury.
You can download the official form directly here: Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CB 1 PDF.
Who Needs the Charter Bus Endorsement and Form DSD CB 1?
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, any person who drives a bus (other than a school bus) that has been chartered by a school for the sole purpose of transporting students in grade 12 or below to or from any school-sponsored activity must obtain a Charter Bus Endorsement.
This requirement applies statewide in Illinois and is designed to ensure driver safety and compliance when transporting students on non-yellow school buses for field trips, athletic events, and other school activities.
Note: If you already hold an Illinois Class B CDL with a Passenger endorsement, a School Bus endorsement, and a Class B School Bus Permit, the Charter Bus Endorsement is generally not required.
Eligibility Requirements for New Applicants
New applicants must work closely with a prospective employer and meet all of the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age or older.
- Possess a valid and properly classified Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Successfully pass an Illinois-specific criminal background check through an Illinois State Police-approved vendor.
- Complete a medical examination that includes chemical testing for drugs. A current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate is acceptable.
- Complete the applicant section of Form DSD CB 1.
- Have the employer complete their section of Form DSD CB 1.
- Submit the original completed Form DSD CB 1 to Secretary of State facility personnel when applying for the endorsement and taking the written test.
- Successfully pass the written Charter Bus Endorsement exam administered by the Secretary of State.
- Successfully pass a skills/drive test in a representative vehicle (if applicable). Note: The skills/drive test is not required if you already hold an Illinois Class B CDL with a Passenger endorsement.
- Affirm under penalty of perjury that you have not made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact.
- Not have been repeatedly involved in motor vehicle accidents or repeatedly convicted of offenses indicating disrespect for traffic laws.
Full details are available on the official page: Charter Bus Endorsement – Illinois Secretary of State.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers play a critical role in the process and must:
- Request a 7-digit employer assigned number by faxing a request on company letterhead (including contact person and phone/fax number) to 217-524-3654. Previous school bus permit numbers can often be reused.
- Schedule fingerprinting for the employee through an Illinois State Police-approved vendor.
- Complete the applicable employer section(s) of Form DSD CB 1 and provide the form to the employee.
- Notify the Secretary of State in writing of employment or termination of a driver with a Charter Bus Endorsement using the Employer Notification Report (Form DSD CB 2).
- Report accidents involving charter buses transporting students (when post-accident testing is required under 49 C.F.R. 382.303) within one business day.
- Maintain all certification and verification records on company premises and make them available for immediate inspection by the Secretary of State.
How to Complete Form DSD CB 1?
The form is divided into clear sections:
- Applicant Information — Last name, first name, middle initial, street address, city, state, ZIP, driver’s license number, employer number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The applicant must sign and date the affirmation under penalty of perjury.
- New Applicant Section (completed by employer) — Check boxes confirming the applicant is age 21 or older, has completed a medical examination (with expiration date), and has successfully completed the Illinois-specific criminal background investigation. Include the date the employer received notification of the background results.
- Reapplicant Section (for renewals) — Confirm completion of a current DOT medical examination (including chemical testing) and note the valid-through date. Reapplicants within 30 days of expiration generally do not need to be refingerprinted.
- Certification — Employer or designee signs and dates, affirming the applicant meets all requirements of Illinois Vehicle Code Sections 6-104 and 6-508. Include the Secretary of State assigned employer number, employer name, telephone number, and address.
Always use the most current official version of the form. Download it here: Official Form DSD CB 1 PDF Download.
Renewal of the Charter Bus Endorsement
When renewing a CDL that includes the “C” (Charter Bus) endorsement, you must present a newly completed Form DSD CB 1 during the renewal process to maintain the endorsement. The reapplicant section of the form is used for this purpose, focusing primarily on a current medical examination.
Related Statutes and Additional Resources
Key Illinois laws governing the Charter Bus Endorsement include:
- 625 ILCS 5/6-104 — Classification of Driver – Special Restrictions
- 625 ILCS 5/6-508 — Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Qualification Standards
- 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21a — Contracts for Charter Bus Services
For questions, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Safe Ride Section at 217-782-7674 or use the official contact form available on the Charter Bus Endorsement page.
Always verify the latest requirements and forms directly with the Illinois Secretary of State, as regulations can be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form DSD CB 1 free to download?
Yes. The official PDF is provided free of charge by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Can I fill the form electronically?
The official form is a printable PDF. Some third-party sites offer fillable versions, but for official submission you should use the current form from ilsos.gov and complete it accurately.
Do I need the Charter Bus Endorsement for regular charter bus work that does not involve school students?
No. The endorsement is specifically required when the bus is chartered by a school to transport students grade 12 or below to school-sponsored activities.
Where do I submit the completed form?
Submit the original completed Form DSD CB 1 to personnel at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility when you apply for the endorsement and take the written test.
By following the official process and using Form DSD CB 1 correctly, drivers and employers can ensure full compliance with Illinois law and help maintain the highest safety standards for student transportation.