Illinois DSD CDTS 119 Surety Bond Form Guide – Businesses and organizations in Illinois that want to conduct Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills testing for their own employees or members must meet strict state requirements. One essential document is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 119, the official Surety Bond Form for Third-Party Certification Entities. This $10,000 surety bond protects the state and the public by ensuring compliance with testing standards and covering potential costs if fraudulent testing occurs.
This guide explains what Form DSD CDTS 119 is, who needs it, key requirements, how to complete and submit it, and where to download the official form. Information is based on current Illinois Secretary of State resources and administrative rules for U.S. applicants, particularly those operating in Illinois.
What Is Illinois Form DSD CDTS 119?
Form DSD CDTS 119 is the official Surety Bond Form required by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department, Commercial Driver Training School Section. It is specifically designed for entities seeking licensure as a Third-Party Certification Entity under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
The bond is issued in the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000). The principal (the applying entity) and a qualified surety company bind themselves to the Illinois Secretary of State as obligee. The bond guarantees that the entity will faithfully comply with the Illinois Vehicle Code and all applicable state and federal rules governing CDL skills testing.
If the principal or its examiners engage in fraudulent activities related to skills testing of CDL applicants, the bond covers losses incurred by the Secretary of State for re-testing affected drivers. The form is published by authority of the State of Illinois (September 2021 version, DSD CDTS 119.1).
You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DSD CDTS 119 (PDF).
Who Needs the DSD CDTS 119 Surety Bond?
The Third-Party Certification Program allows private companies, municipalities, fire departments, and governmental agencies to administer CDL skills and road exams (Classes A, B, C, and M) for their own employees or members who need a CDL for daily operations. This program is authorized under federal regulations (49 CFR 383) and Illinois rules.
According to Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1030.60, a continuous $10,000 surety bond is required for non-governmental third-party certifying entities. Governmental agencies are generally exempt from the bond requirement. The bond must be underwritten by a company authorized to do business in Illinois.
Typical applicants include:
- Private companies that train and test their commercial drivers in-house
- Organizations seeking to become licensed third-party testers for employee CDL certification
- Entities applying for a main facility license or related branch licenses under the program
The bond is listed among the required documents for Main Facility Requirements on the official Illinois Secretary of State Third-Party Certification Program page. Related forms include the Application for CDL Third-Party Certification Entity License (DSD CDTS 121) and the Agreement Between the Illinois Secretary of State and a Commercial Driver’s License Third-Party Certification Entity (DSD CDTS 77).
Key Requirements of the Surety Bond
The DSD CDTS 119 form contains specific conditions:
- Bond Amount: Fixed at $10,000. The aggregate liability of the surety cannot exceed this principal sum for all breaches.
- Purpose: Ensures compliance with the Illinois Vehicle Code and federal/state CDL testing rules. It specifically covers re-testing costs if fraud occurs in skills testing.
- Surety Qualifications: The surety must be a corporation authorized to conduct surety business in Illinois.
- Duration and Cancellation: The bond has an expiration date but may be continued by a renewal certificate signed by the principal and surety. The surety may cancel by giving 30 days’ written notice to the Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training School Section at 1800 W. Hawthorne Ln., West Chicago, IL 60185. Liability ends after the notice period for future defaults only.
- Signatures: The form requires signatures from the principal and the surety’s attorney-in-fact.
These requirements align with Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 1030.60, which mandates the bond “in substantially the following form” matching DSD CDTS 119.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 119?
Follow these steps to properly file the surety bond:
- Download the official form from the Illinois Secretary of State website using the link above.
- Have a qualified surety company authorized in Illinois complete their portion of the form. Provide accurate principal information (entity name and address).
- Ensure the bond is properly executed, signed, sealed, and dated.
- Submit the completed bond along with other required application documents to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Ln.
West Chicago, IL 60185 - Contact the section at 630-520-9310 for questions or to schedule any required training after submission.
Additional supporting materials typically needed for the full Third-Party Certification Entity application include narrative and physical layouts of the official road test route, safety officer license applications, basic control skills diagrams, and a two-week training form. Always refer to the current Administrative Rules for the complete list.
For the official program overview and document checklist, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Third-Party Certification Program page.
Related Forms and Resources
Form DSD CDTS 119 is part of a larger set of Commercial Driver Training publications. Related official forms available from the Illinois Secretary of State include:
- DSD CDTS 77 — Agreement Between the Illinois Secretary of State and a Commercial Driver’s License Third-Party Certification Entity
- DSD CDTS 121 — Application for CDL Third-Party Certification Entity License
- DSD CDTS 122 — Application for CDL Third-Party Certification Program Safety Officer License
- DSD CDTS 91 — Application for Third-Party Certification Program Branch License
A full list of commercial driver publications and forms is available on the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms page.
Federal standards for third-party testing are outlined in 49 CFR Parts 383 and 384. Illinois implements these through its Vehicle Code and administrative rules to maintain testing integrity and highway safety.
Why the Surety Bond Matters for U.S. Operators?
For businesses across the United States that operate commercial fleets or train drivers in Illinois, the DSD CDTS 119 bond is a critical compliance step. It demonstrates financial responsibility and commitment to ethical testing practices. Failure to maintain the required bond can result in denial or revocation of the Third-Party Certification Entity license, disrupting operations and employee CDL qualifications.
Because the bond specifically addresses fraud-related re-testing costs, it helps protect the integrity of the CDL system nationwide. Accurate skills testing reduces the risk of unqualified drivers on public roads, benefiting public safety across state lines.
Applicants should work with a reputable surety provider familiar with Illinois licensing bonds. Premiums vary based on creditworthiness and underwriting, but the face amount remains $10,000 as set by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bond required for governmental agencies?
No. Illinois Administrative Code exempts governmental agencies from the $10,000 surety bond requirement for third-party certification entities.
Can the bond be cancelled?
Yes. The surety may terminate liability by providing 30 days’ written notice to the Commercial Driver Training School Section. Coverage continues for defaults that occurred before the effective cancellation date.
Where do I send the completed form?
Mail it with your full application package to the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training Section at 1800 W. Hawthorne Ln., West Chicago, IL 60185.
Is there a current official download link?
Yes. The official form is available at https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdts119.pdf.
For the most up-to-date requirements, always check the official Illinois Secretary of State website or contact the Commercial Driver Training Section directly at 630-520-9310. Regulations can be updated, and working with current forms ensures a smooth application process.
By properly securing and filing Form DSD CDTS 119, eligible Illinois entities can participate in the Third-Party Certification Program and efficiently certify their employees for commercial driving privileges while meeting all state and federal standards.=