Illinois DSD CDTS 38 Branch License Application Guide

Illinois DSD CDTS 38 Branch License Application Guide – Operating a commercial driver training school in Illinois requires strict compliance with state regulations. If your main school is already licensed and you want to expand to an additional location, you must submit Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 38 — Driver Training School Application for Branch License.

This official form, issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training School Section, is required for every new branch office or branch classroom. Below is a complete, up-to-date guide based on official Illinois sources to help school owners successfully apply.

What Is Form DSD CDTS 38?

Form DSD CDTS 38 is the official application used by licensed commercial driver training schools in Illinois to request a license for a branch location. A branch is a separate facility that operates under the same school name and license as the main office but is located at a different address.

The current version of the form (revised January 2023) allows applicants to select one of three facility types:

Classroom Only
Office Only
Office & Classroom

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:

Download Illinois Form DSD CDTS 38 (PDF)

Who Needs to File Form DSD CDTS 38?

Any commercial driver training school that already holds a main school license (Form DSD CDTS 24) and wants to open an additional location must file Form DSD CDTS 38. This includes schools offering:

Teen driver education
Adult driver education
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training

Public high schools and institutions that include driving instruction as part of their regular curriculum are exempt and do not need this form.

Key Requirements for an Illinois Driver Training School Branch

Before submitting Form DSD CDTS 38, the proposed branch must meet the standards set by the Illinois Vehicle Code and administrative rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1060).

Location and Facility Standards

Must be commercially zoned
Minimum 150 square feet of office space for each branch office
Minimum 300 square feet of classroom space for branch classrooms
Permanent school sign visible from at least 100 feet
Branch classroom sign must clearly identify the location of the main office
Working business telephone listed under the school name
Open to the public a minimum of 8 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Owned or leased by the commercial driving school

Classroom Equipment (if applicable)

Adequate seating with desk-like writing surfaces
Charts, diagrams, and visual aids related to traffic laws and vehicle operation
Blackboard or equivalent
Textbooks and reference materials
Operable fire extinguishers
Proper heating, ventilation, and lighting

An official inspection by the Commercial Driver Training Section is required before a branch license is issued.

Application Fee for Form DSD CDTS 38

The fee for each branch license application is $50. This is separate from the main school license fee of $500 (for a two-year license). Make checks payable to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Note: Schools with three or more licensed branches may be subject to higher surety bond requirements under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/6-402).

How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 38?

Follow these steps carefully:

Download the official form from the link above and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
Indicate whether the branch is Classroom Only, Office Only, or Office & Classroom.
Enter the full legal name of the driving training school, branch street address, city, state, ZIP code, and branch phone number.
Select the type of business (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, Association, or LLC). Any change in business type requires a new application.
List office business hours and the date of application.
Answer all seven compliance questions about the facility, previous licensing, seating, equipment, and course offerings. Provide explanations where required.
Have every owner, partner, associate, manager, and a majority of corporate directors/officers sign the form. Each signature must appear in its designated boxed area.
Include any required schedules or supporting documents.
Mail the completed application and $50 payment to:

Office of the Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training School Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185

Applications should be submitted at least 15 days before the desired start date or license expiration. After receipt, the Commercial Driver Training Section will contact you to schedule a facility inspection.

Important Agreements and Legal Conditions

By signing Form DSD CDTS 38, applicants agree to:

Maintain adequate student records and allow inspections
Employ only instructors properly licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State
Notify the Secretary of State when an instructor’s employment ends
Comply with all state and local health and safety regulations
Follow all provisions of the Illinois Compiled Statutes and administrative rules governing driver training schools
Report any material change in the application within 20 days

Knowingly making a false statement or concealing a material fact is a criminal offense and can result in revocation of the school license.

Related Forms and Additional Resources

When opening or maintaining a branch, you may also need these related Illinois Secretary of State forms:

Full list of commercial driver training forms is available on the official Illinois Secretary of State publications page:

Illinois SOS Commercial Drivers Publications and Forms

Detailed school location and facility rules can be found in the Illinois Administrative Code:

92 Ill. Adm. Code Section 1060.50 – School Locations and Facilities

Contact Information for Questions

For questions about Form DSD CDTS 38 or the branch licensing process, contact the Commercial Driver Training Section directly:

Phone: 630-520-9310
Mailing Address: 1800 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago, IL 60185

Official overview of commercial driver training school requirements:

Illinois Secretary of State – Commercial Driver Training Schools

Final Tips for a Successful Application

Prepare thoroughly before mailing Form DSD CDTS 38. Ensure the branch facility fully meets space, signage, zoning, and equipment standards. Incomplete applications or facilities that fail inspection will delay approval. Keep copies of everything you submit, and remember that licenses must be renewed and that reapplications are the school’s responsibility.

By following the official requirements and submitting an accurate Form DSD CDTS 38, Illinois driver training schools can expand their operations while remaining fully compliant with state law.