Illinois DSD CDTS 84 Surety Bond Form Guide – If you plan to open or renew a commercial driver training school in Illinois, one of the most important documents you must file is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 84 — Surety Bond Form. This official bond protects students’ contractual rights and ensures your school complies with the Illinois Vehicle Code. This guide explains everything U.S. operators need to know about the form, required bond amounts, how to complete it, and where to submit it.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 84?
Form DSD CDTS 84 is the official Surety Bond Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. It is required under 625 ILCS 5/6-402(e) and Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1060.20 for any person or entity seeking a license to operate a driver training school in the state.
The bond guarantees that the school (the Principal) will faithfully comply with the Illinois Vehicle Code and all related rules and regulations. It also protects students if the school fails to fulfill its contractual obligations. The current version of the form is dated November 2021 (DSD CDTS 84.2).
You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois Form DSD CDTS 84 Surety Bond Form (PDF)
Who Must File Form DSD CDTS 84?
Every commercial driver training school that offers instruction for a fee in Illinois must file this surety bond. This includes schools that provide:
- Adult driver education
- Teen driver education (accredited)
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training
- Motorcycle training
- Combination programs
Public schools and educational institutions where driver training is part of the regular curriculum are generally exempt. Private and commercial operators must maintain a continuous bond for as long as they hold a license.
Required Surety Bond Amounts in Illinois
The penal sum of the bond depends on the type of school and the number of licensed locations. The official amounts are set by statute and confirmed in the Surety Bond Schedule (DSD CDTS 113):
- Non-accredited licensed driver training school (Adult or Motorcycle): $10,000
- Accredited licensed driver training school (Teen or CDL): $40,000
- CDL or Teen school with three or more licensed branches: $50,000
- Combination Teen and CDL school: $60,000
- Combination Teen and CDL school with three or more branches: $70,000
The bond amount must be adjusted if the school adds or removes branch locations. The surety company’s total liability for all claims cannot exceed the stated principal sum.
For the complete schedule, see the official document: DSD CDTS 113 Surety Bond Schedule.
Key Conditions of the DSD CDTS 84 Surety Bond
The bond form contains standard language that creates a binding obligation. Key points include:
- The Principal (school owner or operator) and Surety (bonding company) are jointly and severally liable.
- The bond remains in effect until the stated expiration date and may be continued by a renewal certificate signed by both parties.
- The Surety may cancel the bond by giving 30 days’ written notice to the Commercial Driver Training Section at 1800 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago, IL 60185. The Surety remains liable for any defaults that occurred before the cancellation becomes effective.
- The bond is for the use and benefit of all persons who may be damaged by a breach of the bond conditions.
Only a surety company authorized to do business in Illinois may underwrite the bond. A power of attorney must accompany the completed form when required by the surety.
How to Complete Form DSD CDTS 84?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Enter the full legal name and address of the Principal (the school or owner).
- Enter the name of the Surety company (must be authorized in Illinois).
- Fill in the exact penal sum that matches your school type and number of branches (for example, “Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000)”).
- State the bond expiration date.
- Have both the Principal and an authorized representative of the Surety sign the form.
- Attach any required power of attorney or corporate resolutions from the bonding company.
Incomplete or incorrectly completed forms will delay licensing. Always use the current version of the form.
Where and How to Submit the Bond?
Mail the completed and signed Form DSD CDTS 84 together with your school license application and other required documents to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185
Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the current license expires. The Commercial Driver Training Section can be reached by phone at 630-520-9310 for questions about filing status or requirements.
For a full list of required application forms, visit the official Commercial Driver Training Schools page: Illinois SOS Commercial Driver Training Schools.
Additional Licensing Requirements Related to the Bond
Filing the surety bond is only one part of the licensing process. Schools must also:
- Maintain the required liability insurance on training vehicles ($50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $10,000 property damage) and file Form DSD CDTS 10 (Insurance Certificate).
- Meet location, classroom, and equipment standards.
- Ensure all instructors are properly licensed.
- Pay the applicable fees ($500 for a two-year commercial school license, plus instructor and branch fees).
Failure to keep a valid surety bond in force can result in suspension or revocation of the school license.
Tips for U.S. Operators Seeking the Bond
Most U.S. surety bond providers can issue an Illinois driver training school bond quickly once they receive basic business and personal credit information. Premiums typically range from 1% to 10% of the bond amount depending on creditworthiness and the size of the bond. Shop around and work with a surety that is familiar with Illinois Secretary of State requirements so the bond is accepted without delay.
Always keep a copy of the executed bond and any renewal certificates for your records. If you add branch offices, contact your surety immediately to increase the bond amount as required.
Official Resources and Downloads
- Form DSD CDTS 84 — Surety Bond Form (Official PDF)
- DSD CDTS 113 — Surety Bond Schedule
- Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training Schools Page
- Illinois SOS Publications and Forms List
- 625 ILCS 5/6-402 — Qualifications of Driver Training Schools
Conclusion
Form DSD CDTS 84 is a mandatory requirement for every commercial driver training school operating in Illinois. By filing the correct bond amount with an authorized surety and submitting the completed form to the Commercial Driver Training Section, you protect your students and keep your school in full compliance with state law. Download the official form, work with a qualified surety company, and submit your materials well before any license deadline to avoid interruptions in your business operations.
For the most current information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website and the governing statutes cited above.