Illinois DSD SB 17 Form: School Bus Driver Return from Duty – School bus drivers who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve forces, or Illinois National Guard often need to step away from their civilian duties when called to active duty. The Illinois Secretary of State provides a clear process to protect their school bus driver permits during military service and restore them efficiently upon return. Central to this process is Form DSD SB 17, officially titled the School Bus Driver Return from Active Duty Form.
This article explains what Form DSD SB 17 is, who must use it, how to complete and submit it, and the related legal requirements under Illinois law. Information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State publications and administrative rules to help employers and returning service members in the United States stay compliant.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SB 17?
Form DSD SB 17 is the official document used by an employer to notify the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department that a school bus driver permit holder has returned from active military duty. Once submitted, the form allows the Secretary of State to update the driver’s permit status from inactive back toward active eligibility.
The form is part of the military deferral process outlined in Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1035.46. It pairs with the companion Form DSD SB 16 (School Bus Driver Active Duty Form), which is filed when the driver is first called to service.
You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form DSD SB 17 (PDF)
Legal Background: Military Deferrals for School Bus Drivers
Under Illinois Vehicle Code Section 6-106.1 and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1035.46, a school bus permit holder who is a service member may request that the expiration of their permit be deferred while on active duty. “Active duty” is defined as service under an executive order of the President of the United States, an act of Congress, or an order of the Governor of Illinois. “Service member” includes members of the Armed Services or reserve forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard.
Key steps in the process include:
- The driver provides a copy of military orders to the employer.
- Within 30 days, the employer submits Form DSD SB 16 (Active Duty Form) to the Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State places the school bus permit in inactive status.
- Upon the driver’s return, the employer submits Form DSD SB 17 (Return from Active Duty Form).
- Within 90 days after return, the driver must renew the permit by completing a physical examination (per Section 1035.20) and a refresher course (per Section 1035.30).
These rules ensure that military service does not automatically invalidate a school bus driver’s credentials while still requiring timely renewal for safety once the driver returns to civilian employment.
Who Needs to Complete Form DSD SB 17?
The form is completed and submitted by the employer (school district, private carrier, or transportation company), not the individual driver. The employer is responsible for notifying the Secretary of State of the driver’s return date.
Drivers who benefit from this process are those who held a valid Illinois school bus driver permit before being called to active duty and whose permits were placed in inactive status. Employers of both first-division and second-division school bus operators follow the same notification requirements.
Information Required on Form DSD SB 17
The official form requests the following details:
School Bus Driver Information
- Last name, first name, and middle initial
- Full address (street, city, state, ZIP)
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Illinois File Number (required only for out-of-state drivers)
- Date of return from active duty
- A copy of the return orders must be enclosed
Employer Information
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address (street, city, state, ZIP)
- Employer’s representative name
- Employer’s telephone number
- Employer’s school bus number
Accuracy is essential. Incomplete or incorrect information can delay reactivation of the driver’s eligibility.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD SB 17?
Follow these steps for proper submission:
- Download the official Form DSD SB 17 PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Print or open the form in a PDF reader that supports fillable fields.
- Complete all required fields clearly and legibly.
- Attach a copy of the driver’s military return orders.
- Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the Safe Ride Section of the Driver Services Department.
Mailing Address:
Office of the Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Safe Ride Section
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Phone: 217-782-7674
Website: www.ilsos.gov
Some related school bus employer forms may also be accepted by email at [email protected]; however, confirm current submission options with the Safe Ride Section for Form DSD SB 17 specifically.
What Happens After Submission?
Once the Secretary of State receives Form DSD SB 17, the driver’s inactive status is updated. The driver then has 90 days from the return date to complete the required physical examination and refresher training. Failure to meet the 90-day renewal deadline can result in the permit remaining inactive or being canceled until all requirements are satisfied.
Employers should retain copies of the submitted form and supporting military orders for their records. Illinois rules require employers to maintain certain certification records for at least two years and make them available for inspection by the Secretary of State.
Related Forms and Resources
Drivers and employers may also need these companion documents available on the Illinois Secretary of State website:
- Form DSD SB 16 – School Bus Driver Active Duty Form
- School Bus Driver Application/Certification (DSD SB 2)
- School Bus Driver Employer Notification/Removal Form (DSD SB 3)
- Physical Examination and Certificate for Illinois School Bus Driver
Official forms and additional guidance can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State’s publications and school bus permit pages at ilsos.gov.
Why This Form Matters for School Safety and Military Families?
Illinois balances two important priorities: protecting the safety of students transported by school buses and supporting service members who serve their country. By using Form DSD SB 17 correctly, employers help ensure that qualified drivers can return to work without unnecessary delays while still meeting the state’s rigorous medical and training standards.
For the most current version of the form and any procedural updates, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Regulations and forms can be revised, and relying on the primary source ensures compliance.
If you have questions about Form DSD SB 17 or the school bus driver permit program, contact the Safe Ride Section at 217-782-7674 or visit www.ilsos.gov for the latest information.