Illinois Form DSD A 309 Civil Judgment Guide – If you are dealing with a civil judgment from a motor vehicle crash in Illinois, Form DSD A 309 from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) plays a key role in managing your driver’s license status. This official form reports important court actions related to judgments arising from car accidents. Understanding how and when to use it can help prevent or resolve license suspensions under Illinois’ Safety and Financial Responsibility Law.
This guide covers everything U.S. drivers, attorneys, and judgment creditors need to know about Form DSD A 309, based on official information from the Illinois Secretary of State and relevant state statutes.
What Is Form DSD A 309?
Form DSD A 309, officially titled “Report on Civil Judgment Involving a Motor Vehicle Crash,” is a standardized document created by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department. It allows attorneys to notify the SOS of specific post-judgment actions in cases involving motor vehicle accidents.
The form simplifies the process for reporting:
- An installment agreement ordered by the court
- Default on an installment agreement
- Release (satisfaction) of a judgment
- Vacation of a judgment
Previously, courts and attorneys submitted varied documents such as installment orders, satisfaction releases, or vacating orders. Form DSD A 309 standardizes these reports so SOS staff can process them accurately and take appropriate action on a person’s driving privileges.
The form must be file-stamped by the court but does not need to be certified. Attorneys complete and submit a file-stamped copy to the SOS Safety and Financial Responsibility Section.
You can download the official fillable PDF here: Illinois Form DSD A 309 PDF.
When Is Form DSD A 309 Required?
Form DSD A 309 is used after an unsatisfied judgment has already been reported to the SOS (typically via Form DSD SR 17). It applies in these situations under the Illinois Safety and Financial Responsibility Law (625 ILCS 5/Chapter 7):
- Installment Agreement Ordered — The court authorizes the judgment debtor to pay the judgment in installments (625 ILCS 5/7-312).
- Default of Installment Agreement — The court finds the defendant in default and vacates the installment agreement.
- Judgment Released — The judgment creditor has received full payment and releases the judgment (625 ILCS 5/7-311).
- Judgment Vacated — The court enters an order vacating the original judgment.
These actions can lift or reinstate a driver’s license suspension related to an unpaid judgment from a motor vehicle crash. The SOS may suspend driving privileges and vehicle registration if a final judgment for damages remains unpaid for more than 30 days.
Note: Form DSD A 309 is not used for the initial report of an unsatisfied judgment. That requires Form DSD SR 17 (Record of Unsatisfied Judgment).
How to Complete Form DSD A 309?
The form is straightforward. Attorneys should fill it out carefully with accurate information:
- Enter the plaintiff and defendant names.
- Provide the defendant’s full address, date of birth, and Illinois driver’s license number.
- List the case number, date of the accident, and date of the judgment.
- Identify the court name, city, county, and state.
- Include the submitting attorney’s name, address, phone number, and ARDC number (Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission).
- Sign the form.
- Check the appropriate box for the type of action (installment ordered, default, judgment released, or judgment vacated) and fill in the relevant dates.
After completion, file the form with the court so it receives an official file stamp. Then submit the file-stamped copy to the Illinois Secretary of State.
For e-filing purposes, do not file Form DSD A 309 as a Record of Unsatisfied Judgment. File it as a report of proceeding in a civil case or other miscellaneous filing available in your e-filing system.
Where to Submit Form DSD A 309?
Mail the completed, file-stamped form to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Safety & Financial Responsibility Section
Field Headquarters
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
For questions, contact the Safety & Financial Responsibility Division at 217-782-3720.
Official forms and related publications are available on the Illinois Secretary of State website: Safety & Financial Responsibility Forms.
Why Form DSD A 309 Matters for Illinois Drivers?
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/7-309), a driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension for an unsatisfied judgment remains in effect until the SOS receives proper documentation that the judgment is satisfied, stayed, vacated, or becomes dormant, and the driver provides proof of financial responsibility when required.
Using Form DSD A 309 correctly helps:
- Lift a suspension after full payment or vacation of the judgment
- Document installment payment plans so the license is not suspended while payments are current
- Report defaults that may reinstate a suspension
- Streamline processing for SOS employees who are not attorneys
Other related forms include DSD SR 17 (initial unsatisfied judgment) and DSD SR 92 (Dormant Judgment Certification for judgments seven years old or older that have not been revived).
Important Legal Notes for USA Drivers
Judgments covered by these rules include those from any U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province for bodily injury, death, or property damage resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle. Illinois will act on out-of-state judgments the same way as in-state ones if the judgment remains unpaid.
Always consult a licensed Illinois attorney for case-specific advice. Laws and forms can be updated. The most current version of Form DSD A 309 is the official PDF issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (most recent printing referenced as April 2026).
Download the form directly from the official source: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a309.pdf.
For additional official guidance, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Safety and Financial Responsibility page: Safety and Financial Responsibility Law.
Staying informed about Form DSD A 309 helps Illinois motorists protect their driving privileges and comply with state requirements after a civil judgment involving a motor vehicle accident.