Illinois Form DSD A 351 School Bus Driver Employer – The Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 351, officially titled the School Bus Driver Employer Form, is an essential document for school districts, private transportation companies, and other employers who hire or manage school bus drivers in Illinois. This form allows employers to register or update their contact information with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department, specifically the Safe Ride Section.
Accurate and up-to-date employer records help the state maintain communication regarding school bus driver permits, ensuring the safety of children transported on school buses across Illinois. The current version of the form is dated February 2025 (DSD A 351.1).
Official Download Link: Download Illinois Form DSD A 351 (PDF) from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
What Is Form DSD A 351?
Form DSD A 351 is used solely for providing or updating School Bus Employer Information. It is not the form used for individual driver applications, employment notifications, or removals. Those functions are handled by other official forms such as the School Bus Driver Application/Certification (DSD SB 2) and the School Bus Driver Employer Notification/Removal Form (DSD SB 3).
Employers must keep their contact details current so the Secretary of State can efficiently communicate important updates related to school bus driver permits under Illinois Vehicle Code Section 6-106.1 and 92 Illinois Administrative Code Part 1035.
Who Needs to Complete Form DSD A 351?
This form is required for any public or private school district, individual, corporation, partnership, or association that employs school bus drivers licensed under Illinois law. Typical users include:
- Public school districts
- Private schools and religious institutions
- Commercial school bus transportation companies
- Any entity employing individuals who operate yellow school buses or approved vehicles for transporting students in grades 12 and below on regularly scheduled routes
Employers should submit the form when establishing a new employer account or when changing company name, address, or primary contact persons.
Key Sections of Form DSD A 351
The form is straightforward and consists of the following main sections:
- School Bus Employer Information — Company or district name, full street address (including city, state, and ZIP code), and the School Bus Employer Number (assigned by the Secretary of State).
- Contact 1 Information — Primary contact person’s full name (last, first, middle initial), telephone number, fax number, and company email address. Check “Add” or “Remove” as applicable.
- Contact 2 Information — Secondary contact details with the same fields. Again, mark “Add” or “Remove.”
All information must be accurate and legible. The form is available as a fillable PDF for convenience.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD A 351?
Follow these steps for proper submission:
- Download the official form from the Illinois Secretary of State website using the link provided above.
- Fill in the employer name, address, and School Bus Employer Number (if already assigned).
- Provide details for one or two authorized contacts, checking the appropriate Add or Remove boxes.
- Review all entries for accuracy.
- Submit the completed form by mail or email.
Mailing Address:
Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Safe Ride Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL 62723
Email: [email protected]
Phone for inquiries: 217-782-7674
Official website: ilsos.gov
Related School Bus Driver Forms and Requirements
Form DSD A 351 works alongside other critical documents in the Illinois school bus driver permit process:
- DSD SB 2 — School Bus Driver Application/Certification (used by applicants and employers for initial and renewal certifications)
- DSD SB 3 — School Bus Driver Employer Notification/Removal Form (for reporting employment, termination, training issues, accidents, or drug test failures)
- DSD SB 21 / Physical Examination forms — Annual medical certification requirements
- DSD SB 16 and DSD SB 17 — Active Duty and Return from Active Duty forms for military personnel
Employers have significant responsibilities under 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1035.45, including conducting pre-employment interviews, ensuring fingerprint-based background checks, certifying completion of pre-employment conditions, and notifying the Secretary of State of employment changes, positive drug tests, or other disqualifying events within required timeframes.
For the full list of school bus permit requirements, visit the official page: Illinois School Bus Permit Information.
Why Accurate Employer Information Matters?
Maintaining current contact information through Form DSD A 351 supports the state’s mission of protecting student safety. The Secretary of State relies on this data to:
- Issue and manage school bus driver permits
- Process notifications of employment status changes
- Respond to safety-related incidents
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including drug and alcohol testing requirements
Failure to keep records updated or to fulfill employer notification duties can result in delays in permit processing or potential penalties under Illinois law (fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for certain violations).
Additional Resources for Illinois School Bus Employers
- Official Illinois Secretary of State publications and forms page: Driver’s License and ID Card Publications and Forms
- Illinois Vehicle Code Section 6-106.1 (School Bus Driver Permit): Available via the Illinois General Assembly website
- 92 Illinois Administrative Code Part 1035 (School Bus Driver Permit rules)
Always download forms directly from ilsos.gov to ensure you have the most current version. The February 2025 revision of DSD A 351 is the official document at the time of this writing.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD A 351 — School Bus Driver Employer Form is a simple yet critical tool for any organization employing school bus drivers in the state. By submitting accurate employer and contact information, you help maintain an efficient and safe school transportation system for Illinois students.
Download the form today, complete it carefully, and submit it to the Safe Ride Section. For questions, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department at 217-782-7674 or email [email protected].