Illinois SOS Form DSD SR 11 Installment Agreement Guide – If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash in Illinois and face a potential driver’s license suspension under the Safety Responsibility Law, the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SR 11 (Installment Agreement) can help you resolve claims through structured payments. This official form allows parties to agree on installment payments for property damage, personal injury, or both, helping avoid or lift suspensions without posting a full security deposit.
This guide explains what Form DSD SR 11 is, who needs it, how to complete and submit it, key requirements under Illinois law, and important next steps. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SR 11?
Form DSD SR 11 is the official Installment Agreement issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department, Safety & Financial Responsibility Section. It is used when two or more parties involved in a motor vehicle crash agree in writing to settle claims for injuries or damages through installment payments rather than a lump-sum payment or security deposit.
Under 625 ILCS 5/7-208 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (Safety and Financial Responsibility Law), a properly completed and filed installment agreement allows the Secretary of State to:
- Waive the requirement to deposit security
- Terminate any prior suspension order
- Return previously deposited security (if applicable)
The current version of the form is available as a fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State. You can download it directly here: Download Form DSD SR 11 – Installment Agreement (PDF).
When Is Form DSD SR 11 Used?
Form DSD SR 11 applies primarily in these situations:
- You were involved in a crash in Illinois resulting in bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to any one person
- You (or the vehicle owner) did not have liability insurance at the time of the crash
- The Illinois Secretary of State has issued (or is preparing to issue) a Safety Responsibility suspension notice
- You and the other party (or their representative) agree on a payment plan for the damages
It can also support reinstatement after a suspension related to an unsatisfied judgment when a court-approved installment plan is involved (often reported via related forms such as DSD A 309).
Note: This form is not for tax installment plans (those are handled by the Illinois Department of Revenue using different forms such as CPP-1).
Key Requirements for Acceptance of the Installment Agreement
According to Illinois administrative rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1070.30) and the form instructions, the Secretary of State will accept Form DSD SR 11 only if it meets these conditions:
- It identifies the parties, the date and location of the accident, the total amount to be paid, the payment frequency/amount, and to whom payments will be made
- All signatures are notarized (or witnessed by one person in some cases)
- The acceptance portion is signed by the interested party (usually the party receiving money) or their authorized representative
- The party receiving money is typically the individual certified by the Illinois Department of Transportation or their representative
Additional practical requirements from the official form instructions include:
- Include the driver’s license number, full name, and date of birth of the party paying money
- File proof of financial responsibility in the form of an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance (must be maintained for 36 months)
- Allow 10–20 working days for processing after submission
How to Complete Form DSD SR 11?
The form is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step overview based on the official document:
- Header information: Enter the driver’s license number of the party paying money, accident number, and insurance claim/file number (if applicable).
- Accident details: State the city in Illinois where the crash occurred and the exact date.
- Claims covered: Check the appropriate box(es) for property damage, personal injuries, or both.
- Payment terms: Clearly state the total sum agreed upon, the installment amount (or more), payment frequency (e.g., monthly), due date of the first payment, and the day of each subsequent payment period.
- Signatures and notarization:
- The party paying money signs and has their signature notarized.
- The party receiving money (or authorized representative) signs the Acceptance section and has that signature notarized.
Both parties acknowledge that the agreement may be used by the Illinois Secretary of State in administering the Safety Responsibility Law. Upon full payment, the receiving party promises to provide a complete and unconditional release.
How to Submit Form DSD SR 11?
Mail the completed, signed, and notarized form to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Safety & Financial Responsibility Section
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Do not fax the form. After submission, you can check the status of your driving privileges 24 hours a day by calling the automated system at 217-782-3720 (select option 1 and enter your driver’s license and Social Security numbers).
You can drive as soon as your record shows as valid. A confirmation letter will follow by U.S. mail.
What Happens If You Default on the Installment Agreement?
If you miss payments, the party receiving money can notify the Secretary of State in writing. Upon acceptance of a proper notice of default, your driver’s license and registration (or non-resident operating privileges) will be suspended again.
Under 625 ILCS 5/7-208(c), privileges will not be restored until one of the following occurs:
- You deposit and maintain the required security
- Two years have elapsed since the notice of default was accepted and no court action on the agreement has been filed
- You enter into a second written installment agreement (allowed under current law if both parties agree)
Always make payments on time and keep records of every payment.
Additional Requirements for License Reinstatement
Filing Form DSD SR 11 alone is often not enough. You will typically also need to:
- Obtain and file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance from an authorized insurer (maintained for three years)
- Pay any applicable reinstatement fees (commonly $70 for Safety Responsibility suspensions)
- Address any other outstanding suspensions or requirements on your record
For related forms and publications, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State page for Safety & Financial Responsibility / Mandatory Insurance / SR-22 Publications and Forms.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Download the latest version of the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure it is current (the version referenced here is dated March 2026).
- Have both parties review the payment terms carefully before signing—defaults have serious consequences.
- Consider consulting an attorney if the claim involves significant injuries or complex liability issues.
- Keep copies of the signed agreement, proof of payments, and all correspondence with the Secretary of State.
- If the other party will not agree to an installment plan, explore alternatives such as a full release, security deposit, or court judgment satisfaction.
Where to Get Official Help?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information:
- Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services: ilsos.gov
- Safety Responsibility Section phone: 217-782-3720
- Download the form: Form DSD SR 11 PDF
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and forms can change; always verify details with the Illinois Secretary of State or a qualified Illinois attorney.