OL 317 Form – The OL 317 Form is the official Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturer Surety Bond required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It serves as proof of financial responsibility for manufacturers testing or deploying autonomous vehicles (AVs) on California public roads.
Issued under Vehicle Code Section 38750, this bond guarantees that the manufacturer can cover judgments for bodily injury, death, or property damage arising from AV operations. The penal sum is fixed at $5,000,000.
The form (OL 317, REV. 7/2020) is a standardized surety bond document that manufacturers must submit as part of their AVT (Autonomous Vehicle Tester) Program or Deployment Permit applications.
Why Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturers Need the OL 317 Surety Bond in California?
California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle regulation. Manufacturers seeking to test or deploy AVs on public streets must demonstrate they can financially respond to potential accidents.
The OL 317 bond fulfills the $5 million financial responsibility requirement under Vehicle Code §38750(b)(3). It applies whether testing occurs with a safety driver, driverless, or during commercial deployment.
Without this bond (or an approved self-insurance alternative), the DMV will not issue a Manufacturer’s Testing Permit (OL 311 or OL 318) or a Deployment Permit (OL 321). This ensures public safety and protects California residents from uninsured AV-related liabilities.
Key Requirements of the California OL 317 Autonomous Vehicle Surety Bond
- Bond Amount: Exactly $5,000,000.
- Principal: The autonomous vehicle manufacturer (must match the exact legal name and DBA on the permit application).
- Surety: An admitted surety insurer authorized to transact business in California.
- Duration: Continuous until canceled per Code of Civil Procedure rules; remains in effect for liabilities incurred before cancellation.
- Conditions: The surety pays any final judgment for damages from AV accidents on California public roads during testing or deployment.
The bond must reference California Vehicle Code §38750, Title 13 CCR Article 3.7 §227.10, and the Bond and Undertaking Law.
How to Complete the OL 317 Form Step by Step?
The DMV provides clear instructions on the form itself:
- Surety Section — Enter bond number, premium, surety name, state of incorporation, and service address.
- Principal Section — Provide the manufacturer’s full legal name, DBA (if any), and address for service of notices.
- Bond Details — Specify the $5,000,000 amount and effective date.
- Execution — The attorney-in-fact for the surety signs, dates, and certifies under penalty of perjury.
Names on the bond must exactly match the permit application. Any mismatch will result in rejection.
Official OL 317 Form PDF Download (2025 Updated Version)
Direct Download Link:
OL 317 Form – Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturer Surety Bond PDF
This is the latest official version uploaded by the California DMV (February 2025). Always download directly from the DMV website to ensure you have the most current REV. 7/2020 form.
OL 317 for AV Testing vs. Deployment Permits
| Program | Form Required | Application Form | Fee | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testing with Driver (AVT) | OL 317 or OL 319 | OL 311 | Varies | Safety driver present |
| Driverless Testing | OL 317 or OL 319 | OL 318 | $3,600 biennial | No driver |
| Commercial Deployment | OL 317 or OL 319A | OL 321 | $3,275 | Passenger service allowed |
The same $5 million surety bond requirement applies across all programs.
Alternatives to the OL 317 Surety Bond
Manufacturers may instead submit:
- OL 319 – Certificate of Self-Insurance (for testing)
- OL 319A – Certificate of Self-Insurance (for deployment)
Self-insurance requires DMV approval and proof of the ability to pay $5 million in judgments. Most manufacturers use the OL 317 surety bond because it is faster and does not require separate financial audits.
Legal Foundation: California Regulations Governing OL 317
- Vehicle Code §38750 — Establishes financial responsibility for AV manufacturers.
- Title 13 CCR §227.10 — Details surety bond requirements and incorporates OL 317 by reference.
- Code of Civil Procedure §§995.010 et seq. — Governs bond execution and cancellation.
These rules have remained consistent since the initial AV regulations, with the form updated to REV. 7/2020.
How to Obtain and File an OL 317 Surety Bond?
- Contact a California-admitted surety company that issues AV or motor vehicle bonds.
- Provide company details, AV testing/deployment plans, and proof of good standing.
- The surety completes and signs the OL 317 form.
- Submit the original bond with your OL 311, OL 318, or OL 321 application to the DMV Autonomous Vehicles Branch.
The bond must remain active for the entire duration of your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions About OL 317 Form
Q: Is the OL 317 bond refundable?
A: No. It is a continuous surety bond; premiums are paid to the surety company.
Q: Can foreign manufacturers use OL 317?
A: Yes, as long as the surety is admitted in California and the principal meets all DMV requirements.
Q: How long does the bond last?
A: It remains in force until canceled by the surety with proper notice.
For the most up-to-date guidance, visit the official California DMV Autonomous Vehicles page or contact the Autonomous Vehicles Branch directly. Always use the official PDF linked above for your OL 317 submission.