OL 319 Form – The OL 319 Form is the official Autonomous Vehicle Tester (AVT) Program Application for Certificate of Self-Insurance issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form allows autonomous vehicle manufacturers to prove financial responsibility without purchasing traditional liability insurance or a surety bond. It satisfies the $5 million minimum requirement under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 38750 for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Autonomous vehicle companies use the OL 319 PDF as part of the AVT Program for both testing with a driver and driverless testing. The current version (REV. 2/2017) remains the active form as listed on the official DMV website.
Why the OL 319 Form Matters for Autonomous Vehicle Testing in California?
California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle (AV) regulation. Manufacturers must obtain a DMV testing permit before operating AVs on public roads. One critical requirement is proof of financial responsibility in the amount of $5,000,000 to cover potential damages from accidents.
The OL 319 Form provides the self-insurance option. It lets qualified companies demonstrate they can self-fund claims instead of relying on external insurance or bonds. This option is especially useful for large manufacturers with strong balance sheets. It streamlines compliance while meeting strict safety and accountability standards under Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations (§227.12).
Who Needs to File the OL 319 Form?
Only manufacturers participating in the Autonomous Vehicle Tester (AVT) Program need this form. It applies to companies seeking or renewing permits for:
- Testing autonomous vehicles with a safety driver
- Driverless (no driver) testing on public roads
The form is not for individual drivers or non-manufacturers. It is specifically for entities that own and operate AV fleets and want DMV approval to self-insure rather than use traditional coverage.
Eligibility Requirements for OL 319 Self-Insurance Certificate
To qualify for a Certificate of Self-Insurance via OL 319, applicants must meet these strict criteria (per CVC §38750 and CCR Title 13, §227.12):
- Own more than 25 registered motor vehicles
- Maintain a net worth of at least $5,000,000 (verified through audited financial statements)
- Submit audited financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow, and notes) for the three most recent years, certified by an independent CPA
- Accept responsibility for paying all judgments in the amounts required by CVC §38750(c)(3)
- Agree that failure to pay any final judgment within 30 days can lead to cancellation of the certificate
- Provide full accident and claims history for the past three years (or current fiscal year)
Non-residents must also appoint the DMV Director as their agent for service of process under CVC §17451.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the OL 319 Form
The OL 319 PDF is straightforward but requires complete and accurate information. Here are the main sections:
- Section 1 – Applicant Information: Enter ownership type (sole owner, partnership, corporation, etc.), legal name, DBA, phone, and business address.
- Section 2 – Authorized Representative: Name the person submitting the form and their title/mailing address.
- Section 3 – Eligibility Acknowledgement: Check boxes confirming you meet ownership, net worth, and financial reporting rules.
- Section 4 – Service of Process: Non-residents acknowledge CVC §17451 appointment.
- Section 5 – Current Liability Coverage: Disclose any existing insurance policies from the last three years and plans to continue or cancel them.
- Section 6 – Accident & Claim History: Report total claims, amounts paid, and pending claims.
- Section 7 – Claim Reserve History: Detail how reserves for pending claims are maintained.
- Section 8 – Current Judgment Status: Declare any unpaid judgments or lawsuits.
- Section 9 – Vehicle Status: Report number of vehicles operated in California and other states.
- Section 10 – Additional Documents: Attach the last three years of CPA-certified financial statements.
- Section 11 – Certification: Sign under penalty of perjury.
All information must be true and correct. Incomplete applications will be returned.
Required Supporting Documents for OL 319 Submission
- Three years of audited financial statements certified by an independent CPA
- Any additional documentation requested by the DMV during review
Download the Official OL 319 PDF (Direct Link)
You can download the latest OL 319 Form directly from the California DMV here:
Download OL 319 Form PDF
The form is also available on the official DMV Autonomous Vehicles forms page.
How to Submit the OL 319 Application?
Submit the completed OL 319 Form along with your AVT permit application through the DMV’s online Autonomous Vehicle Testing portal or by mail as instructed in the AVT application package. The DMV reviews the application for completeness and financial strength. If approved, they issue a Certificate of Self-Insurance that satisfies the $5 million financial responsibility rule.
Alternatives to the OL 319 Self-Insurance Option
Manufacturers have three choices to meet the $5 million requirement:
- Traditional automobile liability insurance
- Surety Bond using form OL 317
- Self-insurance via OL 319 Form
Self-insurance is often preferred by well-capitalized companies because it avoids ongoing insurance premiums.
Benefits of Using the OL 319 Form for AV Manufacturers
- Reduces long-term insurance costs
- Provides flexibility for large fleets
- Demonstrates strong financial stability to regulators
- Speeds up permit approval when financials are solid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About OL 319 Form
Q: Is the OL 319 Form still current in 2026?
A: Yes. The REV. 2/2017 version is the official form posted by the DMV as of 2026.
Q: Can startups use self-insurance?
A: Only if they meet the >25 vehicles and $5M net worth thresholds.
Q: How often must financial statements be updated?
A: Annually, as required by the DMV for certificate holders.
Q: Where can I find the full AVT regulations?
A: Visit the official California DMV Autonomous Vehicles page.
Secure Your AV Testing Permit with OL 319
The OL 319 Form is the essential document for autonomous vehicle manufacturers seeking self-insurance approval in California. By providing this form along with strong financial documentation, companies can efficiently meet DMV requirements and focus on safe innovation in self-driving technology.
Download the OL 319 PDF today and ensure your application is complete before submitting to the California DMV. Staying compliant with these rules keeps your AV testing program on track and legally protected. For the most up-to-date guidance, always refer to the official sources at dmv.ca.gov.