OL 319A Form – The OL 319A Form, officially titled “Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Permit Application for Certificate of Self-Insurance,” is an official California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document. It allows autonomous vehicle manufacturers and testers (AVTs) to apply for a certificate of self-insurance as proof of financial responsibility when deploying autonomous vehicles on public roads in California.
This form is distinct from standard vehicle insurance and is required under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 38750(c)(3). It demonstrates that the applicant can cover potential judgments for damages arising from autonomous vehicle operations without relying on traditional insurance policies or surety bonds.
Purpose of the OL 319A Form for Autonomous Vehicle Deployment
The primary purpose of the OL 319A Form is to enable DMV approval of self-insurance for companies deploying autonomous vehicles (AVs) on California public streets after completing testing. It verifies the applicant’s financial ability to pay current and future judgments related to bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by their AVs.
Self-insurance serves as one of three acceptable options for financial responsibility under DMV regulations (alongside insurance policies or a surety bond via Form OL 317). It is submitted as part of the broader Application for a Permit to Deploy Autonomous Vehicles on Public Streets (Form OL 321).
By approving self-insurance via OL 319A, the DMV ensures manufacturers maintain the minimum financial standards outlined in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13, Section 227.12, protecting the public while supporting AV innovation.
Who Needs to Submit the OL 319A Form?
The OL 319A Form is required for autonomous vehicle manufacturers or AV Testers (AVTs) seeking a deployment permit who choose self-insurance over commercial insurance or a surety bond. It applies specifically to entities deploying Level 4 or Level 5 autonomous vehicles (or certain Level 3 vehicles) on public roads.
Eligibility typically requires:
- Ownership or operation of more than 25 registered motor vehicles.
- A demonstrated net worth meeting or exceeding the threshold in CCR Title 13, Section 227.12.
- Submission of audited financial statements for the prior three years (or available period if newer), certified by an independent CPA.
Nonresidents must also acknowledge service of process under CVC Section 17451. Companies already holding testing permits (using Form OL 319 for testing self-insurance) must submit a separate OL 319A for full deployment.
Key Requirements for Obtaining a Self-Insurance Certificate via OL 319A
To qualify, applicants must prove financial responsibility in amounts at least equal to those in CVC Section 38750(c)(3). Key requirements include:
- Financial Statements: Attach the last three years of annual statements (balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow, and notes) certified by an independent CPA.
- Net Worth: Must meet or exceed the minimum specified in CCR Title 13, Section 227.12 (historically aligned with $5 million for related AV programs).
- No Outstanding Judgments: No unpaid final judgments from motor vehicle accidents.
- Accident and Claims History: Detailed disclosure of claims, payments, pending litigation, and reserves.
- Ongoing Compliance: Judgments must be paid within 30 days of becoming final, or the certificate may be canceled.
The form also requires disclosure of current liability coverage history and vehicle fleet details in California and other states.
How to Complete the OL 319A Form: Step-by-Step Guide?
Follow these steps to accurately complete the OL 319A Form (REV. 2/2017):
- Section 1 – Applicant: Provide ownership type (sole owner, partnership, corporation, or association), full name, DBA, phone, and business address.
- Section 2 – Authorized Representative: Designate a contact person (owner, officer, employee, or agent) with mailing address.
- Section 3 – Eligibility Acknowledgement: Confirm ownership of >25 vehicles, financial statement submission, net worth compliance, and understanding of judgment payment rules.
- Section 4 – Service of Process (Nonresidents): Acknowledge CVC §17451 appointment of DMV director for legal service.
- Section 5 – Current Liability Coverage: Detail existing or prior insurance policies (last 3 years) and plans to continue or cancel.
- Section 6 – Accident History: Report claims, payments, and pending matters by calendar or fiscal year.
- Section 7 – Claim Reserve History: Disclose reserves and any trust/savings accounts.
- Section 8 – Current Judgment Status: Certify no unpaid judgments or claims.
- Section 9 – Vehicle Status: Report number of vehicles operated in California vs. other states.
- Section 10 – Additional Documents: Confirm attached financial statements.
- Section 11 – Certification: Sign under penalty of perjury, including printed name, address, phone, and date.
All information must be complete, accurate, and free of whiteout. Submit with original signature.
Required Supporting Documents for OL 319A Submission
In addition to the completed OL 319A Form, include:
- Last three years of CPA-certified financial statements.
- Any relevant corporate documents (e.g., Statement of Information) if filing as a corporation or LLC.
- The full OL 321 Deployment Permit Application and other deployment checklist items.
Submit the package to the DMV’s Autonomous Vehicles Program as outlined on the official deployment program page.
Direct Download: OL 319A Form PDF
Download the official OL 319A PDF directly from the California DMV:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/03/OL-319A-R2-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf
This is the most current version available as of 2026.
OL 319A vs. OL 319: Deployment vs. Testing Self-Insurance
- OL 319: Used for the Autonomous Vehicle Tester (AVT) Program during testing phases (including driverless testing).
- OL 319A: Specifically for post-testing deployment on public roads as part of the full deployment permit.
Both follow similar self-insurance rules under CCR §227.12, but OL 319A applies once vehicles move beyond testing into commercial or public deployment.
California Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Regulations Overview
California’s AV regulations (CVC §38750 and CCR Title 13, Articles 3.7 and 3.8) require a deployment permit before operating AVs on public roads outside of testing. Financial responsibility (insurance, bond, or self-insurance via OL 319A) is mandatory in addition to other requirements like operational design domain disclosure, law enforcement interaction plans, and consumer education materials.
These rules ensure safety and accountability while allowing innovation from companies like Waymo and others already operating in the state.
Benefits of Choosing Self-Insurance with OL 319A
Self-insurance via OL 319A offers flexibility for large manufacturers with strong balance sheets. Benefits include:
- Avoiding premium costs and policy limitations of traditional insurers.
- Streamlined compliance for fleets exceeding 25 vehicles.
- Direct control over claims reserves and financial reporting.
- Alignment with DMV standards for high-net-worth entities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OL 319A Form
Q: Is OL 319A mandatory?
No—only if choosing self-insurance. Insurance or a surety bond (OL 317) are alternatives.
Q: What is the minimum net worth required?
It must meet CCR Title 13 §227.12 (typically aligned with $5 million for AV programs; confirm current regs with DMV).
Q: Where do I submit the form?
As part of your OL 321 deployment application package via the DMV Autonomous Vehicles Program.
Q: How long is the self-insurance certificate valid?
It remains valid until canceled or revoked; annual financial updates may be required for ongoing compliance.
For the latest details, always visit the official California DMV Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Program page.
This guide provides the most up-to-date, authoritative information based on official DMV sources. Consult the DMV directly for personalized advice or regulatory updates.