OL 704B Form – If you’re applying for or renewing a Traffic Violator School (TVS) Owner License in California, the OL 704B Form (Traffic Violator School Owner Surety Bond) is a mandatory requirement. This official California DMV document secures a $15,000 surety bond to protect students and the state from financial loss due to fraud or violations of state law.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the OL 704B form is, who needs it, how to download the official OL 704B PDF, step-by-step filing instructions, current bond requirements, and how it fits into your TVS owner license application. All information is drawn directly from the California DMV’s official resources as of 2026.
What Is the OL 704B Form?
The OL 704B Form is the California DMV’s official Traffic Violator School (TVS) Owner Surety Bond (Revision 7/2020). It is the standardized surety bond document that every TVS owner must file when applying for or renewing an occupational license to operate a traffic violator school.
- Obligee: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Principal: The TVS owner (individual, partnership, LLC, or corporation)
- Surety: A California-admitted surety insurer
- Penal Sum (Bond Amount): $15,000 (continuous bond)
The bond guarantees that the TVS owner will comply with California Vehicle Code §§ 11202, 11202(a)(6), and 11203.5. It protects students who suffer monetary loss due to fraud, failure to deliver instruction, or other violations.
Note: Older form OL 704 was used for classroom-only schools in prior years. The current DMV forms page lists OL 704B as the required Traffic Violator School Owner Surety Bond.
Why Does California Require a TVS Owner Surety Bond?
California law (Vehicle Code § 11202) mandates that every TVS owner post a surety bond before the DMV will issue or renew an owner license. Traffic violator schools provide court-ordered traffic safety education for drivers cited for violations. The bond serves as consumer protection, ensuring:
- Students receive the instruction they paid for
- No fraudulent practices occur
- The school remains financially accountable
Without a properly executed OL 704B, your TVS owner license application will be incomplete and returned.
Who Needs to File the OL 704B Form?
You must submit the OL 704B if you are:
- Applying for a new Traffic Violator School Owner License
- Renewing an existing TVS owner license
- Operating (or planning to operate) a TVS that offers home study or internet instruction (in addition to or instead of classroom-only)
Important: Even if your school offers only in-person classes, current DMV practice and the official forms page direct applicants to the OL 704B surety bond process. Always verify your specific modality with the DMV Occupational Licensing section during application.
Current Bond Amounts for California TVS Owners (2026)
| Instruction Type | Required Bond Amount | Form Used |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom-only | $2,000 (historical) | OL 704 (older) |
| Home study or Internet instruction | $15,000 | OL 704B |
The OL 704B form itself specifies a $15,000 penal sum and is the version currently referenced by the DMV for TVS owners offering any remote or hybrid modality.
How to Download the Official OL 704B PDF (Free)?
Direct official download link (provided by the user and confirmed via DMV):
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/02/OL-704-B-R7-2020-ASB-WWW.pdf
You can also find it on the DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/occupational-licensing-forms/
(Search for “OL 704B” – Traffic Violator School (TVS) Owner Surety Bond).
Tip: Always download the latest version directly from dmv.ca.gov. Do not use third-party copies, as the form must be executed exactly as issued by an admitted surety.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit the OL 704B Surety Bond?
The OL 704B is not filled out by the applicant alone. Here’s the exact process:
- Obtain a quote from a California-admitted surety company (most major surety providers handle DMV TVS bonds).
- Provide the surety with your exact business name (as it will appear on your DMV license application), DBA (if any), and license type.
- The surety completes and signs the OL 704B form, including:
- Bond number
- Premium amount
- Effective date
- Attorney-in-fact signature (with notary acknowledgment)
- You (the principal) do NOT sign the bond — only the surety does.
- Upload the fully executed original OL 704B PDF during your online TVS Owner License application (or submit with paper application if required).
Pro Tip: The bond must match the exact name(s) on your OL 713 (TVS Owner License Application, Part A).
Full TVS Owner License Application Process (Including OL 704B)
Applications are now submitted online through your DMV Occupational Licensing account:
- Create an account and start the TVS Owner application
- Upload: OL 704B surety bond, OL 713, OL 761 checklist, OL 140 (Property Use Verification), OL 142 (ADA Assurance), lesson plan approval, Live Scan, photos, and all supporting documents
- Pay the required fees
- Schedule an on-site inspection
Applications are valid for one year. Incomplete submissions (including missing OL 704B) will be returned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the OL 704B bond renewable?
A: The bond is continuous until canceled by the surety (per Code of Civil Procedure §996.310). You must maintain it for the entire duration of your license.
Q: How much does the OL 704B surety bond cost?
A: Premiums are typically 1–5% of the $15,000 bond amount ($150–$750 per year), depending on your credit and financials. Contact multiple sureties for quotes.
Q: Can I use a cash deposit instead?
A: The DMV also accepts a Deposit Agreement and Assignment (OL 25E) in lieu of a surety bond for some license types, but the OL 704B is the standard surety option.
Q: Where do I submit the completed OL 704B?
A: Upload it directly in the online application portal or mail it with your full packet to the Occupational Licensing Inspections Office listed on the OL 761 checklist.
Final Tips for a Successful TVS Owner Application
- Use the exact business name on every document (including the OL 704B).
- Keep a copy of the executed bond for your records.
- Work with an experienced surety agent familiar with California DMV TVS requirements.
- Apply early — lesson plan approval (OL 764 or OL 766) can take 120+ days.
The OL 704B Form is your gateway to legally operating a profitable traffic violator school in California. Download the official PDF today and secure your $15,000 surety bond to move forward with confidence.
Official DMV Resources:
- TVS Owner License Page
- Occupational Licensing Forms
- OL 704B PDF (direct link above)
Need help? Contact the DMV Occupational Licensing section or consult a licensed surety professional. Always verify the latest requirements directly on dmv.ca.gov, as regulations can be updated.
This article was prepared using the most current official California DMV sources available in 2026.