DRIVER SERVICES

Charter Bus Endorsement

The Secretary of State's office issues and renews Charter Bus Endorsements, monitors records of Charter Bus Endorsement holders, entry of endorsement sanctions and direct entry of driving history data related to a Charter Bus Endorsement. Any person who drives a bus chartered for the sole purpose of transporting students regularly enrolled in grade 12 or below to or from interscholastic athletic or interscholastic or school-sponsored activities must apply for a Charter Bus Endorsement. New applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be age 21 or older.
• Possess a valid and properly classified driver's license issued by the Secretary of State.
• Submit to and successfully pass an Illinois-specific criminal background check through an approved vendor.
• Complete a medical examination, including chemical testing for drugs. A current DOT medical form is acceptable.
• Successfully pass a written Charter Bus Endorsement exam administered by the Secretary of State.
• Successfully pass a road exam, if applicable, in a representative vehicle of the class of the driver's license for Passenger and Charter Bus Endorsements.
• Affirm under penalty of perjury that you have not made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact in any application for a Charter Bus Endorsement.
• Not have been repeatedly involved as a driver in motor vehicle accidents or repeatedly convicted of offenses, that indicate disrespect for traffic laws.

Employer Requirements

• Employers must request a seven-digit employer assigned number by faxing the request on company letterhead indicating a contact person and phone/fax number to 217-524-3654. If an employer was previously issued a seven-digit number because of school bus permit legislation, the same employer number will be used for obtaining a Charter Bus Endorsement.
• Prospective employers must schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through an Illinois State Police-approved vendor.
• The employer completes the applicable forms: Charter Bus Application, Certification of Employee and Employer Notification Report.
• If an employer is participating in the Third Party Certification Program, the employer will conduct the behind-the-wheel examination of the applicant.
• Employers must notify the Secretary of State's office in writing of the employment or termination of a driver who has a Charter Bus Endorsement.
• Employers must notify the Secretary of State's office within one business day whenever a charter bus used to transport students to and from school functions is involved in an accident and the driver is required to submit to the post-accident testing requirements as set forth in 49 C.F.R.382.303. Transporting students Grade 12 or below to and from school functions, please use the Employer Notification Report.
• Employers must maintain records of certifications and all verifications on the premises and made available for immediate inspection by the Secretary of State's office.

Illinois Compiled Statutes

• 105 ILCS 5/10 - 20.21 — Contracts for charter bus services
• 625 ILCS 5/6 - 104 — Classification of Driver-Special Restriction
• 625 ILCS 5/6 - 508 — Commercial Driver's License (CDL) qualification standards

For more information, please e-mail or call the Safe Ride section at 217-782-7674.