Which of the following is NOT a form of financial responsibility required by law?

The form of financial responsibility required by law must ensure that a driver is capable of covering damages or injuries caused in the event of an accident. Motor vehicle liability insurance is a common method to fulfill this requirement, as it provides coverage directly related to vehicle operations. A DMV-issued self-insurance certificate serves as an acknowledgment that an individual or entity can sufficiently cover potential liabilities without needing traditional insurance. Additionally, a deposit of $35,000 to the DMV can be used as a means to secure financial responsibility for accidents.

A surety bond for $25,000, while it is a form of financial surety, is not universally recognized as a standard method of fulfilling the financial responsibility requirement for all drivers in California. In this context, bonds can be more complex and not as widely utilized as the other options outlined. Therefore, it does not fit the general criteria of acceptable financial responsibility forms mandated by law for most vehicle operators in California.