Illinois SOS Form CFT IT 8 Schedule Bond Guide – Vehicle owners and operators in Illinois who register second division motor vehicles under the mileage weight tax option must often post a surety bond. The official form for this requirement is the Illinois Secretary of State Form CFT IT 8, known as the Schedule Bond. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete it, and where to submit it, using current information from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
What Is Illinois Form CFT IT 8 — Schedule Bond?
Form CFT IT 8 is the official Schedule Bond (Surety Bond for Second Division Motor Vehicles) issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. It guarantees payment of fees, penalties, and interest that may become due under the Illinois Vehicle Code, particularly Section 3-818, when a vehicle is registered on a mileage weight tax basis.
The bond is limited to $500 for each motor vehicle listed on the attached schedule. The surety’s liability is absolute. Upon notice from the Secretary of State that fees remain unpaid, the surety must pay the amount due immediately.
The current version of the form (CFT IT 8.7, December 2022) is available as a fillable PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State website. You can download it here: Illinois Form CFT IT 8 Schedule Bond PDF.
Who Needs to File Form CFT IT 8?
Owners of second division motor vehicles who elect to pay registration fees under the mileage weight tax provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-818) must file this bond. Second division vehicles generally include those designed to carry more than 10 passengers, vehicles used as living quarters, or vehicles designed for pulling or carrying freight and cargo.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial and Farm Truck Division, a $500 surety bond per Mileage Tax plate is required as a guarantee of payment of any excess fees. Mileage Tax Registration allows reduced fees based on vehicle weight and actual miles operated within Illinois, but it is limited to in-state operation and binds the registrant for the full fiscal year.
Because of the bonding requirement, Mileage Tax plates are issued only through the Commercial and Farm Truck Division in Springfield, with limited renewal options at other designated facilities.
Key Requirements of the Schedule Bond
The bond must meet these conditions:
- It must be issued by a surety company authorized to transact business in Illinois and approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance.
- An original Power of Attorney form from the surety company must accompany the bond.
- The penal sum is calculated at $500 for each vehicle listed on the schedule.
- The bond covers all moneys becoming due from the operation of the listed second division motor vehicles, including penalties and interest under the Illinois Motor Vehicle Act.
- The schedule on the form must list each vehicle’s year, make, serial number, and plate number.
The form is executed by the principal (vehicle owner or operator — individual, partnership, or corporation) and the surety. Proper signatures, corporate seals where applicable, and attorney-in-fact authorization are required.
How to Complete and File Form CFT IT 8?
Follow these steps when preparing the Schedule Bond:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State site: CFT IT 8 Schedule Bond.
- Enter the surety bond number at the top.
- Fill in the fiscal year for which the bond applies.
- Identify the principal (name and Illinois address) and the surety.
- State the total penal sum based on $500 per listed vehicle.
- Complete the schedule on the second page with accurate vehicle details (year, serial number, make, plate number).
- Have the principal and surety properly execute the form, including any required corporate officers and the attorney-in-fact.
- Attach the original Power of Attorney from the surety company.
Submit the completed bond with your Mileage Weight Tax registration application or as required by the Commercial and Farm Truck Division. Contact information for the division is:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Commercial & Farm Truck Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 300
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-1800
Website: ilsos.gov Commercial and Farm Trucks
Related Forms and Resources
Vehicle owners paying registration fees in installments may need a different bond form: CFT IT 12 (Second Division Motor Vehicles Installment Surety Bond). That form is used for installment payments under Section 3-816 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and is distinct from the mileage-weight Schedule Bond.
Official publications and additional commercial vehicle forms are listed on the Illinois Secretary of State’s publications page: Illinois SOS Publications and Forms List.
For the full text of the governing statute, refer to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (625 ILCS 5/3-818) available through the Illinois General Assembly website.
Why the Schedule Bond Matters for Illinois Operators?
The $500-per-vehicle Schedule Bond protects the State of Illinois by ensuring that mileage-based registration fees and any excess amounts are paid. It allows eligible operators to benefit from potentially lower registration costs when actual miles driven in Illinois are limited, while safeguarding public revenue.
Operators should work only with surety companies licensed in Illinois. Premium costs typically range from a small percentage of the bond amount and are determined by the underwriter based on credit and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form CFT IT 8 required for all commercial trucks in Illinois?
No. It is specifically required for second division motor vehicles registered under the mileage weight tax option. Flat-weight or IRP registrations generally use different bonding or payment arrangements when applicable.
Can I use a cash bond instead?
The official form and guidance reference a surety bond from an approved company. Contact the Commercial and Farm Truck Division for confirmation of acceptable alternatives.
How long is the bond effective?
The bond covers the fiscal year of registration indicated on the form and remains in force until the principal’s obligations under the mileage tax provisions are satisfied.
Where can I get help filling out the form?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial & Farm Truck Division at 217-785-1800 or visit the official website for current instructions and forms.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form CFT IT 8 — Schedule Bond is an essential compliance document for owners of second division motor vehicles who choose mileage weight tax registration. By posting a $500 surety bond per vehicle and properly listing each unit on the schedule, operators meet state requirements while potentially reducing registration costs based on actual Illinois mileage.
Always download the most current version of the form directly from the official source and submit it with the required Power of Attorney. For the latest rules, contact the Commercial and Farm Truck Division or visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Download the official form now: Illinois Form CFT IT 8 Schedule Bond (PDF).