Illinois Form DSD A 274: Disaster Fee Waiver Guide

Illinois Form DSD A 274: Disaster Fee Waiver Guide – When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes Illinois, residents can lose critical documents such as driver’s licenses, state ID cards, vehicle titles, and registrations. The Illinois Secretary of State provides relief through Form DSD A 274, officially titled “Waiver of Fees for Disaster Victims.” This form allows eligible individuals living in a Governor-declared disaster area to replace certain documents at no cost for a limited time.

This guide explains eligibility, how the waiver works under Illinois law, what documents qualify, how to complete the form, and where to submit it. All information is based on the official form and the governing statute, 15 ILCS 305/6b.

What Is Illinois Form DSD A 274?

Form DSD A 274 is the official Illinois Secretary of State document used to request a fee waiver for replacement of specific Driver Services documents after a disaster. It was created under Public Act 97-0835 and is administered by the Driver Services Department.

The form itself is a short affirmation. The applicant states, under penalty of perjury, that they currently live in a declared disaster area and that their original documents were lost or destroyed as a result of the disaster. The applicant then checks the boxes for the documents they need replaced at no fee.

You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DSD A 274 (PDF).

Legal Authority for the Fee Waiver

The fee waiver is authorized by 15 ILCS 305/6b. Under this statute:

  • The Secretary of State may waive fees for a duplicate certificate of title, vehicle registration, driver’s license, or State identification card.
  • The waiver is available only after the Governor issues a proclamation that a disaster exists.
  • The authority lasts for a period of 30 days after the Governor files the proclamation.
  • The applicant must provide sufficient proof of residence in the declared disaster area and an affirmation (under penalty of perjury) that the original documents were lost or destroyed in the disaster.

If the Secretary later determines the applicant was not entitled to the waiver, payment may be demanded within 60 days. Failure to pay can result in cancellation or revocation of the duplicate documents, with the right to request a hearing under Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Who Qualifies for the Waiver?

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • You currently reside at an address located in an area covered by a Governor’s disaster proclamation.
  • Your original driver’s license, state ID card, vehicle title(s), or vehicle registration(s) were lost or destroyed as a result of that disaster.
  • You apply within the 30-day window that begins when the Governor files the disaster proclamation.
  • You can provide written documentation of residence or, if none is available, allow the Secretary of State to verify personal information already on file.

The form must be completed and signed under penalty of perjury. False statements can lead to criminal penalties.

Which Documents Can Be Replaced at No Fee?

Form DSD A 274 specifically covers the following replacements at no charge:

  • Driver’s License
  • Identification Card (State ID)
  • Vehicle Title(s)
  • Vehicle Registration(s)

Other documents or services are not covered by this particular waiver. Always check the current disaster proclamation and confirm with a Secretary of State facility whether additional assistance may be available.

How to Complete Form DSD A 274?

The form is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State: Form DSD A 274.
  2. Enter the date.
  3. Print your full legal name as the individual making the application.
  4. Provide your current street address, city, ZIP code, and county. This address must be inside the declared disaster area.
  5. Sign the affirmation under penalty of perjury, confirming that your documents were lost or destroyed in the disaster.
  6. Check the box(es) for the documents you need replaced at no fee (Driver’s License, Identification Card, Vehicle Title(s), and/or Vehicle Registration(s)).

The bottom section of the form is for office use only. A Driver Services Department employee will complete it when you present the form and any required identification.

Where and How to Submit the Form?

Bring the completed Form DSD A 274 to any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You may also need to present identification or allow staff to verify personal information already on file if you have no documents available.

Locate a facility near you using the official facility finder on the Illinois Secretary of State website: Find a Driver Services Facility.

It is best to apply as soon as possible after a disaster proclamation is issued, because the fee-waiver authority is limited to 30 days.

Important Tips for Illinois Residents

  • Monitor official announcements from the Governor’s office and the Illinois Secretary of State for active disaster proclamations that trigger the waiver.
  • Keep a digital or paper copy of the completed form for your records.
  • If your situation involves a vehicle that sustained water or other damage, you may also need related forms such as the Natural Disaster Disclosure Statement (available on the Secretary of State site).
  • The form does not automatically restore driving privileges if they were previously suspended or revoked for other reasons.
  • For the most current version of the form and any procedural updates, always use the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov.

Related Official Resources

Conclusion

Form DSD A 274 provides meaningful, time-sensitive relief for Illinois residents who lose essential identification and vehicle documents during a declared disaster. By completing the simple affirmation and submitting it within the 30-day window at a Driver Services facility, eligible individuals can obtain replacements for their driver’s license, state ID, vehicle title, or registration at no cost.

Always download the form directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and verify the current status of any disaster proclamation before applying. For personalized assistance, contact your local Driver Services facility or visit ilsos.gov.

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