Illinois RT DS 38 Form: Repairer & Rebuilder Guide – Businesses in Illinois that repair vehicles, rebuild salvage cars, recycle automotive parts, process scrap, or operate as vehicle auctioneers must obtain the proper license from the Illinois Secretary of State. Form RT DS 38 is the official application used to request a Certificate of Authority for these activities under Chapter 5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
This guide explains who needs the form, what the different license types cover, required supporting documents, fees, and how to submit a complete application. Information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State publications current as of 2025–2026.
What Is Form RT DS 38?
Form RT DS 38 (also referenced as RT-DS-38) is the application for a Certificate of Authority issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Dealer Licensing Section. One form is used to apply for any one of the following license categories (mark only one):
- Repairer
- Rebuilder
- Automotive Parts Recycler
- Scrap Processor
- Auctioneer
A separate Certificate of Authority is issued for each category. Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 and must be renewed annually. The most recent version of the form is dated July 2025 (RT DS 38.25).
You can download the official fillable PDF here: Illinois Secretary of State Form RT DS 38.
Definitions of License Types
Understanding the exact definitions helps you select the correct category on Form RT DS 38:
- Repairer — A person in the business of returning a vehicle (other than one with a Salvage Certificate) to its original or operating condition by restoring, mending, straightening, replacing, altering, or painting its essential parts.
- Rebuilder — A person in the business of returning a vehicle for which a Salvage Certificate has previously been issued back to its original or operating condition. Only licensed rebuilders may legally bring a salvage vehicle out of salvage status in Illinois.
- Automotive Parts Recycler — A person in the business of acquiring previously owned vehicles and vehicle parts primarily for disposing of those parts in a manner other than that described for a scrap processor.
- Scrap Processor — A person who purchases material that may have been a vehicle or essential part for processing into a form other than a vehicle or essential part for remelting purposes only. Scrap processors generally may not sell vehicles or essential parts as such unless separately licensed.
- Auctioneer — Covered under the same application for vehicle auction activities regulated by the Secretary of State.
These definitions appear in the official instructions (VSD 690) and in 625 ILCS 5/5-301 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Who Must File Form RT DS 38?
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/5-301), no person may carry on or conduct the business of an automotive parts recycler, scrap processor, repairer, or rebuilder unless licensed by the Secretary of State. Exceptions exist only for incidental servicing of vehicles. Rebuilding a salvage vehicle also requires a rebuilder license.
Applicants include sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and other business entities operating in Illinois. The business address cannot be the same as a residence, and the location must meet established place-of-business rules. Two licensed entities cannot operate from the same physical location.
Required Supporting Documents
A complete application package must include the signed and notarized Form RT DS 38 plus the following items (requirements vary slightly by license type):
- If the property is leased: a copy of the lease that does not expire before December 31 of the license year.
- Notice of proper zoning (a Chicago city business license is acceptable for Chicago locations).
- Proof of compliance with the proper workers’ compensation rate code or classification (required for repairer, rebuilder, and automotive parts recycler).
- Proof that the business has obtained or applied for the proper state sales tax classification and federal employer identification number (or a letter confirming issuance of a state tax number).
- Proof of obtaining or applying for a hazardous waste generator number from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (required for repairer and rebuilder).
- Proof of proper liability insurance (required for repairer and rebuilder).
- If the applicant is a corporation: proof of good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Business Services.
- Receipt from an Illinois State Police-approved live-scan fingerprint vendor verifying that a criminal background check was completed. Applications missing this receipt are returned.
- Correct fee payment.
Do not submit the application until the place of business is ready for inspection. The Secretary of State will schedule an inspection after reviewing the package.
How to Complete Form RT DS 38?
The form contains four main sections:
- Section I — Select the single license type, enter the firm’s legal name, business address, telephone, email, and type of business entity. List names, residence addresses, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers for the proprietor, partners, members, trustees, or (for corporations) officers, directors, and shareholders with 10% or greater ownership.
- Section II — Answer questions about prior licenses under Chapter 5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, any denials/revocations/suspensions, felony convictions of principals, and whether the premises are owned or leased. Provide lot and building dimensions and list any supplemental locations.
- Section III — Read, initial, and date the Affidavit and Statement. These cover understanding of anti-theft laws, salvage/junk certificate rules, record-keeping obligations, zoning compliance, workers’ compensation, tax numbers, the Automotive Collision Repair Act (815 ILCS 308), and statements regarding prior violations of specific statutes.
- Section IV — Calculate and enter fees. Payment must be by check, draft, or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash or stamps.
An authorized person must sign the application before a notary public. Incomplete applications are returned.
Fees for Form RT DS 38
Current fees listed on the form are:
- Certificate of Authority — Annual Fee: $50
- First Registration (June 15–December 31): $25
- Supplemental Certificate of Authority — Annual Fee: $25
- Supplemental first registration (June 15–December 31): $12.50
- Additional Identification Cards: $3 each
These amounts match the statutory fees in 625 ILCS 5/5-301. Fees are returnable only if the application is denied.
Submission and Processing
Mail the completed, notarized application, all supporting documents, and payment to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer Licensing Section
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Questions about completing the form may be directed to Dealer Licensing at 217-782-7817. After receipt and review, the office schedules a place-of-business inspection. Licenses are issued only after successful inspection and background review.
All licensees must maintain required books and records for three years and keep them open for inspection. Automotive parts recyclers, rebuilders, and repairers have additional ongoing compliance obligations under the Illinois Vehicle Code and related regulations.
Additional Resources
Official instructions accompany the form and are available as publication VSD 690 from the Illinois Secretary of State. Review 625 ILCS 5/5-301 through 5-302 and the Illinois Administrative Code provisions on established places of business and required records before applying.
For the most current form and instructions, always obtain documents directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov.