Illinois RT OPR 10 Antique Vehicle Affirmation Form Guide – If you own a classic or antique vehicle in Illinois and want to register it under special low-cost antique plates, you must complete Form RT OPR 10, officially titled “Affirmation of Use and Condition of Antique Vehicle.” This form is required by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) and is a key part of the registration process under Illinois Vehicle Code Section 3-804.
This guide explains everything U.S. vehicle owners need to know about Form RT OPR 10, including eligibility, how to complete it, fees, driving restrictions, and where to submit it. All information is based on current official sources from the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois statutes as of 2026.
What Is Illinois Form RT OPR 10?
Form RT OPR 10 is an official affirmation required when applying for standard antique vehicle license plates in Illinois. By signing the form, the vehicle owner legally affirms two main points:
- The vehicle will be driven on public highways only for specific limited purposes: going to and returning from antique car shows or exhibitions, for servicing, or for demonstration.
- The vehicle’s mechanical condition, physical condition, brakes, lights, glass, and appearance are the same as, or as safe as, when it was originally equipped.
The form also requires the owner to affirm that the vehicle is more than 25 years old (including motorcycles) or at least 20 years old if it is a firefighting vehicle.
You can download the current official version of the form (March 2026 — RT OPR 10.11 ADA) directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form RT OPR 10 (PDF)
Official source: Illinois SOS License Plates Publications and Forms.
Who Needs to File Form RT OPR 10?
Any Illinois resident seeking standard antique vehicle plates must submit Form RT OPR 10 along with the appropriate registration application and fees. This applies to:
- Passenger vehicles, trucks, vans, and SUVs more than 25 years old
- Motorcycles more than 25 years old
- Firefighting vehicles that are at least 20 years old
- Bona fide replicas (exact copies of the original design, frame, and mechanical operation)
Note: “Facsimiles” (close but not exact reproductions) do not qualify. Expanded-use antique plates have separate affirmation forms (VSD 845 and VSD 846) and different rules.
Learn more about antique plates on the official page: Illinois SOS Antique License Plates.
Eligibility Requirements for Antique Vehicle Plates
To qualify for standard antique plates using Form RT OPR 10, your vehicle must meet these criteria:
- Age: More than 25 years old (or at least 20 years for firefighting vehicles)
- Condition: Mechanical and physical condition, including brakes, lights, glass, and appearance, must be the same or as safe as originally equipped
- Use: Limited to antique shows/exhibitions, servicing, or demonstrations only
- Ownership: The applicant must be the registered owner
These requirements are set by Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-804). The statute allows the Secretary of State to issue antique plates for a definite or indefinite term matching general registration cycles.
Official statute reference: 625 ILCS 5/3-804 – Antique Vehicles.
How to Complete Form RT OPR 10?
The form is straightforward and fillable. Follow these steps:
- Download the PDF from the official link above and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
- Provide the applicant’s full legal name and complete mailing address.
- Enter vehicle information: Year, Make, Model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Read the affirmation statements carefully. By signing, you certify the restricted use and the vehicle’s condition and age.
- Sign and date the form in the designated space.
There is no need for notarization on the standard RT OPR 10 form. Keep a copy for your records.
Where and How to Submit Form RT OPR 10?
Submit the completed Form RT OPR 10 along with applicable fees and the license plate registration application to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 532
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-785-4175
Registration application forms are available:
- In person at most Secretary of State facilities
- By mail
- Online at ilsos.gov
- By calling 800-252-8980
You may also apply or renew at local SOS facilities. For vanity or personalized antique plates, additional fees and processing time (typically 60–90 days) apply.
Current Fees for Antique Vehicle Plates (2025–2029)
Standard antique plates are multi-year and currently valid through December 31, 2029. Fees decrease each year remaining in the cycle:
- 2025 – $30
- 2026 – $24
- 2027 – $18
- 2028 – $12
- 2029 – $6
Additional options:
- Vanity Antique Plates (first-time in 2025): $124 ($30 + $94 vanity fee)
- Personalized Antique Plates (first-time in 2025): $77 ($30 + $47 personalized fee)
- Newly purchased vehicles also require a $165 title fee
Motorcycle antique plates have similar but slightly different fee structures. Always verify the latest fees on the official SOS website, as they can change.
Source: Illinois SOS Antique License Plates Fees.
Driving Restrictions with Standard Antique Plates
Vehicles registered with standard antique plates (using Form RT OPR 10) may only be operated on public highways for:
- Traveling to and from antique auto shows or exhibitions
- Servicing or maintenance
- Demonstrations
General transportation, commuting, or everyday use is not permitted. Violating these restrictions can result in penalties or loss of the special registration.
Owners may display a historical Illinois-issued license plate matching the vehicle’s model year instead of the current antique plate, provided the valid antique plates and registration card are carried inside the vehicle and available for inspection.
Standard vs. Expanded-Use Antique Plates
Illinois also offers Expanded-Use Antique plates under a separate statute (625 ILCS 5/3-804.01). These allow unrestricted driving from March 1 through November 30, with the same limited use only in December–February.
Expanded-use plates require different forms (VSD 845 and VSD 846) and carry a higher annual fee (currently $45 for most vehicles). Form RT OPR 10 is specifically for the standard restricted antique plates.
More details: Illinois SOS Expanded-Use Antique License Plates.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Double-check the VIN and vehicle details for accuracy.
- Ensure the vehicle truly meets the original-equipment safety standard before signing the affirmation.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents.
- If applying for vanity or personalized plates, allow extra processing time.
- Contact the Special Plates Division at 217-785-4175 with questions.
- Renew online, by mail, by phone, or in person when the multi-year plates expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form RT OPR 10 required every year?
No. Standard antique plates are multi-year (currently through 2029). The affirmation is typically required at initial registration or when applying for the special plates.
Do I need a physical inspection?
The statute does not require a routine physical inspection or photographs, though the Secretary of State may request additional documentation at its discretion.
Can I use the form for a replica vehicle?
Yes, if it is a bona fide (exact) replica. Facsimiles do not qualify.
Where can I get help filling out the form?
Visit any Illinois Secretary of State facility or call 800-252-8980. Forms are fillable PDFs best opened in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Conclusion
Form RT OPR 10 is an essential document for Illinois residents who want to register and display standard antique vehicle plates. It confirms both the limited use of the vehicle and its safe, original-condition status. Completing the form accurately and submitting it with the correct fees and application helps ensure a smooth registration process.
Always download the latest version of the form from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and verify current fees and requirements, as they can be updated.
Download the form now: Illinois Form RT OPR 10 — Antique Vehicle Affirmation (PDF)
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov or contact the Special Plates Division directly.