Illinois SOS DOP 115: Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Form

Illinois SOS DOP 115: Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Form – If you are buying or selling a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Illinois, Form SOS DOP 115 is a critical legal document. Officially titled the Disclosure of Rebuilt Vehicle Status, this form is required under Illinois law to protect buyers and ensure transparency about a vehicle’s history. This guide explains what the form is, when it is required, how to complete it, the penalties for non-compliance, and where to download the official version from the Illinois Secretary of State.

What Is Form SOS DOP 115?

Form SOS DOP 115 is the official Illinois Secretary of State document used to disclose that a vehicle carries a rebuilt title. A rebuilt vehicle is defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-168.1) as:

“A vehicle for which a Salvage Certificate has been issued and which subsequently has been put back into its original or operating condition by a licensed rebuilder and which has met all the requirements of a salvage vehicle inspection.”

The form notifies the buyer that the vehicle was previously declared a total loss (salvage), repaired by a licensed rebuilder, and inspected before receiving a rebuilt title. It creates a clear paper trail and helps prevent fraud in the used vehicle market.

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website here: Download SOS DOP 115 (PDF).

Legal Requirement Under Illinois Law

Illinois law makes disclosure mandatory. Under 625 ILCS 5/5-104.3:

  • No person may knowingly sell a vehicle with a rebuilt title, with intent to defraud or deceive, unless the vehicle is accompanied by a properly signed Disclosure of Rebuilt Vehicle Status form delivered to the buyer.
  • Licensed dealers and rebuilders cannot sell a vehicle that has a rebuilt title from another state without first obtaining an Illinois certificate of title that carries the “REBUILT” notation.

The Secretary of State is authorized to prescribe the format and content of the form. Form SOS DOP 115 is the official document that satisfies this statutory requirement.

When Must You Use Form SOS DOP 115?

You must complete and deliver Form SOS DOP 115 in the following situations:

  • Any sale of a vehicle that has an Illinois rebuilt title.
  • Sales by private parties, licensed dealers, or rebuilders.
  • Before the sale is finalized (“prior to consummation of the REBUILT VEHICLE sale”).

The form is not required for vehicles that never had a salvage certificate or for vehicles that received a clean title after meeting specific low-damage criteria under other sections of the Vehicle Code. However, if the current title shows “REBUILT,” the disclosure form is mandatory.

How to Complete Form SOS DOP 115?

The form is straightforward and includes the following sections:

  1. Seller Information — Name and address of the seller.
  2. Buyer Information — Name and address of the purchaser.
  3. Vehicle Information — Year, make, model, VIN, and title number.
  4. Disclosure Statement — Pre-printed language stating that the vehicle carries a Certificate of Title showing it to be a REBUILT VEHICLE, along with the legal definition.
  5. Acknowledgement by Purchaser — Signature and date of the buyer.
  6. Acknowledgement by Seller — Signature and date of the seller.

Both parties must sign the form. The seller should make copies for their records and provide the original (or a signed copy) to the buyer at the time of sale. The form itself does not need to be filed with the Secretary of State; it is retained by the parties as proof of disclosure.

Penalties for Failing to Provide the Form

Failure to provide a properly completed and signed Form SOS DOP 115 when required carries serious criminal penalties under 625 ILCS 5/5-104.3:

  • First violation: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500).
  • Second or subsequent violation: Class 4 felony (1 to 3 years in prison and higher fines).

These penalties apply to both private sellers and licensed dealers. Because the rebuilt notation appears on the title, claiming ignorance of the vehicle’s status is generally not a strong defense.

Related Requirements for Rebuilt Vehicles in Illinois

Understanding the broader context helps buyers and sellers stay compliant:

  • Only licensed Illinois rebuilders may convert a salvage vehicle into a rebuilt vehicle.
  • Vehicles eight model years old or newer generally require a Secretary of State Police inspection in addition to an IDOT safety inspection.
  • Applications for rebuilt titles are mailed to the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department in Springfield; they cannot be processed at local Driver Services facilities.
  • For detailed procedures, review the official Rebuilt Vehicle Titles Fact Sheet (VSD 975).

Buyers are also strongly encouraged to obtain a vehicle history report (such as Carfax or a comparable national database) using the VIN before purchasing any used vehicle.

Where to Get Official Forms and More Information?

Always use the official form from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Additional official resources are available at ilsos.gov.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Buyers and Sellers

Form SOS DOP 115 is a simple but legally required document that protects both parties in the sale of a rebuilt vehicle. Sellers who fail to provide it risk criminal charges, while buyers who receive the form gain clear notice of the vehicle’s history. Always complete the form before finalizing the sale, keep signed copies, and verify the vehicle’s title status independently.

By following Illinois law and using the official Secretary of State form, you help maintain transparency and safety in the state’s used vehicle market.

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