Illinois Form VSD 609 Affidavit of Repossession Guide – If you are a lienholder, creditor, or purchaser dealing with a repossessed vehicle in Illinois, Form VSD 609 is a critical document. Issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, the Affidavit of Repossession (Form VSD 609) is required under Illinois law to transfer title after an involuntary repossession when the original owner has not assigned the certificate of title.
This guide explains what Form VSD 609 is, when it is needed, how to complete it correctly, and the full process for obtaining a new Illinois Certificate of Title after repossession. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 609?
Form VSD 609 is the official Affidavit of Repossession prescribed by the Illinois Secretary of State. It is used under 625 ILCS 5/3-114(f-5)(3) of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
The form is a sworn statement by the lienholder (or their authorized representative) confirming that:
- The vehicle was lawfully repossessed due to default under the loan or security agreement.
- The owner’s interest was properly terminated.
- Proper Notice of Redemption was given.
- For non-commercial (consumer) vehicles, the Affidavit of Defense was also provided.
- No response was received within the required 21-day period.
- The vehicle’s damage status (whether damaged in excess of 50% of fair market value) is accurately reported.
The form must be notarized and is submitted with the title application to the Illinois Secretary of State.
When Is Form VSD 609 Required?
Form VSD 609 is required primarily for involuntary repossessions where the owner did not assign the title to the lienholder. It applies to both commercial and non-commercial vehicles, with additional consumer protections for vehicles used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
Key situations include:
- Lienholder sells the repossessed vehicle to a third-party purchaser.
- Lienholder applies for title in its own name because the original Certificate of Title is lost.
- Title transfer after the 21-day redemption/defense period expires without response from the owner.
It is not typically required for voluntary repossessions where the owner signs over the title.
For detailed procedures, refer to the official fact sheet: VSD 608 — Fact Sheet: Obtaining a Title for a Repossessed Vehicle.
The 21-Day Notice of Redemption and Affidavit of Defense Process
Illinois law requires specific notices before a lienholder can obtain or transfer title after repossession:
- Notice of Redemption — Must be mailed or delivered to the owner at their last known address (and any other lienholders of record). It must clearly state the repossession date, vehicle description, right to redeem, and intent to sell after 21 days.
- Affidavit of Defense (required only for non-commercial/consumer vehicles) — Must accompany the Notice of Redemption. The owner has 21 days from mailing or delivery to return a completed Affidavit of Defense. If received timely, the lienholder must go to court instead of applying for title through the Secretary of State.
Only after the 21-day period expires without a response (or after a court determination) can the lienholder proceed with Form VSD 609 and the title application.
How to Complete Form VSD 609?
Form VSD 609 is a fillable PDF. Download it to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results. Required information includes:
- Owner (borrower) name and address
- Creditor/lienholder name and address
- Purchaser name and address (if applicable)
- Vehicle details: year, make, model, VIN, and title number
- Date of repossession
- Checkbox indicating whether the vehicle is damaged in excess of 50% of fair market value (if yes, a salvage certificate process applies)
- Date of mailing or delivery of the Notice of Redemption
- Date of sale to the purchaser
- Checkbox if the Certificate of Title is lost and no third party is involved
The form includes a certification under penalties of perjury. It must be signed by an authorized representative of the lienholder and notarized.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title After Repossession
When submitting Form VSD 609 to obtain a new Illinois Certificate of Title, typical supporting documents include:
- Completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (VSD 190) and the appropriate title fee
- The existing Illinois Certificate of Title with release of lien and proper assignment to the purchaser (or application in the lienholder’s name if the title is lost)
- Completed and notarized Form VSD 609
- Applicable Illinois Department of Revenue tax form and separate payment (RUT-50, ST-556, or RUT-25 depending on the transaction)
- Copy of the loan/security agreement (required in lost-title cases)
If the vehicle is damaged in excess of 50% of fair market value, a salvage certificate process under Section 3-117.1 applies instead of a regular title.
Processing times and exact fees can change — always confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department.
Download Official Form VSD 609
Download the official, current Affidavit of Repossession (Form VSD 609) directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form VSD 609 — Affidavit of Repossession (PDF)
Forms are fillable PDFs. Save the file to your computer before completing it.
Related Official Resources
- VSD 608 Fact Sheet — Obtaining a Title for a Repossessed Vehicle
- Illinois Secretary of State Title and Registration Forms Page
- 625 ILCS 5/3-114 — Illinois Vehicle Code (Repossession Provisions)
- Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1010.160 (Repossession procedures)
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department
For questions about Form VSD 609, title applications after repossession, or current fees:
- Toll-free (Illinois): 800-252-8980
- Springfield: 217-782-6306 or 217-785-3000
- Chicago: 312-793-1010
- Address: Vehicle Services Department, Michael J. Howlett Building, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756
- Website: ilsos.gov
Office hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Important Notes for Lienholders and Purchasers
Accuracy is essential. False statements on Form VSD 609 are made under penalties of perjury. The lienholder assumes liability for litigation that may arise from the issuance of the title based on the affidavit.
The Secretary of State does not determine the validity of the underlying debt or any defenses raised by the owner — that is handled through the notice process or the courts.
Tax obligations to the Illinois Department of Revenue are separate. Contact the Department of Revenue Taxpayer Assistance Division at 800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336 for guidance on the correct tax form.
This article provides general information based on official Illinois sources current as of the latest available publications. Requirements can change. Always download the most recent forms and confirm procedures directly with the Illinois Secretary of State before submitting documents.