Illinois VSD 696 Affirmation for Conservation Plates – Illinois vehicle owners who operate second-division vehicles exclusively for soil and water conservation work must use a special registration category known as Conservation Plates. Form VSD 696, the Affirmation Statement for Conservation Plates, is the official document required by the Illinois Secretary of State to confirm eligibility and compliance under state law.
This guide explains what Form VSD 696 is, who needs it, the legal requirements, fees, how to complete and submit the form, and where to download the official PDF. All information is based on current Illinois Secretary of State publications and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Form VSD 696?
Form VSD 696 is the official Affirmation Statement for Conservation Plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Commercial & Farm Truck Division. By signing the form, the vehicle owner or authorized representative affirms that the vehicle(s) registered with Conservation Plates will operate in full compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws under 625 ILCS 5/3-809.1 and related statutes.
The current version of the form (VSD 696.2, May 2024) is a single-page fillable PDF that collects owner and vehicle information and includes the statutory text for easy reference.
Legal Basis: 625 ILCS 5/3-809.1
Under Illinois law, not-for-hire vehicles of the second division may qualify for Conservation Plates if they are used only within a 75-mile radius of the owner’s headquarters and solely for transporting the owner’s machinery, equipment, plastic tubing, tile, and steel reinforcement materials used exclusively for:
- Soil and water conservation work on farms
- Other work on farms
- Work in drainage districts organized for agricultural purposes
The annual registration fee is a flat $488. This fee must be paid in full and is not pro-rated, even if registration occurs in the second half of the registration year.
Vehicles displaying Conservation Plates must also demonstrate compliance with the federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). A receipted IRS Form 2290, Schedule 1, may be required for each vehicle at the time of registration.
Who Needs Form VSD 696?
You need Form VSD 696 if you own or operate a second-division vehicle (typically trucks designed for carrying property, freight, or cargo) that meets all of the following criteria:
- The vehicle is not operated for hire.
- Use is limited to a 75-mile radius from the owner’s headquarters.
- The vehicle transports only the owner’s soil and water conservation machinery, equipment, and related materials.
- You are applying for or renewing Conservation Plates through the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial & Farm Truck Division.
This category is distinct from standard farm plates, permanently mounted equipment plates, and passenger-vehicle specialty plates such as Soil and Water Conservation District plates.
How to Complete Form VSD 696?
The form requires the following information:
- Name of the applicant or business
- Complete mailing address (city, Illinois ZIP code)
- Vehicle year, make, body style, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Description of any equipment mounted on the vehicle (if applicable)
- Contact person and daytime phone number(s)
After completing the required fields, the authorized signer must date and sign the affirmation. The form includes space for Secretary of State use only (plate number, file number, and approval notation).
Download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Form VSD 696 – Affirmation Statement for Conservation Plates (PDF)
For best results, open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader and complete it electronically before printing and signing.
Where and How to Submit Form VSD 696?
Submit the completed and signed Form VSD 696 along with any required supporting documents (including proof of HVUT compliance when applicable) to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Commercial & Farm Truck Division
501 S. Second St., Room 300
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-1800
Additional registration application forms, payment of the $488 fee, and any other required documentation must accompany the affirmation. Check the official Commercial and Farm Truck page or contact the division for the most current submission instructions and accepted payment methods.
Related Forms and Resources
Vehicle owners handling commercial or farm truck registrations may also need related forms available from the same division, including:
- Affirmation Statement for Exempt Vehicle License Plates (VSD 695)
- Affirmation Statement for Permanently-Mounted License Plates (VSD 697)
- Covered Farm Vehicle Application (VSD 878)
Official publications and fillable forms are listed on the Illinois Secretary of State website under Commercial and Farm Truck Publications and Forms.
Important Compliance Notes
Operating a vehicle under Conservation Plates outside the statutory restrictions (for example, traveling beyond the 75-mile radius, hauling for hire, or transporting non-qualifying loads) can result in registration revocation, fines, or other penalties. Always carry proof of registration and any required tax receipts while operating the vehicle.
Fees, form versions, and administrative procedures can change. Verify current requirements directly with the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department or by visiting ilsos.gov before applying or renewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $488 fee pro-rated?
No. The fee is paid in full regardless of when during the registration year the application is filed.
Do I need Form 2290 for every vehicle?
A receipted IRS Form 2290, Schedule 1, may be required to prove Heavy Vehicle Use Tax compliance for vehicles subject to HVUT.
Can Conservation Plates be used for passenger vehicles?
No. Form VSD 696 and the associated Conservation Plates under 625 ILCS 5/3-809.1 apply to qualifying second-division vehicles used for soil and conservation equipment transport. Separate specialty plates exist for passenger vehicles supporting soil and water conservation districts.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact the Commercial & Farm Truck Division at 217-785-1800 or visit a Level 3 Secretary of State facility that handles commercial registrations.
By properly completing and submitting Form VSD 696, Illinois vehicle owners engaged in soil and water conservation work can obtain the specialized registration that matches their operational needs while remaining in full compliance with state law.