Illinois Form VSD 796: Low-Speed Vehicle Affirmation Guide – If you own or plan to register a low-speed vehicle (LSV) in Illinois, Form VSD 796 — Affirmation for Low-Speed Vehicle is a required document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This affirmation confirms that your vehicle meets federal safety standards and that you understand the operating restrictions under Illinois law. For U.S. residents, especially those in Illinois, completing this form correctly is essential for legal title and registration.
This guide explains what Form VSD 796 is, who needs it, how to fill it out, required supporting documents, and the rules for operating low-speed vehicles on Illinois streets. Information is based on current official sources from the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 796?
Form VSD 796 is the official Affirmation for Low-Speed Vehicle issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Titles Division. The current version (VSD 796.3) was printed in June 2025. By signing the form, the owner affirms that the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500) and acknowledges the legal limits on where the vehicle may be operated.
The form is submitted together with other title and registration documents when applying for an Illinois certificate of title and registration plates for a qualifying low-speed vehicle.
You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form VSD 796 (PDF).
What Qualifies as a Low-Speed Vehicle in Illinois?
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/1-140.7), a low-speed vehicle is defined as any 4-wheeled vehicle with a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 571.500.
These vehicles are sometimes called neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) when electric-powered, but the Illinois definition also covers gasoline or other fuel types as long as the speed and safety standards are met. Low-speed vehicles are distinct from golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, low-speed electric bicycles, and mopeds.
Federal Standard No. 500 requires specific equipment, including headlamps, turn signals, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflex reflectors, mirrors, a parking brake, a conforming windshield, a vehicle identification number (VIN), and seat belts at each designated seating position.
Who Needs to Submit Form VSD 796?
Any owner of a low-speed vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2010, who intends to operate it on public streets in Illinois must obtain a certificate of title and valid registration. Form VSD 796 is required as part of that application process.
You will need the form if you are:
- Titling and registering a new or used low-speed vehicle for the first time in Illinois
- Transferring ownership of a low-speed vehicle
- Applying for registration plates specifically designated for low-speed vehicles
Every owner of a low-speed vehicle that may be operated upon a highway must secure a certificate of title and display valid registration (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2(l)).
How to Complete Form VSD 796?
The form is straightforward. Provide the following information accurately:
- Owner(s) Name
- Address, City/State/ZIP Code
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year, Make, and Model
- Fuel Type (Gasoline, Electric, or Other — specify if other)
Then read and sign the affirmation statement. By signing, you affirm that:
- The vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500)
- It is only lawful to operate the vehicle on any street in Illinois where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less, except where prohibited by the Illinois Department of Transportation, township, county, or other unit of government as specified by 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2
- The information provided is true and correct
- You will abide by the Mandatory Insurance Law requiring liability insurance throughout the registration period
Both the owner and any co-owner must sign and date the form.
Required Documents to Submit with Form VSD 796
According to the official form instructions, the following must be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office along with the completed Affirmation for Low-Speed Vehicle:
- Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
- Appropriate tax forms and fees payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue
- Applicable fee payable to the Secretary of State
Additional supporting documents typically include the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or prior title, proof of insurance, and any required sales tax documentation. Check the current requirements on the official Illinois Secretary of State site for the most up-to-date fee schedule and tax forms.
Mail or deliver the complete package to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Titles Division
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-782-5120
License plate registration application forms are also available at most Secretary of State facilities, by mail, or by calling 800-252-8980. Visit ilsos.gov for facility locations and additional resources.
Operating Rules for Low-Speed Vehicles in Illinois
Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2) sets clear rules for where and how low-speed vehicles may be driven:
- It is generally lawful to operate an LSV on any street where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less.
- LSVs may cross streets with speed limits up to 45 mph at intersections. Crossing higher-speed streets is allowed only at intersections controlled by a traffic light or 4-way stop sign.
- Local governments or the Illinois Department of Transportation may prohibit LSVs on certain streets for safety reasons and must post appropriate signs.
- A unit of local government may authorize operation on streets with speed limits of more than 30 mph but not greater than 35 mph after evaluating traffic conditions and posting signs.
Minimum required equipment includes a parking brake, steering apparatus, tires, conforming windshield, VIN, seat belts, rearview mirror, exterior driver’s-side mirror, red reflectorized warning devices, headlight, tail lamp, brake lights, and front and rear turn signals. Headlights and tail lamps must be lighted when the vehicle is operated on a street.
Operators must hold a valid driver’s license issued in their name by the Secretary of State or a foreign jurisdiction. Owners are subject to Illinois mandatory liability insurance requirements. Retail sellers of low-speed vehicles must comply with motor vehicle dealer licensing laws.
Where to Download the Official Form?
Always use the most recent official version from the Illinois Secretary of State. Download Form VSD 796 here:
https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd796.pdf
The form is listed among Title and Registration Publications and Forms on the official cyberdriveillinois.com and ilsos.gov websites.
Final Tips for a Smooth Application
Double-check that your vehicle truly meets the federal Standard No. 500 requirements and the Illinois 20–25 mph speed definition before submitting. Incomplete or inaccurate affirmations can delay title and registration. Keep copies of everything you submit, and contact the Titles Division at 217-782-5120 if you have questions specific to your vehicle.
By properly completing and submitting Form VSD 796 with the required supporting documents, Illinois residents can legally title, register, and operate their low-speed vehicles in compliance with state law.