Illinois Form VSD 877: Prince Hall Freemasonry Plates – Illinois vehicle owners who are members of Prince Hall Freemasonry can request special license plates that display their affiliation while supporting a statewide charitable cause. The official document required for this process is Form VSD 877, the Prince Hall Freemasonry License Plates Request Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department.
This guide explains everything U.S. residents in Illinois need to know about Form VSD 877, including eligibility, how to complete it, current fees, and where to submit the application. All information is based on official Illinois government sources.
What Is Form VSD 877?
Form VSD 877 is the official request form used to apply for Prince Hall Freemasonry specialty license plates in Illinois. These multi-year plates may be displayed on passenger vehicles, trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, and autocycles.
The form serves two purposes: the applicant certifies membership in good standing, and the Grand Secretary of the applicant’s Illinois lodge verifies that membership with an official signature and lodge seal. Without the completed and sealed Form VSD 877, the Secretary of State will not issue the specialty plates.
You can download the current version of the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Eligibility Requirements for Prince Hall Freemasonry License Plates
To qualify, an applicant must meet all of the following conditions established by the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois statute (625 ILCS 5/3-699.7):
- Be a Prince Hall Freemason in good standing
- Belong to an Illinois lodge that is incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Obtain the signature of the Grand Secretary and the official seal of the lodge on Form VSD 877
The form itself contains the required certification language. The applicant signs the first section, and the Grand Secretary completes the verification section. No other documentation is accepted in place of the sealed Form VSD 877.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 877?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Download and print Form VSD 877 from the official link above.
- Complete the applicant section with your full name, address, city, state, ZIP code, lodge name, lodge number, and lodge location (city).
- Select the type of plate desired (Passenger or B-Truck).
- Sign the applicant certification statement.
- Take the form to your lodge so the Grand Secretary can sign it, date it, and affix the lodge seal.
- Gather any additional required documents (such as an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) Form VSD 190 if needed for title or registration changes) and the applicable fees.
- Mail the completed package to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division, Rm. 520
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-524-1345
Official website: ilsos.gov
Applications missing the Grand Secretary’s signature and seal will be returned.
Current Fees for Prince Hall Freemasonry License Plates
Fees are set by the Illinois Secretary of State and include the specialty plate fee of $25 plus standard registration and title costs where applicable. A portion of the specialty fee supports the charitable foundation described below.
Standard (Random-Number) Plates – Passenger Vehicles / Trucks / SUVs:
- Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $341 ($165 title + $151 registration + $25 specialty)
- Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $176 ($151 registration + $25 specialty)
- Annual renewal: $176 ($151 registration + $25 specialty)
Vanity Plates:
- Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $435
- Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $270
- Annual renewal: $189
Personalized Plates:
- Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $388
- Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $223
- Annual renewal: $183
Motorcycle and autocycle plates have lower base registration fees. An additional $30 fee applies when plates are displayed on an autocycle. Electric vehicles incur an extra $100 registration fee. Always verify the most current amounts on the official Illinois Secretary of State plate guide page before submitting payment.
What the Plates Support?
Every purchase and renewal of Prince Hall Freemasonry license plates contributes to the Illinois Masonic Foundation for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Children. This organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) corporation. Contributions made through the plate program are tax-deductible as provided by law.
Under Illinois law, of the $25 specialty fee:
- Original issuance: $10 goes to the Master Mason Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund
- Renewal: $23 goes to the Master Mason Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund
Funds deposited into the Master Mason Fund are distributed as grants to support the foundation’s student-assistance and prevention programs in Illinois schools.
Availability and Renewal
Prince Hall Freemasonry plates are issued under Illinois’ staggered multi-year registration system. They may be renewed online, by mail, by touch-tone phone, or in person at any Illinois Secretary of State facility. The plates remain valid as long as the registrant continues to meet the membership requirement and pays the annual specialty fee.
These plates are also eligible for the Illinois Benefit Access Program.
Legal Authority
The plates are authorized by Section 3-699.7 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-699.7). The statute gives the Secretary of State authority to issue the plates upon receipt of the prescribed application and fees, and it directs the distribution of the specialty fees as described above. The most recent update to the statute took effect January 1, 2025.
For the full statutory text, visit the Illinois General Assembly website: 625 ILCS 5/3-699.7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form VSD 877 the same as the Master Mason plate form?
No. Master Mason plates use a different form (VSD 558). Form VSD 877 is specifically for Prince Hall Freemasonry members.
Can out-of-state residents apply?
No. The applicant must belong to an Illinois lodge incorporated with the Illinois Secretary of State, and the vehicle must be registered in Illinois.
Do I need to re-submit Form VSD 877 every year?
The initial sealed form is required for first issuance. Subsequent renewals generally do not require a new sealed form unless the Secretary of State requests updated verification.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact the Special Plates Division at 217-524-1345 or visit your local Secretary of State facility. Your lodge secretary or Grand Secretary can also assist with the verification portion.
Download Form VSD 877 Now
Ready to apply? Download the official form here:
https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd877.pdf
For the complete plate guide and current fee schedule, visit the official page: Prince Hall Freemasonry License Plates – Illinois Secretary of State.