Form VSD 846 Illinois Antique Expanded-Use Affirmation – Illinois classic car and motorcycle owners who want more driving freedom than standard antique plates allow often turn to Expanded-Use Antique Vehicle registration. The key document for this registration is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 846 — Affirmation for Use and Condition of Expanded-Use Antique Vehicle.
This guide explains everything U.S. vehicle owners need to know about Form VSD 846, including eligibility, seasonal driving rules, required affirmations, fees, and how to submit the form. All information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 846?
Form VSD 846 is the official affirmation required by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department when applying for Expanded-Use Antique Vehicle (or motorcycle) license plates. The current version is labeled February 2026 — VSD 846.3.
By signing the form, the vehicle owner legally affirms:
- The vehicle will only be driven for limited purposes during the winter months (December–February).
- The vehicle may be driven without those restrictions during March–November.
- The vehicle’s mechanical and physical condition (including brakes, lights, glass, and appearance) is the same as or as safe as originally equipped.
- The vehicle meets the age requirement (more than 25 years old for most vehicles, or at least 20 years old for firefighting vehicles).
The form is short and straightforward. It collects the applicant’s signature, name, address, and basic vehicle information (year, make, model, and VIN).
You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State: Download Form VSD 846 (PDF).
Who Needs Form VSD 846?
Any Illinois resident (or vehicle owner registering in Illinois) who wants Expanded-Use Antique plates must submit Form VSD 846 with their application. This includes owners of:
- Passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs more than 25 years old
- Motorcycles more than 25 years old
- Firefighting vehicles that are at least 20 years old
- Bona fide replicas (exact copies of the original in design, frame, and mechanical operation)
Facsimiles (close but not exact reproductions) do not qualify. Expanded-use antique vehicles also generally exclude commercial vehicles and farm trucks under current Illinois law.
Standard antique plates (governed by a different affirmation) have year-round restrictions. Expanded-use plates give significantly more freedom for nine months of the year, which is why many collectors choose this option.
Eligibility Requirements for Expanded-Use Antique Plates
According to the official Illinois Secretary of State Expanded-Use Antique License Plates page and 625 ILCS 5/3-804.01:
- Age: Motor vehicles and motorcycles must be more than 25 years of age. Firefighting vehicles must be at least 20 years old.
- Replica status: A “bona fide replica” qualifies if it is an exact copy of the original in design, frame, and mechanical operation. Facsimiles do not qualify.
- Condition: The mechanical condition, physical condition, brakes, lights, glass, and appearance must be the same as or as safe as originally equipped.
- Use: The owner must affirm the seasonal driving restrictions described below.
No mandatory photographs or physical inspection are required by statute, although the Secretary of State may request additional documentation at its discretion.
Driving Restrictions for Expanded-Use Antique Vehicles
Expanded-use plates offer seasonal flexibility:
- December through February: The vehicle may be driven on public highways only when going to and returning from an antique auto show or exhibition, a service station, or a demonstration.
- March through November: The vehicle may be driven on the highways without the restrictions that apply to standard antique plates. There is no statutory mileage limit during this period.
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-804.01) more precisely defines the restricted period as January 1 through the last day of February and December 1 through December 31, with unrestricted use from March 1 through November 30. The official Form VSD 846 and Secretary of State guidance use the December–February / March–November language that appears on the affirmation itself.
Owners may also display a historical Illinois-issued license plate matching the vehicle’s model year in place of the current expanded-use plates, provided the valid expanded-use plates and registration card are carried in the vehicle and available for inspection.
Vehicle Condition Affirmation
One of the core statements on Form VSD 846 is the condition affirmation. The owner must confirm that the mechanical condition, physical condition, brakes, lights, glass, and appearance of the vehicle are the same as or as safe as originally equipped.
This does not require the vehicle to be a pristine museum piece. However, modifications that compromise original safety equipment or significantly alter the vehicle’s appearance can raise issues during registration. The affirmation is a legal statement, so accuracy is important.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 846?
Follow these steps:
- Download the current Form VSD 846 from the official Illinois Secretary of State website: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd846.pdf.
- Complete the applicant information (signature, printed name, and address).
- Fill in the vehicle information section: Year, Make, Model, and VIN.
- Obtain the necessary registration application form (Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) / VSD 190 or equivalent). These forms are available at most Secretary of State facilities, by mail, online at ilsos.gov, or by calling 800-252-8980.
- Gather supporting documents (current registration ID card or assigned title, as applicable) and the correct fee.
- Mail the completed Form VSD 846, registration application, supporting documents, and payment to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division, Rm. 532
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone for the Special Plates Division: 217-558-0339.
For vanity or personalized expanded-use plates, additional request forms (such as VSD 845) and higher fees apply. Some plate options can also be explored through the Secretary of State’s Pick-a-Plate service.
Required Fees for Expanded-Use Antique License Plates
Fees are set by statute and published by the Illinois Secretary of State. Key figures include:
- Random-number Expanded-Use Antique plates: $45 for first-time issuance and $45 for annual renewal (the expanded-use fee).
- Vanity Expanded-Use Antique plates: Higher (example first-time issuance around $139, combining the $45 expanded-use fee plus vanity fee).
- Personalized Expanded-Use Antique plates: Intermediate pricing (example first-time around $92).
- Motorcycle Expanded-Use Antique plates: $23 for first-time issuance and annual renewal (random-number).
- Newly purchased vehicles also incur a $165 title fee when applicable.
Always verify the exact current amounts on the official Expanded-Use Antique License Plates page, as fees can be updated. Plates are annual with staggered expiration and are not eligible for the Benefit Access Program.
If switching from standard antique plates to expanded-use plates, the Secretary of State may credit a pro-rated portion of a previously paid antique registration fee.
Download Form VSD 846
The official, current version of the form is available as a free PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Always download the form directly from ilsos.gov to ensure you have the latest version (currently February 2026 — VSD 846.3).
Additional Tips and Resources for U.S. Antique Vehicle Owners
- Confirm your vehicle’s exact age and whether it qualifies as a bona fide replica before applying.
- Keep a copy of the signed Form VSD 846 and all registration documents with the vehicle.
- Review the full legal text in 625 ILCS 5/3-804.01 for the statutory requirements.
- For standard (non-expanded) antique plates, a different affirmation form is used.
- Contact the Special Plates Division at 217-558-0339 or visit a local Secretary of State facility for case-specific questions.
- Official Expanded-Use Antique plates information: ilsos.gov Expanded-Use Antique License Plates.
Form VSD 846 is a simple but essential step for Illinois collectors who want the flexibility of expanded-use antique registration. Completing the affirmation accurately, pairing it with the correct application and fees, and submitting everything to the Special Plates Division in Springfield will help ensure a smooth registration process.
For the most up-to-date forms, fees, and instructions, always rely on the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov.