Illinois VSD 895 Statement of Ownership Form Guide – If you purchased a vehicle in Illinois but lack a traditional bill of sale, receipt, or canceled check, the Illinois Secretary of State requires Form VSD 895 — Statement of Ownership. This official document serves as a sworn affirmation of ownership and is commonly submitted with a vehicle title application when standard proof of purchase is unavailable.
This guide explains everything U.S. residents (especially Illinois vehicle owners) need to know about Form VSD 895, based on current information from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 895?
Form VSD 895 is the official “Statement of Ownership” issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Titles Division — LITS. It is a one-page affirmation form that allows an applicant to certify the details of a vehicle purchase when no bill of sale, receipt, or canceled check exists.
The current version (VSD 895.1 ADA, printed March 2026) is available as a fillable PDF on the official Illinois Secretary of State website. It must be completed, signed, and typically notarized before submission with an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190).
You can download the official form here: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 895 — Statement of Ownership (PDF).
Purpose of the Statement of Ownership Form
The primary purpose of Form VSD 895 is to provide evidence of the right to acquire title when standard ownership documents are missing. Under Illinois administrative rules (Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 1010.190), applicants seeking a certificate of title without a bill of sale, receipt, or canceled check must submit an affirmation statement detailing the circumstances of acquisition.
By signing Form VSD 895, the owner affirms under penalties of perjury that:
- They purchased the vehicle on a specific date from a named seller for a stated sum.
- They do not possess a bill of sale, receipt, or canceled check.
- The vehicle was not obtained through abandoned vehicle laws, repossession, a mechanic’s lien, or an estate sale.
- If the vehicle carries a valid Salvage or Junk Title (Illinois or another state), only a Salvage or Junk Title will be issued (with a limited exception for licensed rebuilders who provide a UDL number).
When Do You Need Form VSD 895?
You typically need Form VSD 895 in the following situations common among Illinois and out-of-state vehicle owners:
- You bought a vehicle privately and never received (or lost) a bill of sale or receipt.
- You are applying for an Illinois title and lack conventional proof of purchase.
- You are pursuing a bonded title process because standard ownership documents are unavailable.
Important limitation: Form VSD 895 cannot be used for vehicles acquired through abandoned vehicle procedures, repossession, mechanic’s liens, or estate sales. Those situations require different documentation and processes through the Illinois Secretary of State.
How to Complete Form VSD 895?
The form is straightforward. Download the official fillable PDF and complete the following fields accurately:
- Date of Purchase — Enter the exact date you acquired the vehicle.
- Owner(s) Name and Address — Provide the full legal name(s) and current address of the owner(s) applying for the title.
- Vehicle Description — List the year, make, and complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Seller(s) Name and Address — Enter the full name and address of the person or entity from whom you purchased the vehicle.
- Purchase Price — State the amount paid for the vehicle.
After completing the information, read the affirmation statements carefully. Sign and date the form in the designated signature blocks (space is provided for two owners if applicable).
Notarization and Signing Requirements
Form VSD 895 includes a notary acknowledgment section. The owner’s signature must be subscribed and sworn before a notary public. The notary completes the state, county, date, and applies their seal and signature.
Unsigned or un-notarized forms are typically rejected. Always sign in the presence of a notary after the form is fully completed.
How to Submit Form VSD 895?
Form VSD 895 is not a stand-alone application. It is submitted as supporting documentation with:
- A completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190)
- The applicable title fee (currently $165 for an original title)
- Any required vehicle use tax forms (RUT-50 for private-party purchases) and payment to the Illinois Department of Revenue
- Other supporting documents as required for your specific situation (for example, an appraisal and surety bond if applying for a bonded title)
Submission options include:
- In person at any Illinois Secretary of State facility
- By mail to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Titles Division — LITS
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
For general title questions, contact the Titles Division at 217-558-4762 or visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Title and Registration page.
Important Notes and Limitations
- The form explicitly states that vehicles with an existing Salvage or Junk Title will receive only a Salvage or Junk Title (unless the applicant is a licensed rebuilder with a valid UDL number).
- False statements on Form VSD 895 are made under penalties of perjury and can result in criminal charges or denial of the title application.
- Fees, processing times, and specific requirements can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Illinois Secretary of State website before filing.
- Form VSD 895 is listed among official Title and Registration Publications and Forms on the Secretary of State’s site.
Related Forms and Official Resources
When applying for a title with Form VSD 895, you will almost always need:
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) — available via the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system
- Vehicle Use Tax forms (RUT-50 or RUT-25) from the Illinois Department of Revenue
- Other supporting forms such as Affirmation of Appraisal (VSD 896) when a bonded title is required
Official forms and instructions are maintained at the Illinois Secretary of State Title and Registration Publications and Forms page.
Download Form VSD 895
Download the current official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 895 — Statement of Ownership (PDF)
Always download forms from the official .gov domain to ensure you have the most recent version. Third-party sites may host outdated copies.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, consult the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department or visit a local facility. Requirements can vary based on individual circumstances, and professional legal or title assistance is recommended for complex cases.