Illinois Form VSD 981 Monarch Butterfly Plates – Illinois drivers who want to support monarch butterfly conservation can request special Monarch Butterfly License Plates using official Form VSD 981 from the Illinois Secretary of State. These plates are the first Universal Specialty License Plates issued in the state. Proceeds help fund habitat restoration for the official Illinois state insect through the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund.
This guide explains everything U.S. residents in Illinois need to know about Form VSD 981, including how to download and complete it, current fees, eligibility, and where the money goes. All information comes from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and related state resources.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 981?
Form VSD 981 is the official Monarch Butterfly License Plates Request Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. Drivers use this fillable PDF to apply for random-number, personalized, or vanity Monarch Butterfly plates for eligible vehicles.
The form collects applicant and vehicle information, plate type (passenger, B-truck, or motorcycle), and preferred plate style. It must be printed, completed, and mailed with payment to the Secretary of State. The current version is dated March 2026.
Download the official form here: Illinois Form VSD 981 – Monarch Butterfly License Plates Request (PDF).
About Illinois Monarch Butterfly License Plates
The Monarch Butterfly License Plate features a standardized universal plate design with a monarch butterfly decal on the left side. It became available after legislation authorized Universal special license plates and after supporters met the required 2,000 deposit threshold.
These plates support the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund. The fund aims to add 150 million new milkweed stems and other nectar resources across Illinois to help monarchs during their twice-yearly migration between Mexico and the Midwest.
Learn more on the official page: Illinois Secretary of State Monarch License Plates.
How to Request Monarch Butterfly License Plates with Form VSD 981?
Follow these simple steps from the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Download and complete Form VSD 981.
- Choose your plate style (random-number, personalized, or vanity) and indicate the correct vehicle type.
- Calculate the exact fee based on whether your current plates expire within 90 days and whether you previously paid a $10 deposit.
- Mail the completed form and payment (check or money order) to the address on the form: Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Howlett Building, Room 520, Springfield, IL 62756.
You may also call (217) 785-0005 to pay by credit card or ask questions. Official FAQs are available at Monarch Butterfly Plate FAQs (PDF).
Current Fees for Monarch Butterfly License Plates
Fees vary by plate style, vehicle type, and whether your current registration expires within 90 days. The specialty plate fee is $25. Of the original issuance fee, $10 goes to the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. On renewal, $23 of the $25 fee supports the habitat fund.
Standard (Passenger / Light Truck / SUV) Random-Number Plates
- Current plates expire within 90 days: $205 ($151 registration + $25 specialty + $29 replacement)
- Current plates do not expire within 90 days: $54 ($25 specialty + $29 replacement)
- Annual renewal: $176 ($151 registration + $25 specialty)
Personalized Plates (additional personalized fee applies)
- Expire within 90 days: $252
- Do not expire within 90 days: $101
- Annual renewal: $183
Vanity Plates
- Expire within 90 days: $299
- Do not expire within 90 days: $148
- Annual renewal: $189
Motorcycle fees differ and include options for autocycles (extra $30) and electric vehicles (extra $100 registration). Drivers who previously paid the $10 deposit receive a credit and pay reduced amounts (for example, $44 for a random-number plate when plates do not expire within 90 days). Always verify the latest fees on the official Secretary of State website before mailing payment.
Eligibility and Vehicle Types
Monarch Butterfly plates are available for:
- Passenger vehicles
- Trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less
- Sport utility vehicles
- Motorcycles and autocycles
Plates use staggered annual renewals. They are also eligible under the Benefit Access Program. Personalized and vanity combinations must follow state rules: no intermixed letters and numbers in certain ways, no lowercase letters, no symbols, and no offensive content. The Secretary of State may reject or recall combinations that violate these guidelines.
Where the Proceeds Go?
Fees from Monarch Butterfly License Plates support the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The fund finances roadside and other habitat projects that plant milkweed and nectar plants. These efforts help the eastern monarch population, which has faced significant declines due to habitat loss.
For more about conservation goals and progress, visit the Illinois Monarch Project.
Tips for Completing Form VSD 981 Successfully
- Use the most recent version of the form (March 2026).
- Print clearly or type information. Include your current license plate number and expiration date.
- Indicate if you previously paid the $10 deposit so the credit can be applied.
- For personalized or vanity plates, list first, second, and third choices and note desired spacing with a slash if needed.
- Make checks or money orders payable as directed and include the correct total fee.
- Keep a copy of the completed form and payment proof for your records.
After approval, the new plates and decal will be mailed. Install them by removing your old plates.
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State
For questions about Form VSD 981 or Monarch Butterfly plates:
- Phone: (217) 785-0005
- Official website: ilsos.gov Monarch License Plates
- Mailing address (as listed on the form): Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Howlett Building, Room 520, Springfield, IL 62756
Illinois drivers can show support for the state’s official insect and help restore vital pollinator habitat by requesting Monarch Butterfly License Plates with Form VSD 981. Download the form today, complete it carefully, and join thousands of residents contributing to conservation across the Prairie State.
Official download link: Form VSD 981 – Monarch Butterfly License Plates Request (PDF)