Form VSD 552: Illinois Tow Truck Affirmation Guide – Illinois tow truck operators must meet strict insurance and registration rules under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Form VSD 552, the Affirmation Statement for Tow Truck License Plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, allows certain operators to explain why their Certificate of Insurance does not fully meet every statutory coverage requirement. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, the related insurance rules, how to complete it, and how to submit it correctly for U.S. operators, especially those in Illinois.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 552?
Form VSD 552 is the official Affirmation Statement for Tow Truck License Plates from the Illinois Secretary of State, Special Plates Division. It is used when the Certificate of Insurance submitted for tow truck registration does not include every required coverage for a specific, allowable reason.
The form lets the owner or authorized signer declare under penalty of perjury that certain coverages are not needed because of how the business operates. The current version (VSD 552.3, April 2021) remains the active form available from the Illinois Secretary of State.
You can download the official PDF directly here: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 552 – Tow Truck License Plates Affirmation.
Who Needs Form VSD 552?
Most tow truck operators must provide a full Certificate of Insurance that meets the minimums in 625 ILCS 5/12-606. Form VSD 552 is only for operators who qualify for one or more of the limited exemptions listed on the form:
- The company or individual does not have repair or storage facilities (no need for $25,000 Garagekeepers Legal Liability).
- The operator is a sole proprietor with no other employees (no need for Workers’ Compensation coverage).
- The tow truck is used only to tow vehicles owned by the company or individual (no need for On-Hook Coverage).
If none of these situations apply, you must submit a complete Certificate of Insurance that satisfies all statutory minimums. The affirmation is accepted in conjunction with the regular tow truck registration process outlined in the official Tow Truck Registration notice (VSD 404).
Illinois Tow Truck Insurance Requirements
Under 625 ILCS 5/12-606 and the Secretary of State’s Tow Truck Registration guidance, every tow truck must carry (or document via affirmation where permitted) at least the following:
- Automobile liability — $500,000 combined single limit
- Garage liability — $500,000 combined single limit
- On-hook coverage — $25,000
- Garagekeepers legal liability — $25,000
- Workers’ Compensation meeting the minimums of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act
A Certificate of Insurance is required for each vehicle. It must list the Secretary of State as certificate holder, match the name and address on the registration, show the policy number, cover the specific vehicle(s), and either expire on December 31 of the registration year or state that coverage is continuous. The certificate must also provide that the Secretary of State will receive 30 days’ written notice of cancellation.
A policy statement that “The policy meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of (625 ILCS 5/12-606) or PA 89-433” is accepted in place of itemizing the limits.
When the Affirmation Statement Is Accepted?
According to the official Tow Truck Registration notice (VSD 404), an affirmation is accepted only in these three situations:
- A small towing company without repair or storage facilities does not need the $25,000 garagekeepers legal liability.
- A sole proprietor with no employees does not need Workers’ Compensation coverage.
- A company that uses its tow truck solely to tow its own vehicles does not need on-hook coverage.
These exemptions are narrow. Using Form VSD 552 when the facts do not support the checked boxes can lead to registration problems or later liability issues, because the signer assumes liability and any litigation costs arising from the affirmation.
How to Complete Form VSD 552?
The form is straightforward. Fill it out completely and accurately:
- Enter the Company/Individual Name exactly as it appears on the registration.
- Provide the Address (as indicated on registration), City, State, and ZIP Code.
- Check the applicable box(es) explaining why the Certificate of Insurance does not meet every statutory requirement.
- List each affected vehicle by Year, Make, and VIN. Space is provided for up to four vehicles; attach additional sheets if needed.
- Sign and print your name as the authorized signer, and date the form. The signature affirms under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct and that you assume liability and any related litigation costs.
Download and print the official form before completing it: Download Form VSD 552 (PDF).
How and Where to Submit Form VSD 552?
Submit Form VSD 552 together with your Certificate of Insurance and the rest of your tow truck registration or renewal package. Mail or deliver materials to the address shown on the form:
Secretary of State
Special Plates Division
501 S. 2nd St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-782-2470
Fax: 217-524-0119
You may also process certain transactions at designated Secretary of State facilities. Always confirm current procedures on the official Illinois Secretary of State website or by calling Vehicle Services at 800-252-8980 (Illinois) or 217-785-3000.
For apportioned or commercial/farm truck questions involving tow trucks, contact the Commercial & Farm Truck Division at 217-785-1800.
Related Forms and Official Resources
Operators should also be familiar with these related Illinois Secretary of State materials:
- VSD 404 – Tow Truck Registration (insurance requirements and affirmation guidance)
- VSD 941 – Tow Truck for Hire Insurance Affirmation (different form used in certain for-hire situations)
- 625 ILCS 5/5-202 (tow or wrecker vehicle registration requirements)
- 625 ILCS 5/12-606 (tow truck identification, equipment, and insurance)
Always use the most current forms and instructions published by the Illinois Secretary of State at ilsos.gov.
Important Legal Notes for Tow Truck Operators
Tow truck plates are issued as a distinctive set of three plates under 625 ILCS 5/5-202. One plate goes on the front of the tow truck, one on the rear, and the third on the rear of the vehicle being towed (unless that vehicle already displays a valid rear plate). Plates expire December 31 of the year issued and are not transferable.
Providing false information on Form VSD 552 is a perjury violation. In addition, the Illinois Secretary of State has authority to suspend or revoke tow truck registrations and plates for insurance non-compliance, fraudulent registration, or other violations of vehicle registration laws. Recent legislative efforts have strengthened the Secretary of State’s ability to take action against predatory or non-compliant towing operations.
Operators should keep a copy of the completed affirmation and the matching Certificate of Insurance in their records and carry required documentation in the vehicle as required by law.
Download Form VSD 552 and Next Steps
Ready to complete the affirmation? Download the official Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 552 here:
Download Illinois Form VSD 552 – Affirmation Statement for Tow Truck License Plates (PDF)
Review your Certificate of Insurance with your insurance agent, confirm whether any of the three limited exemptions apply, complete the form accurately, and submit it with your registration materials. For the most current requirements and facility locations, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website or contact Vehicle Services directly.
This information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State publications and the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Requirements can change; always verify details with the Secretary of State before submitting applications or affirmations.