Illinois Form CFT MT 14A Mileage Weight Tax Guide – Commercial vehicle owners and operators in Illinois who travel limited miles within the state can benefit from lower registration costs through the Mileage Weight Tax Registration program. The official document that outlines the rules, requirements, and certification process is Form CFT MT 14A from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial & Farm Truck Division. This form serves as both the instructions and the required affirmation that applicants understand and will comply with all mileage weight tax rules under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
This guide explains what Form CFT MT 14A is, who needs it, key requirements, fee schedules, recordkeeping obligations, and how to stay compliant. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State publications and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form CFT MT 14A?
Form CFT MT 14A is the official Mileage Weight Tax Registration Instructions and Certification issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Commercial & Farm Truck Division. It provides detailed instructions for electing and operating under Mileage Weight Tax Registration and includes a required affirmation and certification section that must be signed by the registrant or authorized person.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, this form outlines all required information for the issuance and continued operation of a Mileage Weight Tax Registration plate. The signature on the form certifies that the applicant understands their responsibilities, will maintain proper records, keep a working odometer (or hub-o-meter for trailers) at all times, and will pay any excess mileage fees due to the State of Illinois.
You can download the official Form CFT MT 14A PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website here: Download Illinois Form CFT MT 14A (PDF).
Who Needs Mileage Weight Tax Registration in Illinois?
Mileage Weight Tax Registration is designed for second-division vehicles (trucks, tractors, and certain trailers) that operate a limited number of miles exclusively within Illinois. It offers reduced registration fees compared to Flat Weight Tax Registration because of the mileage restrictions.
Key points for U.S. operators:
- Valid only for operation inside Illinois — out-of-state travel is prohibited by statute (625 ILCS 5/3-818).
- No restriction on the load carried.
- Ideal for local commercial operators, farm-related hauling within state borders, and businesses with predictable low annual mileage.
- Processed exclusively at the Commercial & Farm Truck Division in Springfield, Illinois.
Mileage Weight Tax Registration is binding for the entire fiscal year (typically ending June 30). You cannot switch to Flat Weight Tax Registration during the registration year.
Key Requirements for Form CFT MT 14A and Mileage Weight Tax Plates
To obtain or renew Mileage Weight Tax plates, applicants must meet several strict requirements detailed on Form CFT MT 14A and related Secretary of State guidance:
- $500 Surety Bond — Each vehicle requires a $500 Second Division Motor Vehicle Surety Bond from a company approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. The bond must name the registrant, list the vehicle’s VIN, and cover the full registration period through June 30. Original bond documents with all signatures, Power of Attorney, and Acknowledgment of Surety are required.
- Working Odometer or Hub-o-Meter — Every vehicle must have a functional odometer. Trailers require a hub-o-meter. Operating with a broken, disconnected, or missing device is prohibited and can result in immediate forced conversion to Flat Weight Tax plates plus penalties.
- Signed Certification — A completed and signed Form CFT MT 14A must be on file with the Commercial & Farm Truck Division.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) — Vehicles registered at 55,000 pounds or more must submit a receipted IRS Form 2290, Schedule 1.
- No USDOT Number Currently Required — At present, a USDOT number is not mandated for pure Mileage Weight Tax Registrations, though operators may still need one for other federal or Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) purposes if commodities move out of state after initial delivery.
Applications for new, renewal, or transfer Mileage Weight Tax plates are handled only at the Commercial & Farm Truck Division, 501 S. Second St., Room 300, Springfield, IL 62756. Phone: 217-785-1800.
Mileage Weight Tax Fee Schedule
Fees are based on the combined gross weight of the vehicle and load. Registration fees are full-year amounts and are not prorated. The following schedule is taken from the official Form CFT MT 14A (July 2024 edition) and the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial and Farm Trucks Fees page.
Motor Vehicles
- 12,000 lbs or less (Class MD): $183 — Max 5,000 miles — Excess rate $0.026
- 12,001–16,000 lbs (MF): $230 — Max 6,000 miles — $0.034
- 16,001–20,000 lbs (MG): $290 — Max 6,000 miles — $0.046
- 20,001–24,000 lbs (MH): $345 — Max 6,000 miles — $0.063
- 24,001–28,000 lbs (MJ): $425 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.063
- 28,001–32,000 lbs (MK): $495 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.083
- 32,001–36,000 lbs (ML): $595 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.099
- 36,001–40,000 lbs (MN): $725 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.128
- 40,001–45,000 lbs (MP): $805 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.139
- 45,001–54,999 lbs (MR): $963 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.156
- 55,000–59,500 lbs (MS)*: $1,030 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.178
- 59,501–64,000 lbs (MT)*: $1,095 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.195
- 64,001–73,280 lbs (MV)*: $1,283 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.225
- 73,281–77,000 lbs (MX)*: $1,438 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.258
- 77,001–80,000 lbs (MZ)*: $1,525 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.275
*Vehicles 55,000 lbs or more require proof of HVUT payment (receipted Form 2290, Schedule 1).
Trailers
- 14,000 lbs or less (MET): $185 — Max 5,000 miles — $0.031
- 14,001–20,000 lbs (MFT): $245 — Max 6,000 miles — $0.036
- 20,001–36,000 lbs (MLT): $650 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.103
- 36,001–40,000 lbs (MMT): $860 — Max 7,000 miles — $0.150
Excess mileage is calculated as: Excess Miles × Rate = Amount Due. For example, an MZ plate (80,000 lbs) that travels 7,516 miles has 516 excess miles: 516 × $0.275 = $141.90.
For the most current fee tables, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Commercial and Farm Trucks Fees page.
Recordkeeping and Annual Reporting Requirements
Owners must maintain detailed daily mileage records showing every mile operated in Illinois, plus records of fuel consumed and fuel purchases. These records must be retained for three years after the plate expires and are subject to audit by the Secretary of State at any time.
Annual Mileage Weight Tax Reporting Forms must be completed and returned to the Commercial & Farm Truck Division by July 10 each year. The odometer reading as of June 30 is required. Failure to report on time can result in registration revocation.
If plates are transferred during the year, both the ending reading of the old vehicle and the beginning reading of the new vehicle must be reported. Vehicles taken out of service still require a June 30 ending reading; no refunds are available if plates are surrendered early.
Online mileage reporting is available through the official Illinois Secretary of State portal: Mileage Weight Tax Reporting.
Restrictions and Penalties
Important limitations and consequences include:
- Mileage Weight Tax plates cannot be operated outside Illinois.
- Plates cannot be transferred to another vehicle already carrying Mileage Weight Tax plates.
- Reclassification to Flat Weight Tax or any other category is not allowed during the registration year.
- Upgrades to a higher weight class are permitted during the year (additional fees apply); downgrades are not.
- Broken or disconnected odometers/hub-o-meters can trigger immediate forced Flat Weight registration, additional fees, and possible suspension or revocation of other registrations or titles owned by the registrant.
- False returns or fraudulent information can lead to perjury charges under Illinois law.
- Inconsistencies found during audits may result in penalties and interest beyond the excess mileage fees already due.
For complete details, review the official FAQ: Mileage Weight Tax Reporting FAQ and the main Commercial and Farm Trucks page: Illinois Secretary of State Commercial and Farm Trucks.
How to Complete and Submit Form CFT MT 14A?
1. Download the latest version of Form CFT MT 14A from the official source: Official CFT MT 14A PDF.
2. Carefully read all instructions and restrictions.
3. Complete the Affirmation and Certification section, including signature, printed name, date, contact telephone number, and Mileage File number (if assigned).
4. Submit the signed form along with the original $500 surety bond and any other required documents (such as HVUT proof) when applying for or renewing Mileage Weight Tax plates at the Springfield Commercial & Farm Truck Division.
The form includes spaces for the registrant’s signature and, if necessary, an auditor or authorized Secretary of State employee signature.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
For questions about Form CFT MT 14A, Mileage Weight Tax Registration, bonds, reporting, or audits, contact:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Commercial & Farm Truck Division
501 S. Second St., Room 300
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-1800
Website: ilsos.gov
Always verify the most current version of forms, fees, and rules directly on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as regulations and fee schedules can be updated by the Illinois General Assembly or the Secretary of State’s office.
By properly completing Form CFT MT 14A and following the Mileage Weight Tax rules, Illinois commercial operators can take advantage of reduced registration costs while remaining fully compliant with state law.