Illinois Form RA 4 Remittance Agent License Guide – Form RA 4 is the official application used to obtain a Remittance Agent License from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. This license authorizes individuals or businesses to accept money from the public for remittance to the State of Illinois for vehicle taxes, title fees, and registration fees. Operating as a remittance agent without a valid license is unlawful under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
This guide explains the purpose of Form RA 4, key requirements, supporting documents, fees, and how to submit a complete application. Information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
What Is a Remittance Agent in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, a remittance agent is any person or entity that accepts money from the public for remittance to the State of Illinois (or its instrumentalities or political subdivisions) for the payment of vehicle taxes or vehicle license/registration fees. This includes services that process title and registration transactions on behalf of customers, often charging a handling fee.
There are approximately 800 licensed remittance agents in Illinois. The license is issued by the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Dealer/Remitter Licensing Section, and expires on December 31 of the year issued.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State – Dealers and Remitters.
Purpose of Form RA 4
Form RA 4 (Remittance Agent License Application, current version RA 4.18, July 2025) is the official notarized application required to apply for a new or renewed remittance agent license. Only the Department’s official form is accepted. It collects business details, ownership information, employee lists, litigation history, and other disclosures required by 625 ILCS 5/3-904 and 92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1019.
Download the official form here: Illinois Secretary of State Form RA 4 PDF.
Related forms available on the same publications page include:
- RA 3 – Remittance Agent’s Bond
- RA 6 – Affidavit for Remittance Agent License
- RA 17 – Bond Affidavit for Remittance Agents
Source: Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms.
Key Requirements for a Remittance Agent License
Applicants must meet the following statutory and regulatory requirements:
- Written application under oath (Form RA 4) containing required information.
- Two character affidavits (Form RA 6) from persons who have known the applicant (or each officer/member if not an individual) for at least two years and can attest to good moral character and business integrity.
- Prelicensing education: At least one owner, principal, corporate officer, director, or LLC/LLP member/partner must complete a minimum of 8 hours of approved prelicensing education and submit the certificate of completion (625 ILCS 5/3-904.5).
- Surety bond for each business location: Minimum $20,000, or an amount equal to the aggregate sum of money transmitted to the State during the highest 15-day period in the preceding fiscal year (rounded to the nearest $1,000), whichever is greater. The bond must be issued by a company authorized to do business in Illinois (625 ILCS 5/3-905; 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1019.10).
- License fee: $50 per location ($25 if the application is filed after July 1).
- Disclosure of civil or criminal litigation history, any Retailers’ Occupation Tax or Vehicle Code violations in the past three years, and whether the applicant or certain related persons are Secretary of State employees.
- List of all employees who will act on behalf of the remittance agency, with authorization for background checks.
- Business location must include working printer and facsimile capabilities. A licensee may not conduct business at a location not listed on the license.
Banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions chartered by Illinois or the United States may submit a notarized affidavit in lieu of the bond under certain conditions.
Sources: 625 ILCS 5/3-904, 625 ILCS 5/3-905, and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1019.10.
How to Complete Form RA 4?
The form requests:
- Business name, address, city, ZIP, business phone, and email.
- Applicant’s primary business, occupation, or profession.
- Owner information for all persons with 10% or greater ownership (name, home address, home phone, driver’s license number). Attach a separate sheet if needed.
- List of all employees who will act on behalf of the remittance agency.
- Answers to questions regarding previous remittance agent licenses, litigation history, Secretary of State employment of the applicant or immediate family/employees, and other disclosures.
- Signature of the applicant, notarized.
Two affidavits (Form RA 6) must be completed, signed, and notarized on the reverse side or as separate forms. The applicant must also affirm that the information is true and that they have read and will comply with the relevant sections of the Illinois Compiled Statutes and Administrative Code.
Forms are fillable PDFs. Download them to your computer and open with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
Supporting Documents and Fees
A complete application package typically includes:
- Completed and notarized Form RA 4.
- Two completed and notarized character affidavits (RA 6).
- Copy of the prelicensing education certificate.
- Original surety bond (RA 3) or required documentation for each location.
- License fee payment ($50 or $25 per location, as applicable).
- Any additional information requested by the Secretary of State.
The bond runs to the People of the State of Illinois and is conditioned on the proper transmittal of all remittances.
Where and How to Submit Form RA 4?
Submit the completed application and all supporting materials to:
Office of the Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer/Remitter Licensing Section
Howlett Building, Room 069
501 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62756-7000
Phone for remitter questions: 217-785-8239 (or 217-782-5354 for general new/renewal application questions).
Only the official Department form is accepted. Incomplete applications may be denied or delayed.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State Dealers and Remitters page and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1019.10.
License Duration and Renewal
Licenses are issued for one calendar year and terminate on December 31. Renewal applications and materials must generally be submitted between September 1 and December 31 of the year before the new license becomes effective (or prior to November 15 under the statute for certain renewals). The same bond and $50 annual fee per location apply for renewals.
Renewal notices are typically sent in September. Contact the Dealer/Remitter Licensing Section to request an application packet if needed.
Important Notes and Compliance
Applicants must be of good business integrity and financially sound (evidenced in part by the required bond). False statements on the application can result in denial. Licensees must maintain required records for three years and comply with electronic processing rules for title and registration transactions where applicable.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements can change; always verify the most current forms, fees, and instructions directly with the Illinois Secretary of State.
For the latest official Form RA 4 and related publications, visit the Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms page or download the application at https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/ra4.pdf.
Contact the Dealer/Remitter Licensing Section at 217-785-8239 for application packets or specific questions about your situation.