Illinois Form RT DS 27: In-Transit & Repossessor Plates Guide

Illinois Form RT DS 27: In-Transit & Repossessor Plates Guide – If you operate a vehicle transport business or work in vehicle repossession in Illinois, you need the proper special license plates to stay compliant. Form RT DS 27 is the official application used by the Illinois Secretary of State to request In-Transit plates (also called transporter plates) or Repossessor plates. This guide covers everything U.S. businesses and financial institutions need to know about the form, eligibility, fees, and how to apply using current information from the Illinois Secretary of State.

What Is Form RT DS 27?

Form RT DS 27 is the official Illinois Secretary of State application titled “Application for In-Transit or Repossessor Plates.” It allows qualified applicants to obtain special registration plates that can be displayed on vehicles that are being transported or repossessed but are not owned by the plate holder. These plates are issued under the Illinois Vehicle Code and related administrative rules. The current version of the form is dated April 2025 (RT DS 27.20).

You can download the fillable PDF form directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form RT DS 27 (PDF).

Who Needs In-Transit or Repossessor Plates?

In-Transit (transporter) plates are required for anyone engaged in the business of transporting motor vehicles that they do not own on Illinois public highways. This includes drive-away operations using methods such as towbar, saddle-mount, or full-mount combinations.

Repossessor plates are issued to financial institutions, lending institutions, and licensed repossession agencies. These plates may only be used to operate vehicles that have been repossessed following a default on a security agreement.

Both types of plates fall under the category of “special plates” and are exempt from standard vehicle registration requirements when used properly. Misuse can result in penalties or plate revocation.

Requirements for In-Transit (Transporter) Plates

To qualify for In-Transit plates, applicants must meet several key conditions set by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC):

  • You must be registered as a transporter with the Illinois Commerce Commission and hold a valid Certificate of Authority.
  • You must maintain an established place of business that is separate and distinct from other businesses. If the location is open after sundown, it must be adequately illuminated.
  • You must keep a detailed record book for every vehicle transported. Records must include vehicle identification numbers, names and addresses of the persons from whom the vehicle was received and to whom it was delivered, dates of delivery, and the specific in-transit plate assigned to each vehicle.
  • In-Transit plates may only be displayed on vehicles that are in transit and in the process of delivery within Illinois or being transported to or from Illinois. They cannot be used on vehicles you own or on vehicles hauling cargo (except in lawful drive-away combinations).
  • Plates must be attached to both the front and rear of each vehicle being transported. When one vehicle is towing another, one plate goes on the front of the towing vehicle and one on the rear of the towed vehicle.

The application for In-Transit plates must be accompanied by a copy of the ICC Certificate of Authority. The Secretary of State may limit the number of plates issued based on factors such as prior use, number of vehicles transported, revenue, and number of employees.

Requirements for Repossessor Plates

Repossessor plates have stricter limitations:

  • They may only be used by financial institutions or licensed repossession agencies to transport repossessed vehicles in which the institution holds a security interest.
  • If the repossession operation is conducted for hire, the application must include a Certificate of Authority issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
  • Each set of Repossessor plates requires a separate application and the corresponding fee.
  • Plates cannot be used for personal vehicles or general for-hire transportation outside of repossession activities.

Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-612) specifically authorizes the Secretary of State to issue these special plates to financial institutions, lending institutions, and persons engaged in the business of repossessing motor vehicles for others.

Current Fees for Form RT DS 27

According to the official April 2025 form, the fee schedule is as follows:

  • Master In-Transit Plates: $45 per set
  • Duplicate Set of In-Transit Plates: $13 per set
  • Repossessor Plates: $45 per set

Payment must be made by check, draft, or money order payable to the “Secretary of State.” Do not send cash or stamps. Fees are subject to change, so always verify the current amounts on the latest version of the form.

How to Complete and Submit Form RT DS 27?

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Download the current fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State: Form RT DS 27 PDF.
  2. Type or clearly print the firm’s legal name, business address, city, county, ZIP code, ICC Certificate number (if applicable), business telephone number, and the written signature of an authorized person.
  3. Indicate the number of plate sets requested and calculate the total fees.
  4. Have the application notarized. The form includes a notary section that must be completed.
  5. Attach any required supporting documents (ICC Certificate of Authority, etc.).
  6. Mail the completed application, payment, and supporting documents to:

Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer Licensing Section
501 S. 2nd St., Room 069
Springfield, IL 62756

Forms are available on the official Dealers and Remitters Publications page of the Illinois Secretary of State website: Dealers and Remitters Forms.

Important Legal Notes and Restrictions

Under Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1010.450 and the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/5-201), special plates issued to transporters and repossessors carry specific use restrictions. Drivers must carry documentation such as a work order, contract, or bill of sale showing the beginning and ending destinations and travel dates, and be prepared to present it to law enforcement upon request.

Plates expire on December 31 of the calendar year for which they are issued unless earlier revoked. Renewal or additional sets require a new or supplemental application.

For the most up-to-date rules, refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Commerce Commission for transporter or repossession authority requirements.

Related Forms and Resources

Final Tips for U.S. Applicants

Always download the form directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current version. Keep accurate transport records and never use these special plates for purposes other than those authorized by law. If you have questions about eligibility or supporting documents, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department or the Illinois Commerce Commission before submitting your application.

By following the requirements outlined on Form RT DS 27 and related Illinois statutes, transporters and financial institutions can obtain the necessary plates and operate legally on Illinois roadways.

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