Illinois Form RT DS 50 Salvage Vehicle Buyer Guide – Out-of-state buyers who want to purchase salvage vehicles at Illinois auctions or from licensed sellers must understand the rules set by the Illinois Secretary of State. Form RT DS 50 is the official application used to obtain a Certificate of Authority as an Out-of-State Salvage Vehicle Buyer. This guide explains who needs the form, current fees, eligibility requirements, how to complete and submit it, and how it fits with Illinois law under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
The form remains available on the official Illinois Secretary of State website and is designed for non-Illinois residents or businesses licensed in another state or jurisdiction that acquire salvage or junk vehicles primarily to take them out of Illinois.
What Is Form RT DS 50?
Form RT DS 50 (also referenced as RT DS 50.7 in recent printings) is the Out-of-State Salvage Vehicle Buyer Application issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Dealer Licensing Section. It allows qualified out-of-state entities to apply for a Certificate of Authority so they can legally purchase salvage vehicles in Illinois.
According to the official publications list on ilsos.gov, the form is listed under Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms. The current version is a fillable PDF that applicants should download and complete on their computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
Official download link: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/rt_ds50.pdf (or the matching official path rtds50.pdf on the Secretary of State site).
Who Needs to File Form RT DS 50?
You typically need this form if you are:
- A nonresident individual or business licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction
- Engaged in the business of acquiring salvage or junk vehicles in Illinois with the primary purpose of removing them from the state
- Seeking a Certificate of Authority equivalent to an Illinois rebuilder, automotive parts recycler, or scrap processor
Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/5-302) governs sales of salvage vehicles to nonresidents. A person in Illinois may not sell at auction a salvage vehicle to a nonresident individual or business licensed in the United States unless the nonresident is licensed in another state or jurisdiction and provides a resale tax certificate (if applicable) plus one of the following: a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) number, a federal employer identification number, or a government-issued driver’s license or passport. Out-of-country buyers face additional identification requirements, and vehicles purchased by buyers with addresses outside the United States receive a salvage certificate stamped “For Export Only,” with the NMVTIS record designated “EXPORT.”
The Certificate of Authority obtained through Form RT DS 50 helps document compliance and facilitates lawful purchases from Illinois auction houses and licensed sellers.
Current Fees for Form RT DS 50
Fees shown on the official form (January 2023 printing, RT DS 50.7) are:
- Certificate of Authority — Annual Fee: $100
- For First Registration, June 15 through December 31: $50
- Additional Identification Cards: $5 each
Payment must be made by check, draft, or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash or stamps. Your signature on the form authorizes the Secretary of State to adjust the check amount if the submitted fee is higher than required for mail-in transactions.
Always verify the current fee schedule on the latest official form, as amounts can change.
Eligibility and Required Documents
To qualify, applicants must certify that they are licensed in their home state in a capacity equivalent to an Illinois rebuilder, scrap processor, or automotive parts recycler. Key requirements include:
- A photocopy of the valid home-state license attached to the application
- Business entity type (proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, or other)
- For corporations: date of incorporation and names/residence addresses of officers, directors, and shareholders with 10% or greater ownership interest
- For other entities: names and residence addresses of the proprietor, partners, members, or trustees
- Driver’s license numbers and residence telephone numbers for listed individuals
- Answers to background questions regarding prior Illinois Vehicle Code license denials, revocations, suspensions, or felony convictions
The application must be signed by an authorized person, notarized, and include the attestation that all information is true and correct. Applicants also affirm compliance with relevant sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, including anti-theft provisions, and agree to maintain records open to inspection.
How to Complete and Submit Form RT DS 50?
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Complete all sections accurately, including business legal name, address, telephone number, home-state license details, and ownership information.
- Attach a clear photocopy of your current home-state license.
- Calculate and enclose the correct fee by check, draft, or money order payable to Secretary of State.
- Have the application notarized.
- Mail the completed package to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer Licensing Section
Room 069
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Processing occurs after the Secretary of State examines the application. Fees are returnable only if the application is denied.
Important Legal Notes for Out-of-State Buyers
Even with a Certificate of Authority, buyers remain subject to record-inspection requirements under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Salvage certificates may be assigned to licensed out-of-state salvage vehicle buyers. Vehicles intended for export receive special branding.
Illinois dealers and auction operators must follow the identification and documentation rules in 625 ILCS 5/5-302 before completing a sale. Buyers should also be familiar with NMVTIS reporting and any home-state requirements for importing salvage vehicles.
For the most current rules, consult the official statute text at ilga.gov and the Secretary of State dealer forms page.
Where to Get Help and Additional Resources?
- Official dealers and remitters forms page: ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/dealers.html
- Illinois Vehicle Code section on out-of-state salvage vehicle buyers: 625 ILCS 5/5-302
- Secretary of State main site and facility finder for general vehicle services questions
Always download forms directly from ilsos.gov rather than third-party sites to ensure you have the current version. Requirements and fees can be updated by the Secretary of State or through legislative changes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Dealer Licensing Section, or consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.