Illinois Form VSD 335 Exhibition Permit Guide – Licensed vehicle dealers in Illinois who want to temporarily display vehicles at shows, trade events, or similar exhibitions away from their established place of business must obtain an Exhibition Permit. The official application is Form VSD 335, issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This guide explains what the form is for, who needs it, key requirements under Illinois law, how to complete it, and where to submit it.
The form supports both Display Exhibition and Trade Show Exhibition permits. These permits allow temporary vehicle displays only—no sales are permitted at the exhibition site. The current version of the form is dated December 2022 (VSD 335.5).
What Is Form VSD 335?
Form VSD 335 is the Exhibition Permit Application used by licensed new or used vehicle dealers to request permission from the Illinois Secretary of State to participate in temporary vehicle exhibitions. It is required under 625 ILCS 5/5-102.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
The form collects business information, exhibition details, and a declaration that no sales will occur at the event. Applicants must also attach a written contract or letter from the event sponsor confirming the dates and location.
You can download the official fillable PDF here: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 335 — Exhibition Permit Application (PDF).
Display Exhibition vs. Trade Show Exhibition
Illinois law distinguishes two main types of exhibitions covered by the VSD 335 permit:
- Display Exhibition — A temporary display of vehicles by a licensed new or used vehicle dealer (under Sections 5-101 or 5-102) at a location other than the dealer’s established or additional places of business, where no vehicles are offered for sale. Only Illinois-licensed dealers may participate.
- Trade Show Exhibition — A temporary display of vehicles by licensed dealers (or certain out-of-state dealers) at a location other than their established places of business, with no sales allowed. It generally requires participation by at least three dealers, two of whom must be licensed under Illinois law. New-vehicle trade shows are limited to licensed new vehicle dealers, with at least two licensed under Section 5-101.
Both types of permits are valid for no longer than 30 days. The form includes checkboxes for “Trade Show” or “Display.”
Who Needs an Exhibition Permit?
Only licensed new or used motor vehicle dealers in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (or qualifying out-of-state dealers for certain trade shows) may apply. Private individuals or unlicensed parties cannot use this form for vehicle displays that fall under dealer regulations.
Exhibitions must occur away from the dealer’s established and additional places of business. The permit does not authorize sales, off-site sales (which require a separate Off-Site Sale Permit, Form VSD 367), or Sunday sales in most cases.
Key Requirements and Fee
To obtain the permit, the following conditions must be met under 625 ILCS 5/5-102.1 and related administrative rules:
- The applicant must be a licensed new or used vehicle dealer in good standing.
- The application (Form VSD 335) must be received by the Secretary of State before the start date of the exhibition.
- A fee of $10 must accompany the application (payable by draft, check, or money order).
- The proposed exhibition must conform with all legal requirements (no sales at the site, duration not exceeding 30 days, proper location, etc.).
- A copy of the written contract or letter from the sponsor stating the dates and location of the exhibition must be attached.
Some older guidance referenced submitting at least 10 days in advance; current statute requires receipt prior to the beginning date. Submit early to allow processing time.
How to Complete Form VSD 335?
The form is a fillable PDF. Download it from the official source and complete it carefully:
- Enter the firm’s legal name, business address, city, ZIP, county or town, business telephone, and Retailers Occupation Tax number.
- Indicate the type of business entity (proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, or other) and the makes of vehicles sold or manufactured.
- Provide exhibition information: name of the exhibition, date(s) (must not exceed 30 days), and full address of the exhibition site.
- Select the permit type: Trade Show or Display.
- Indicate the $10 fee payment method (draft, check, or money order) and include the payment number if applicable.
- Have an authorized person sign and date the attestation affirming that all information is true and correct, and acknowledging that the permit allows exhibition only (no sales at the site).
- Attach the required sponsor contract or letter.
Office-use fields (DRS number, license year ending, current dealer license number) are completed by the Secretary of State.
Where to Submit the Application?
Form VSD 335 appears on the official Illinois Secretary of State Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms page. Completed applications with the $10 fee and sponsor documentation are submitted to the Secretary of State’s Dealer Services section.
For the most current mailing address, processing instructions, or questions, contact Dealer Services directly or visit the official resources:
- Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms
- Dealers and Remitters information page
- Phone: 217-782-5354 (Dealer Services inquiries)
Always use the latest form version from the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Third-party sites may host outdated copies.
Important Restrictions
The Exhibition Permit is strictly limited:
- Vehicles may be exhibited only—no sales, offers for sale, or related transactions at the exhibition site.
- Maximum duration is 30 days.
- The permit is non-transferable and tied to the specific dealer and event listed.
- It does not authorize parking vehicles for sale on public streets, public parking lots, or certain private property in violation of other Vehicle Code provisions.
- Separate rules and higher fees ($25) apply to Off-Site Sale permits.
Violations can result in enforcement actions against the dealer’s license.
Related Forms and Resources
Dealers may also need:
- Off-Site Sale Permit Application (VSD 367) for temporary sales events.
- Illinois Laws — Regulations for Vehicle Dealers (RT DS 21) for detailed rules on established places of business, exhibitions, and dealer plates.
- Standard dealer licensing and plate applications available on the Secretary of State dealers forms page.
Official statute text is available at the Illinois General Assembly site. Administrative rules further clarify participation requirements, minimum number of dealers for trade shows, and location restrictions.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Download and complete the form using Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results with fillable fields.
- Double-check that exhibition dates do not exceed 30 days and that the sponsor letter clearly states dates and location.
- Ensure your dealer license is current and in good standing before applying.
- Submit well before the event start date to account for processing.
- Keep copies of the completed form, payment, and supporting documents for your records.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website and the current Illinois Vehicle Code. Requirements can be updated by legislation or administrative rule.
Official Form Download: Form VSD 335 Exhibition Permit Application (PDF)