Who Needs Public Transportation or Medical Carrier License Plates?
Vehicles used for the non-emergency transportation of persons for compensation generally require either Public Transportation (PT) or Medical Carrier (MC) plates. According to Illinois administrative rules, these plates apply to privately owned first- or second-division motor vehicles maintained for such purposes.
Medical Carrier plates are specifically intended for vehicles designed, constructed, or modified and equipped for non-emergency transport of persons seeking medical services. Public Transportation plates cover broader non-emergency passenger transport for hire, excluding vehicles already regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
A key point for operators: vehicles regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission are exempt from obtaining Public Transportation license plates. For non-emergency medical transportation services, either a PT or MC plate is typically required on the vehicle.
Definitions of Public Transportation and Medical Carrier Vehicles
Under Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1010.430:
- Medical Carrier means any publicly or privately owned motor vehicle specifically designed, constructed or modified and equipped, and intended to be used for, and maintained or operated for, the nonemergency transportation of persons for compensation for the purpose of obtaining medical services (as defined in Section 1-142.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code).
- Public Transportation Vehicle means any privately owned first or second division motor vehicle intended to be used for and maintained or operated for the nonemergency transportation of persons for compensation, excluding motor vehicles regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Medical Carrier and rescue vehicles receive distinctive plates with an “MC” suffix. Public Transportation vehicles receive plates with a “PT” suffix. These designations help distinguish the vehicles for regulatory and enforcement purposes throughout Illinois.
Insurance Requirements for VSD 387 Plates
Proof of insurance in the form of a Certificate of Insurance is mandatory when applying for or renewing Public Transportation or Medical Carrier plates. The Certificate must demonstrate one of the following coverage levels:
- Split Limits: $250,000 for any one person, $250,000 for any one crash, and $50,000 for property damage; or
- Combined Single Limit: $300,000.
The Certificate of Insurance must also meet these specific conditions:
- Policy expiration date of June 30 of the current registration year, or a clear indication of continuous coverage.
- Statement that the Secretary of State’s office will receive written notice at least 10 days before policy cancellation.
- Separate notation confirming the 10-day cancellation notice if the standard policy language is used.
- Certificate dated within 90 days of the transaction.
- Each covered vehicle listed individually.
- Insured name and address matching the vehicle registration name and address.
An insurance sticker issued by the Secretary of State is typically affixed to the windshield for these plate types (along with funeral home, taxi, livery, and ambulance plates). Operators should maintain continuous coverage to avoid registration issues.
Safety Inspection Requirements
Safety inspections are a core requirement under Form VSD 387:
- Public Transportation vehicles weighing over 8,000 pounds must submit proof of a safety inspection dated within the previous six months.
- All Medical Carrier vehicles must submit proof of a safety inspection dated within the previous six months, regardless of weight.
Inspections must be performed at stations certified by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Medical transport vehicles must also demonstrate compliance with the safety inspection requirements of Section 13-101 of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law. Failure to provide timely proof of inspection can delay or prevent plate issuance or renewal.
How to Apply or Renew Using Form VSD 387?
Form VSD 387 primarily serves as the instructional notice accompanying renewal applications for these specialty plates. For initial registration or plate changes, applicants generally use the standard Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) along with the supporting documentation outlined in VSD 387.
When returning a renewal application, the following items are required:
- Proper registration fee based on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight.
- The preprinted renewal application form.
- Proof of safety inspection (as detailed above).
- Current Certificate of Insurance meeting the coverage and notice requirements.
Fees vary according to gross vehicle weight and registration type. Contact the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department for the current fee schedule applicable to your vehicle class.
Required Documents and Submission Process
In addition to the completed application and fee, operators should prepare:
- Valid Certificate of Insurance meeting all VSD 387 criteria.
- Proof of safety inspection from an Illinois Department of Transportation-certified station (dated within six months as required).
- Vehicle title or current registration documentation.
- Any corporate or business registration documents if the vehicle is owned by a company or LLC.
Mail non-standard plate renewals and applications to:
Secretary of State
Non-Standard Plates
501 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-782-2475
Walk-in service is available at:
- Chicago North Facility (Leased and Insured Vehicles): 5401 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 — Phone: 773-794-5848
- Springfield Flagship Center: 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
General Vehicle Services contact numbers are 800-252-8980 (toll-free within Illinois) or 217-785-3000 (Springfield) and 312-793-1010 (Chicago).
Additional Considerations for Transportation Operators
Operators providing non-emergency medical transportation should also be aware of local municipal requirements. For example, the City of Chicago requires a separate Medical Carrier (Medicar) vehicle license in addition to the state MC or PT plates. Chicago insurance minimums and licensing fees may exceed state requirements, and the City must often be named as an additional insured.
Providers seeking Medicaid reimbursement through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services must enroll via the IMPACT system and maintain proper plate types (MC, PT, or certain other approved classifications). Safety, insurance, and driver licensing rules continue to apply.
Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Illinois Secretary of State, as forms and rules are updated periodically. The September 2025 version of VSD 387 is the latest official guidance available as of this writing.
Download Illinois Form VSD 387
You can download the official Public Transportation/Medical Carrier License Plates notice and instructions (Form VSD 387) directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
For additional vehicle registration forms and resources, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov.
Key Takeaways for U.S. Operators
Form VSD 387 ensures that vehicles used for compensated non-emergency passenger or medical transport in Illinois carry appropriate identification, adequate insurance, and current safety certification. Meeting these requirements protects both operators and the public while keeping vehicles legally registered.
Review the Certificate of Insurance carefully against the six specific criteria listed on the form, schedule safety inspections well before the six-month window expires, and submit complete packages to the Non-Standard Plates section in Springfield. When in doubt, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department for clarification specific to your vehicle and operation.
Staying compliant with Form VSD 387 requirements supports safe, reliable transportation services across Illinois for medical appointments, general passenger needs, and related non-emergency travel.