Illinois Form VSD 669 Gold Star Plates Guide – Illinois honors the sacrifice of military service members and their families through special Gold Star license plates. The official form required to apply is the Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 669, titled “Affirmation for New/Current Gold Star License Plates.” This guide explains everything U.S. residents—especially Illinois drivers—need to know about eligibility, fees, how to complete the form, and where to submit it.
You can download the official Form VSD 669 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Illinois Form VSD 669 (PDF).
What Is Form VSD 669?
Form VSD 669 is the official affirmation statement issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. Applicants use it to request new or current Gold Star license plates. By signing the form, the applicant affirms under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-664) that they have received the Gold Star Medal and meet the relationship requirements for the special plates.
The form collects basic personal information, vehicle details, service member information, and the applicant’s relationship to the deceased service member. It clearly separates no-fee and at-cost eligibility categories.
Who Is Eligible for Gold Star License Plates in Illinois?
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-664), any Illinois resident who is the surviving widow/widower, parent, child (including stepchildren and children through adoption), sibling, or half-sibling of a person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and lost their life while in service—whether in peacetime or war—may apply.
The law allows the surviving spouse, each parent, and each eligible child or sibling to receive one or more sets of plates. Plates may be issued for passenger vehicles, trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, and autocycles.
No-Fee vs. At-Cost Eligibility
Form VSD 669 distinguishes two categories:
Section 1 – No-Fee Gold Star License Plates
Available to Illinois residents who are the surviving parent, widow, widower, son, or daughter when the service member lost their life under specific wartime or conflict conditions, including:
- World War I, World War II, or any subsequent period of armed hostilities before July 1, 1958;
- After June 30, 1958, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict;
- After March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack recognized by the Secretary of Defense or while serving outside the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
Section 2 – At-Cost Gold Star License Plates
Available to surviving parents, widows, widowers, siblings, half-siblings, sons, or daughters (including stepchildren and adopted children) when the service member died during wartime or peacetime service. Registration fees apply in most cases for siblings and children.
Note: Other fees, such as the electric vehicle surcharge, may still apply even for no-fee plates.
Fees for Gold Star License Plates
According to the official Illinois Secretary of State Gold Star plates page:
For parents and widows/widowers (often no registration fee):
- Newly acquired vehicle/first-time issuance: $165 (title fee only)
- Currently titled vehicle/first-time issuance: $0
- Annual renewal: $0
For siblings and children:
- Newly acquired vehicle/first-time issuance: $165 (title fee) + registration fee
- Currently titled vehicle/first-time issuance or renewal within 90 days of expiration: $151 registration fee
- Annual renewal: $151
Motorcycle plates have separate fee schedules. An additional $100 electric vehicle surcharge may apply. Always verify current fees on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as they can change.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 669?
1. Download the current version of Form VSD 669 from the official source: ilsos.gov VSD 669 PDF.
2. Fill in your name, address, telephone number, current license plate number (if any), expiration date, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
3. Indicate whether you want random-number or vanity/personalized Gold Star plates and list your preferred combinations.
4. Provide the service member’s full name, date of birth, date of death, and branch of service.
5. Check the appropriate relationship box in Section 1 (no-fee) or Section 2 (at-cost).
6. Sign and date the affirmation stating you have received the Gold Star Medal and comply with Section 5/3-664 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
7. Submit the completed form with any required supporting documentation. Requests are processed only through the Springfield office. You may apply in person or mail materials to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Room 520
541 Howlett Building
Springfield, IL 62756
Some local DMV facilities may accept applications and forward them, but final processing occurs in Springfield.
Where Gold Star Plates Can Be Displayed?
Gold Star license plates are multi-year and may be displayed on:
- Passenger vehicles
- Trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less
- Sport utility vehicles
- Motorcycles and autocycles (additional fee may apply for autocycles)
Plates are eligible for the Benefit Access Program in certain cases. Renewals can be completed online, by mail, by phone, or at a local DMV facility.
Official Sources and Additional Resources
Always rely on official Illinois government sources for the most current information:
- Illinois Secretary of State – Gold Star License Plates page
- Official Form VSD 669 PDF (April 2026 version)
- Illinois Compiled Statutes – 625 ILCS 5/3-664 (Gold Star license plates)
Fees, eligibility details, and form versions are subject to change by the Illinois Secretary of State. For the latest updates, visit ilsos.gov or contact the Special Plates Division directly.
Why Gold Star License Plates Matter?
Gold Star plates serve as a visible tribute to the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Completing Form VSD 669 correctly ensures eligible Illinois residents can honor their loved ones while receiving the fee benefits provided by state law. If you are a Gold Star family member living in Illinois, downloading and submitting the current Form VSD 669 is the essential first step.
Download the form now: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 669 – Gold Star License Plates Affirmation (PDF)