Illinois Form VSD 782 Korean Service Plates Guide

Illinois Form VSD 782 Korean Service Plates Guide – Illinois residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea after the Korean War armistice can honor their service with special Korean Service license plates. The key document required is Form VSD 782, the official Affirmation for Korean Service License Plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.

This guide explains everything U.S. veterans and eligible applicants need to know about Form VSD 782, eligibility rules, required documents, fees, and how to apply — all based on current information from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.

What Is Form VSD 782?

Form VSD 782 is the official Affirmation for Korean Service License Plates. Applicants use this simple one-page form to declare under affirmation that they meet the service requirements for these special plates.

The form requires the applicant to confirm:

Membership in the U.S. Armed Forces and service in Korea or the Territorial Waters of Korea on or after June 27, 1954
Honorable discharge from a specific branch of service
Attachment of a copy of the DD214 verifying service dates

It also collects the applicant’s printed name, signature, and address. The current version is dated December 2022 (VSD 782.2).

Download the official Form VSD 782 here: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 782 PDF

Who Is Eligible for Korean Service License Plates?

According to the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-667), any Illinois resident who participated in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea on or after July 27, 1954, may apply.

Note the slight date difference between the statute (July 27, 1954) and the affirmation form language (June 27, 1954). Applicants should follow the official guidance on the Secretary of State website and submit supporting documentation.

Required proof includes:

A photocopy of the DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) indicating receipt of the Korean Service Medal (or Korean Service Defense Medal), or
A letter of verification from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the federal government showing the service record

You must also submit a completed Form VSD 782.

Surviving spouses may retain the plates under certain conditions. Public Act 625 ILCS 5/3-506 allows a surviving spouse who is an Illinois resident to transfer the registration into their name within 180 days of the service member’s death.

How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 782?

Completing Form VSD 782 is straightforward:

Print or download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Fill in the branch of service from which you were honorably discharged.
Confirm you have attached a copy of your DD214.
Print your name, sign, and provide your current address.

Submit the completed affirmation form together with your plate request and supporting documents either:

In person at a local Illinois DMV facility, or
By mail to:
Secretary of State
501 S. 2nd Street
Howlett Building
Springfield, IL 62756

The Special Plates Division can be reached at 217-785-4175 for questions.

Fees for Korean Service License Plates

Fees are set by the Illinois Secretary of State and vary by vehicle type and situation. Current standard fees (subject to change — always verify on the official site) include:

Standard License Plates (passenger vehicles, trucks/vans 8,000 lbs or less, SUVs):

Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $316 ($165 title fee + $151 registration fee)
Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $151
Current plates expire within 90 days: $151
Current plates do not expire within 90 days: $0 replacement fee
Annual renewal: $151

Motorcycle License Plates:

Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $206 ($165 title fee + $41 registration fee)
Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $41
Annual renewal: $41

Electric vehicles carry an additional $100 registration fee. There is also an extra $30 fee to display the plates on an autocycle.

Applicants approved under the Benefits Access Program (formerly Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief) pay the original issuance and regular annual registration fee as provided under Illinois law.

Vehicle Eligibility and Availability

Korean Service plates may be displayed on:

Passenger vehicles of the first division
Motorcycles and autocycles
Motor vehicles of the second division weighing 8,000 pounds or less
Recreational vehicles as defined by Illinois law

Plates are available as random-number, vanity, or personalized plates. Renewals follow the staggered annual schedule used for Illinois vehicle registrations. You can renew online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a DMV facility.

Why These Plates Matter?

Korean Service license plates recognize the contributions of service members who continued to serve in Korea after the July 1953 armistice. The plates allow veterans to display pride in their service while supporting Illinois’ special plate programs.

For the most current information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources:

If you are an eligible Illinois veteran or surviving spouse, completing Form VSD 782 is a simple step toward obtaining these distinctive plates that honor your service.