Illinois Form VSD 797 Homemade Trailer Guide

Illinois Form VSD 797 Homemade Trailer Guide – Building your own trailer in Illinois gives you flexibility and cost savings, but it also means following specific state rules before you can legally title and register it for road use. The key document in this process is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 797, the Homemade Trailer Statement of Construction. This official form is required when applying for a Certificate of Title and registration for a homemade trailer.

This guide explains what Form VSD 797 is, who needs it, how to complete it, what supporting documents are required, the inspection process, fees, and where to submit everything. All information is based on current requirements from the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Administrative Code.

What Is Form VSD 797?

Form VSD 797 is the official Homemade Trailer Statement of Construction issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. It serves as a sworn statement in which the builder details the essential component parts used to construct the trailer and where those parts were obtained.

According to the form itself, you must provide a detailed description of how the trailer was constructed and the source of essential components. The form is used exclusively for trailers that qualify as “homemade” under Illinois rules.

You can download the current official PDF version of Form VSD 797 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Download Illinois Form VSD 797 (PDF)

What Qualifies as a Homemade Trailer in Illinois?

Illinois Administrative Code (Title 92, Section 1010.200) defines a homemade trailer as one that meets all three of the following criteria:

  • It was built from various parts and was not manufactured by an established company;
  • It has never been issued a manufacturer’s ownership document; and
  • No prior registration information exists for the trailer.

If your trailer meets this definition, you must use Form VSD 797 (along with other required forms) when applying for title and registration.

Who Needs to File Form VSD 797?

Any individual or co-owners who personally built a trailer from component parts and want to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Title and registration must complete and submit Form VSD 797. This applies to utility trailers, cargo trailers, flatbeds, and similar homemade units intended for use on public highways.

Factory-built trailers that come with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) do not use this form.

Required Information on Form VSD 797

The form asks the builder to list the essential component parts and the source from which each was acquired. The main sections typically include:

  • Body — description and source
  • Frame — description and source
  • Suspension — description and source
  • Axle(s) — description and source
  • Fenders — description and source

You must also provide the full name(s) and address of the owner(s), sign and date the form, and affirm that the information is true and correct. Co-owners must sign as well.

Be as specific and accurate as possible. Vague or incomplete descriptions can delay processing or cause the application to be returned.

Documents Required Along with Form VSD 797

Form VSD 797 is never submitted alone. The Illinois Secretary of State requires the following supporting items (as listed on both Form VSD 797 and the companion Affirmation for Homemade Trailer, Form VSD 314):

  • Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) — Form VSD 190
  • Affirmation for Homemade Trailer — Form VSD 314
  • Color photographs of the side, front, and rear of the trailer showing the tongue, safety chains, license plate bracket, and taillights/tailgate
  • Applicable title and registration fees payable to the Secretary of State
  • Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) inspection if the trailer weighs more than 5,001 pounds

Four photographs (both sides, front, and rear) are specifically required under the administrative rules. Photos should clearly show safety equipment.

Official forms and publications are available on the Illinois Secretary of State website: Title and Registration Publications and Forms.

The Inspection Process for Homemade Trailers

All homemade trailers must be inspected by the Secretary of State Department of Police before a Certificate of Title and registration can be issued. The inspection verifies that:

  • The trailer is safe for highway use;
  • All required safety items are installed and operating properly; and
  • The trailer does not contain stolen parts.

During a successful inspection, the Secretary of State Department of Police assigns and permanently attaches (stamps or rivets) a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the frame of the trailer. This state-assigned VIN becomes part of the trailer’s permanent record.

If the homemade trailer weighs 5,001 pounds or more, an additional inspection by the Illinois Department of Transportation is required before the title can be issued. Contact IDOT at 217-785-1181 for the nearest authorized inspection station.

You may obtain a 7-day permit at a Secretary of State facility to transport the unfinished or uninspected trailer to the inspection site.

Fees for Titling and Registering a Homemade Trailer

Current fees (subject to change; always verify with the Secretary of State) include:

  • Original Certificate of Title: $165
  • Registration fees vary by weight class and type of plate (for example, TA plates for many lighter trailers). Flat weight tax rates apply to most personal-use trailers.

Registration fees for trailers are prorated based on the time of year you apply. Check the current fee schedule on the official Illinois Secretary of State fees page: Illinois SOS Vehicle Fees.

Payment must be made payable to the Secretary of State and submitted with the application package.

How to Submit Form VSD 797 and Supporting Documents?

Mail or deliver the completed package to:

Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Homemade Trailers
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756

Phone for Homemade Trailers questions: 217-558-4762
General information: 800-252-8980 or 217-785-3000
Website: ilsos.gov

After the documentation is reviewed and approved, the Secretary of State Department of Police will schedule or conduct the required inspection. Only after a successful inspection and VIN assignment will the Certificate of Title and registration be issued.

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Keep receipts for major components (axles, frame materials, coupler, lighting, etc.). Although not always listed as mandatory on the form, they help prove the parts are not stolen during the inspection.
  • Ensure the trailer meets all Illinois safety equipment requirements (lighting, reflectors, safety chains, brakes if required by weight, etc.) before inspection.
  • Take clear, well-lit color photographs from the required angles.
  • Double-check that Form VSD 190, VSD 314, and VSD 797 are fully completed and signed.
  • Contact the Homemade Trailers unit at 217-558-4762 if you have questions before submitting.

Related Official Forms and Resources

Final Notes

Successfully titling a homemade trailer in Illinois requires careful attention to paperwork, photographs, and the mandatory inspection. Form VSD 797 is the central statement of construction that documents how and from what materials you built the trailer. Completing it accurately, pairing it with the required affirmation and application, and passing the Secretary of State Police inspection (plus IDOT inspection if over 5,001 pounds) will allow you to receive a state-assigned VIN, Certificate of Title, and registration plates.

Always download the most recent versions of the forms from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and confirm current fees and procedures, as requirements can be updated. For personalized assistance, contact the Vehicle Services Department Homemade Trailers unit directly.

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