Illinois Form VSD 851 License Plate Revocation Guide – Form VSD 851, officially titled the Vehicle License Plates Revocation Request, is the official document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Vehicle Services Department. Illinois residents and vehicle owners use this form to request the formal revocation (cancellation) of their vehicle license plates and registration.
When Should You Use Form VSD 851?
You should file Form VSD 851 in any of the following situations (check only one reason on the form):
- Vehicle sold or traded in with license plates attached
- License plates lost, missing, or destroyed
- Registered owner deceased (copy of death certificate required)
- Divorce (single owner only; copy of divorce decree required)
- License plates stolen (copy of police report required)
- Registered owner moved out of state
- Vehicle towed or junked with license plates
- Vehicle donated to charity with license plates
- Court order (attach copy)
- Vehicle repossessed with license plates
If your plates or sticker were stolen and you need a free replacement under 625 ILCS 5/3-820, the form also includes checkboxes for “Theft of license plates and sticker” or “Theft of sticker only.”
How to Complete Illinois Form VSD 851?
The form is straightforward and requires accurate information. Follow these steps:
- Print or type all information clearly.
- Enter the License Plate Number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Vehicle Make, and Vehicle Year.
- Provide the full legal name(s) of the registered owner(s) — Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial for the first and (if applicable) second owner.
- List the current address, apartment number (if any), city, state, and ZIP code.
- Include phone number(s) and driver’s license number(s) of the owner(s).
- Check the single applicable reason for revocation.
- All registered/titled owners must sign and date the form. If the vehicle is leased, the lessor must also sign.
Important note from the Illinois Secretary of State: Revocation of the license plate does not remove your name from the vehicle record. Supporting documents (death certificate, divorce decree, police report, or court order) must be attached when required.
Required Supporting Documents
Depending on the reason you select, you may need to include copies of the following:
- Death certificate (owner deceased)
- Divorce decree (divorce cases, single owner only)
- Police report (plates stolen)
- Court order (when applicable)
Failure to include required documentation or complete owner signatures will prevent the request from being processed.
How and Where to Submit Form VSD 851?
There is no fee to submit Form VSD 851. You must physically return the license plates along with the completed form. Options include:
- Mail: Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Special Plates Division, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756
- Email: [email protected]
- In person: Any Illinois Secretary of State facility
Clear any outstanding parking tickets, tolls, or other obligations before submitting, as unpaid balances can delay processing. Illinois does not issue refunds for unused registration periods.
For the most current form and official guidance, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website or the publications page listing Title and Registration forms.
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
Once the Secretary of State processes your request and receives the plates:
- The vehicle registration is revoked in the state database.
- The vehicle is removed from the Electronic Liability Insurance Verification system.
- You reduce the risk of being held responsible for future tickets, tolls, or insurance lapses related to that registration.
Keep a copy of the completed Form VSD 851 and any confirmation for your records. This documentation can be useful if questions arise later about ownership or liability.
Important Tips for Illinois Vehicle Owners
- Always surrender the physical plates when you revoke registration. Leaving plates outstanding keeps the vehicle registered in your name.
- Cancel insurance only after plates have been returned and the revocation is processed to avoid suspension notices.
- If you sold the vehicle, also complete the Seller’s Report of Sale and ensure the buyer transfers the title promptly.
- For questions, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services at 800-252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois) or 217-785-3000 (outside Illinois).
Download Illinois Form VSD 851
Ready to file? Download the official, fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Form VSD 851 – Vehicle License Plates Revocation Request (PDF)
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader for the best results when filling out the form electronically. Print, sign, and submit with any required supporting documents and your license plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for Form VSD 851?
No. There is no fee to request license plate revocation in Illinois.
Does revoking the plates remove my name from the vehicle title or record?
No. Revocation of the license plate does not remove your name from the vehicle record. A separate process (Form VSD 850) is used for title revocation when needed.
Can I submit the form online?
The form itself is not submitted through an online portal. You download, complete, and mail, email, or deliver it in person along with the plates.
What if I no longer have the plates?
Select the appropriate reason (lost, stolen, etc.) and provide any required documentation such as a police report. The Secretary of State will still process the revocation request.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources at ilsos.gov. This guide is based on the current Form VSD 851 (March 2026 version) and related official guidance to help Illinois vehicle owners complete the license plate revocation process correctly and efficiently.