Illinois Form VSD 861 EV Affirmation Guide

Illinois Form VSD 861 EV Affirmation Guide – Illinois drivers registering a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) must complete Form VSD 861, the Affirmation for Electric Vehicle, issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). This form confirms the vehicle meets statutory criteria for electric vehicle registration and the associated annual fee structure. Below is a practical, up-to-date guide for U.S. residents handling Illinois vehicle registration.

What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 861?

Form VSD 861 is the official Affirmation for Electric Vehicle used by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. Owners use it to affirm that their vehicle is a motor vehicle of the first division or a second-division vehicle weighing 8,000 pounds or less that is propelled exclusively by an electric engine and does not utilize motor fuel.

The current version (March 2026 – VSD 861.1 ADA) is available as a fillable PDF from the official SOS publications page. Download the form directly here: Illinois SOS Form VSD 861 PDF.

Official listing appears on the SOS Title and Registration Publications and Forms page: ilsos.gov publications.

Who Needs to File Form VSD 861?

Any owner registering an originally manufactured or converted electric vehicle in Illinois that qualifies under the definition in 625 ILCS 5/3-805 must submit Form VSD 861. This includes new purchases, used vehicles transferred into Illinois, and vehicles being switched to electric-vehicle designation or special EV plates.

The form is required whether you are applying for standard plates with the EV surcharge or dedicated electric vehicle license plates. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are generally treated similarly for the surcharge under current SOS practice, though the form language focuses on exclusively electric propulsion.

Purpose of the Electric Vehicle Affirmation

Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-805) allows registration of qualifying electric vehicles at the standard first-division fee plus an additional $100 annual surcharge in lieu of motor fuel taxes. Of that $100, $1 goes to the Secretary of State Special Services Fund and the remainder to the Road Fund. The affirmation documents eligibility for this structure and for any associated EV plate issuance.

Full statute text is available from the Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/3-805.

The SOS Electric Vehicle License Plates page further details the process: Electric Vehicle License Plates – Illinois SOS.

How to Complete Form VSD 861?

The form is short and straightforward. Provide:

  • Owner(s) name and address (city, state, ZIP)
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Year, make, and model
  • Check the appropriate box: Originally Manufactured Electric Vehicle or Converted Electric Vehicle

Sign and date the affirmation stating that the vehicle is a first- or second-division motor vehicle weighing 8,000 pounds or less, propelled exclusively by an electric engine, and not utilizing motor fuel. Both owners must sign if there are co-owners.

Download and fill the official PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results, as recommended by the SOS.

Required Supporting Documents

Submit Form VSD 861 together with:

  • Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190)
  • Appropriate tax forms and fees payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue
  • Applicable registration or title fees payable to the Illinois Secretary of State
  • For converted vehicles only: photographs of the front, back, and side of the vehicle plus clear photos of the electric motor and battery

Form VSD 190 can be completed online via the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system or obtained at SOS facilities, by mail, or by calling 800-252-8980.

Illinois EV Registration Fees in 2026

For a typical passenger (first-division) electric vehicle:

  • Standard annual registration: approximately $151
  • EV surcharge: +$100
  • Total annual registration: $251

First-time issuance examples from the official SOS EV plates page:

  • Newly acquired vehicle: $416 ($165 title fee + $251 registration)
  • Currently titled vehicle (first EV registration): $251
  • Annual renewal: $251

Fees are subject to change by statute; always verify current amounts on the SOS website or your renewal notice. Proposed increases (such as SB 3566) had not been enacted as of mid-2026.

How and Where to Submit Form VSD 861?

For electric vehicle license plates, the request is processed only in Springfield. Mail the completed Form VSD 861, VSD 190, tax documents, fees, and any required photographs to:

Secretary of State
501 S. Second St.
Howlett Building
Special Plates Division
Springfield, IL 62756

Standard EV registration without special plates may be handled at local SOS facilities or through ERT when applicable. Renewals of EV plates can be completed online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility.

Always use the most current forms and confirm mailing addresses on ilsos.gov.

Special Requirements for Converted Electric Vehicles

If the vehicle was converted from a conventional powertrain, you must include photographs showing the front, rear, and side of the vehicle along with detailed photos of the electric motor and battery pack. These images help the SOS verify that the vehicle is propelled exclusively by electricity and meets the weight and division criteria.

Failure to include required photos for converted vehicles is a common reason for returned applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Form VSD 861 required every year?
No. It is typically submitted at initial registration or when first designating the vehicle as electric. Annual renewals use standard renewal processes once the vehicle is on record as an EV.

Do plug-in hybrids need the form?
The form language targets exclusively electric vehicles. However, Illinois applies the same $100 surcharge to many PHEVs. Confirm current practice with the SOS if registering a PHEV.

Can I submit everything online?
VSD 190 can often be prepared via ERT. Form VSD 861 and supporting photos for converted vehicles are generally handled by mail or in-person for special plate requests. Check the latest ERT guidance on the SOS site.

What if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete packages (missing signatures, photos, fees, or tax forms) are returned. Double-check the required documents list on the form itself before mailing.

Download Form VSD 861 and Additional Resources

Download the official Affirmation for Electric Vehicle (Form VSD 861) here: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd861.pdf.

Key official resources:

Always download forms directly from ilsos.gov to ensure you have the latest revision. Requirements and fees can be updated by legislation or administrative rule; verify details with the Illinois Secretary of State before submitting your application.

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