Illinois Form VSD 929 Affidavit for Salvage/Junk Title – Illinois Form VSD 929 is the official Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Title for a Salvage or Junk Vehicle issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). Licensed insurance companies use this form when they have paid a total-loss claim on an Illinois-titled vehicle but cannot obtain the original Certificate of Title from the owner or lienholder. It enables the insurer to apply for a salvage certificate or junking certificate under Illinois law.
This guide explains the purpose, eligibility, required documents, completion steps, fees, and submission process using current official sources from the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 929?
Form VSD 929 serves as a sworn affidavit that substitutes for the missing Certificate of Title. It is specifically designed for situations covered by Section 3-117.3(b) of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-117.3). The form allows an eligible insurer to request either a salvage certificate or a junking certificate free of prior liens after meeting strict notice and payment requirements.
Registration (license plates) cannot be issued for the vehicle listed on this form. The form is revised as of March 2026 (VSD 929.2 ADA) and is available as a fillable PDF from the official Illinois SOS publications page.
Download the official form here: Illinois SOS Form VSD 929 PDF.
Who Can Use Form VSD 929?
Only insurers licensed under the Illinois Insurance Code may use Form VSD 929. The form applies exclusively when:
- The vehicle was titled in Illinois.
- The insurer has made full payment (in whole or in part) on a total-loss claim to the owner and/or any lienholder of record.
- The owner or lienholder received compensation in exchange for relinquishing ownership rights.
- The insurer is unable to obtain an endorsed Certificate of Title within the required timeframe.
- Proper written notice was provided to the owner and/or lienholder at least 30 days before the title application.
A separate form, VSD 930, is required for salvage dealers operating under different provisions of the same statute. Individual vehicle owners, lienholders acting alone, or unlicensed parties cannot use VSD 929.
Legal Authority: 625 ILCS 5/3-117.3
The statutory foundation is 625 ILCS 5/3-117.3 (as amended by Public Act 103-202, effective January 1, 2024). Under subsection (b), an insurance company may obtain a junking or salvage certificate free of any prior lien after completing a record search and submitting the required application package. Proof of full payment is defined as a photocopy of a deposited claim check or a screenshot from the insurer’s claim system showing payee, amount, and date. Proof of service of the 30-day notice (certified mail or other accepted method) is mandatory.
The statute also provides a dispute process: an owner or lienholder may contest the transfer within 30 days of the notice. If unresolved, further court action is possible within specified timeframes. Vehicles issued a salvage or junking certificate under this process generally may not be operated on public roads until properly rebuilt and re-titled (where allowed).
Required Documents to Submit with Form VSD 929
In addition to the completed and signed VSD 929, the Illinois Secretary of State requires the following supporting materials:
- A paper Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) requesting a salvage or junk title. Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) applications are not accepted for this process at this time.
- Proof of paid claim — a copy of the payment document (electronic deposit confirmation, canceled check, or signed release from the owner/lienholder accepting payment in lieu of ownership).
- Applicable fees and/or taxes.
- Written notice to the owner and/or lienholder (with proof of service such as certified mail return receipt or process server documentation) stating that an application for title will be made on the insurer’s behalf based on acceptance of the total-loss payment. This notice must have been sent at least 30 days before the date of the title application.
The Secretary of State reserves the right to request additional documentation to confirm that the owner or lienholder has been made whole.
How to Complete Form VSD 929?
The form contains three main sections:
- Applicant Information — Insurance company name, address, phone, email, and name of the authorized representative.
- Vehicle Information — Year, make, model, color, full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), name and registered address of the current owner, and a checkbox indicating whether the vehicle was model year 2011 or newer at the time of total loss.
- Certification — The authorized agent prints their name, signs, lists their position, and dates the form. The certification affirms payment of the total-loss claim, satisfaction of any lien, inability to obtain the title, and that proper 30-day notice attempts were made using both insurer and SOS records. The affirmation is made under penalty of perjury.
Accuracy is critical. False statements can result in criminal penalties.
Fees for Salvage and Junking Certificates
According to current Illinois Secretary of State fee schedules and the Illinois Vehicle Code:
- Salvage certificate: $20
- Junking certificate: $0
Additional fees or taxes may apply depending on the specific transaction. Payment is typically made by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Confirm the exact amount and acceptable payment methods with the Vehicle Services Department before mailing, as fees can be updated by statute.
Where and How to Submit Form VSD 929?
Submit the complete package (VSD 929, paper VSD 190, proof of payment, 30-day notice with proof of service, and fees) by mail to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd St., Room 014
Springfield, IL 62756
Applications may also be processed at certain full-service Secretary of State facilities that handle title work. Processing times vary; incomplete packages are returned. For the most current mailing instructions or facility locations, visit the official Illinois SOS Vehicle Services pages or call the toll-free line at 800-252-8980.
Official forms list and additional publications: Illinois SOS Title and Registration Publications and Forms.
Important Restrictions and Compliance Notes
- The form may be used only for Illinois-titled motor vehicles that went through an insurance claims process.
- An insurer or salvage dealer that obtains a title under this process may not sell the salvage vehicle to anyone not authorized to purchase salvage vehicles under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
- A salvage vehicle cannot be driven on public roads until it receives a rebuilt title after proper inspection (junked vehicles cannot be rebuilt).
- The SOS may require additional documentation beyond the listed items.
- Always use the most recent version of the form (currently March 2026 revision).
Related Forms and Resources
- VSD 930 — Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Title for a Salvage or Junk Vehicle by a Salvage Dealer (for licensed salvage dealers under different statutory provisions).
- VSD 190 — Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (required companion form; paper only for this process).
- Official statute text: 625 ILCS 5/3-117.3.
- Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services main page and contact information: ilsos.gov Vehicle Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private individual or non-insurer use VSD 929?
No. The form is restricted to licensed Illinois insurers meeting the statutory criteria.
Is electronic filing allowed?
No. The accompanying VSD 190 must be a paper application; ERT is not accepted for this process.
What happens if the owner disputes the transfer?
The owner or lienholder has 30 days from the notice to send a notice of dispute. Further timelines and possible court petition requirements are set out in 625 ILCS 5/3-117.3(d).
Where can I download the current form?
Direct official link: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd929.pdf.
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, always verify directly with the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, as forms, fees, and procedures can be updated. This article is based on the official March 2026 Form VSD 929, the Illinois Vehicle Code, and SOS publications current as of 2026.