Illinois Form VSD 978 Specialty License Plate Request

Illinois Form VSD 978 Specialty License Plate Request – Illinois vehicle owners interested in supporting new specialty license plate categories can use Form VSD 978, the official Specialty License Plate Request form from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). This form helps gather the required number of public requests so the state can begin producing a new specialty plate authorized by Illinois statute. The primary purpose of these plates is to raise funds for designated organizations. Below is a complete, up-to-date guide based on official Illinois Secretary of State publications for U.S. residents, especially those in Illinois.

What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 978?

Form VSD 978 is the official document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department for requesting a new specialty (also called general issuance or universal) license plate category. These plates are available to the general public and are not limited by special eligibility criteria such as military service or organizational membership.

According to the form and related guidelines (VSD 815), the Secretary of State will begin production of a new specialty plate only after receiving 2,000 requests. Design and color decisions rest entirely with the Office of the Secretary of State. A non-refundable specialty license plate fee must accompany every request; the fee is deposited into the special fund named in the authorizing statute whether or not the plates are ultimately produced.

Official source: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 978 (PDF).

Purpose of the Specialty License Plate Request Form

Specialty license plates in Illinois are created by statute primarily to generate revenue for specific causes or organizations. Form VSD 978 allows individual vehicle owners to express interest in a newly authorized plate category that has not yet reached the production threshold. Once enough requests (and accompanying fees) arrive, the SOS can move forward with manufacturing.

This process is distinct from ordering an already-available specialty, vanity, or personalized plate. Existing plates are typically ordered through the SOS Pick-a-Plate system or other specific application forms listed on the official License Plates Publications page.

Key Requirements and Guidelines

The following rules apply when using Form VSD 978:

  • The plate must already be authorized by Illinois statute.
  • Production begins only after the SOS receives 2,000 valid requests.
  • A non-refundable specialty plate fee must be submitted with each form. The exact amount is determined by the authorizing legislation for that particular plate and is deposited into the designated special fund regardless of whether production occurs.
  • Plate design and color are decided solely by the Office of the Secretary of State. Organizations may submit proposed artwork, but final approval rests with the SOS (see Specialty License Plates Guidelines, VSD 815).
  • The form is intended for public requests supporting a new category; it is not a standard registration or title application.

For design standards (plate size, artwork area, embossed character space, and color limitations), refer to the official Specialty License Plates Guidelines (VSD 815).

How to Complete Form VSD 978?

Form VSD 978 is a one-page fillable PDF. Download it to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results. Complete the following fields accurately:

  • Name of Specialty Plate Being Requested — Enter the exact name of the authorized plate category.
  • Date — Date you complete the form.
  • Current License Plate Number and Expiration Date — Information from your existing registration.
  • Vehicle Owner’s Name — Full legal name of the registered owner.
  • Address, City, State, ZIP — Current mailing address.
  • Daytime Phone Number — Number reachable between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • Signature and Amount Enclosed — Sign the form and note the fee amount included.

Office-use sections at the bottom are left blank by the applicant.

How to Submit the Form and Fees?

Mail the completed Form VSD 978 together with the non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to the Illinois Secretary of State) to:

Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-782-7758

Keep a copy of the form and proof of payment for your records. Because the fee is non-refundable, confirm the exact amount required for the specific plate category before mailing. Fees vary by plate and are set by the authorizing statute.

What Happens After Submission?

The SOS collects requests until the 2,000-request threshold is met. Once that number is reached, production may begin. Design finalization, manufacturing, and issuance timelines are determined by the SOS. Applicants are not guaranteed a plate simply by submitting the form; the request only helps the category reach production status.

If the threshold is not met within the time frame set by the authorizing legislation (often two years), the plate category may no longer be considered for production, and fees remain in the designated special fund.

Download Form VSD 978

Download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:

Download Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 978 — Specialty License Plate Request (PDF)

Always use the version hosted on ilsos.gov to ensure you have the most current form (currently printed May 2023 — 1 — VSD 978).

Additional Resources for Illinois Specialty License Plates

For questions about a specific plate category or current fee amounts, contact the Vehicle Services Department Special Plates Division at the Springfield address listed above or call 217-782-7758 during business hours.

Using Form VSD 978 is a straightforward way for Illinois residents to support the creation of new specialty license plates that benefit charitable and organizational causes across the state. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Illinois Secretary of State website before submitting any application or payment.

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