Illinois RT DS 36 Form: Replace Dealer Plates Guide – If you are a licensed vehicle dealer, manufacturer, in-transit operator, or repossessor in Illinois and need to replace lost, stolen, or destroyed special license plates, Form RT DS 36 is the official application required by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form allows businesses to request replacement dealer plates, manufacturer plates, in-transit plates, or repossessor plates without disrupting operations.
This guide provides current, step-by-step information for U.S. businesses operating in Illinois, based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources. Always download and use the latest version of the form directly from the state website.
What Is Form RT DS 36?
Form RT DS 36 is the official Illinois Secretary of State application used exclusively for the replacement of special plates issued to:
- Licensed vehicle dealers
- Manufacturers
- In-transit operators
- Repossessors
These plates differ from standard passenger vehicle plates. They are issued under the Dealer Licensing Section of the Vehicle Services Department and are governed by the Illinois Vehicle Code. A separate application is required for each individual plate or set of plates being replaced.
The current version of the form (RT DS 36.7, January 2023) is available as a fillable PDF. You can download it here: Official Illinois Form RT DS 36 PDF.
Who Needs to Use Form RT DS 36?
Only businesses or individuals holding a valid Illinois dealer, manufacturer, in-transit, or repossessor license may use this form. Common situations that require Form RT DS 36 include:
- Plates that have been lost
- Plates that have been stolen
- Plates that have been destroyed or damaged beyond use
If you need additional new sets of plates rather than replacements, use Form RT DS 43 instead. For original in-transit or repossessor plates, use Form RT DS 27.
For general information on dealer services, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Dealer Services page.
Current Fees for Replacement Plates
Fees listed on Form RT DS 36 are as follows (subject to change; always verify on the current form):
- Set of plates: $9
- Single plate: $6 each
- Additional identification cards: $3 each
Payment must be made by check, draft, or money order payable to the “Secretary of State.” Do not send cash or stamps. Applications submitted with incorrect fees will be returned.
Note that these fees apply specifically to dealer, manufacturer, in-transit, and repossessor plates. Standard passenger vehicle plate replacements use different forms and fee schedules.
How to Complete Form RT DS 36?
Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Type or print the firm’s legal name, business address, city or town, ZIP code, and county.
- Indicate the reason for replacement: Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed.
- Enter the plate number and alpha suffix (if applicable) for the set or single plate being replaced.
- Calculate and enter the correct total fee.
- Provide a written signature of an authorized person.
- Have the application notarized (the form includes a notary section).
Important instructions from the form itself:
- A separate application is required for each plate or set of plates.
- If ordering a single plate, do not return the remaining plate.
- Print or type clearly so replacements can be mailed promptly.
Full official forms and related publications are available on the Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms page.
Where to Mail Form RT DS 36?
Mail the completed, notarized form and payment to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer Licensing Section, Rm. 069
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Do not submit this form at local Secretary of State facilities. It must be mailed to the Dealer Licensing Section in Springfield.
Processing Time and What to Expect
The Illinois Secretary of State does not keep a stock of duplicate special plates on hand. Replacement plates are ordered from the manufacturer. According to the official instructions on Form RT DS 36, processing typically takes about four weeks after the application is received and approved.
Once manufactured, the plates are forwarded to the address provided on the application. Ensure your business address is current and complete to avoid delays.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Always use the most recent version of the form from the official ilsos.gov website.
- Double-check the plate number and alpha suffix for accuracy.
- Confirm the fee calculation matches the schedule on the form.
- Keep a copy of the completed application and payment method for your records.
- If plates were stolen, consider filing a police report for your internal records, although the form itself only requires selecting “Stolen” as the reason.
- Contact the Dealer Licensing Section at 217-782-7817 if you have questions before mailing.
Related Illinois Secretary of State Resources
Businesses handling special plates may also need these related forms:
- Form RT DS 43 – Application for Additional Sets of Dealer Plates, In-Transit Plates, Identification Card(s)
- Form RT DS 27 – Application for In-Transit or Repossessor Plates
For broader dealer licensing information, including renewal requirements and training, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Dealer and Remitter page.
Download Form RT DS 36 Now
To request replacement dealer, manufacturer, in-transit, or repossessor license plates in Illinois, download the official application here:
Download Illinois Form RT DS 36 (PDF)
Always verify information directly with the Illinois Secretary of State, as fees, form versions, and procedures can be updated. This guide is intended for informational purposes for U.S. businesses and is based on publicly available official state resources as of the most recent updates.