Illinois RT DS 49 Form: Dealer Certification Guide

Illinois RT DS 49 Form: Dealer Certification Guide – Illinois vehicle dealers must maintain accurate records and provide certified information about vehicles they handle. One essential document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State is Form RT DS 49 — Dealer Certification — Vehicle Information. This official form allows licensed dealers to formally certify key details about a vehicle after a physical inspection.

This SEO-optimized guide explains what Form RT DS 49 is, when it is used, how to complete it correctly, and where to download the official PDF. It is written for U.S. readers, especially Illinois dealers, dealership staff, and compliance professionals who need reliable, up-to-date information from trusted government sources.

What Is Illinois Form RT DS 49?

Form RT DS 49 is an official document published by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. Its full title is Dealer Certification — Vehicle Information. The form is used by licensed vehicle dealers to certify that they have physically inspected a vehicle and that the information provided about the vehicle is true and correct.

According to the current version of the form (printed December 2022), the certifying dealer or authorized representative affirms: “I hereby certify and affirm that I have made a physical inspection of the vehicle and the information below is true and correct.”

The form captures essential vehicle and owner data, including:

Name(s) of the owner(s)
Address of the owner
Vehicle year, make, and model
Body style
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Additional fields for second-stage vehicles when applicable
Dealer or authorized representative identification and signature

The official form is listed on the Illinois Secretary of State’s Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms page under the number RT DS 49.

View the official list of dealer forms on the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Purpose of Form RT DS 49

The primary purpose of Form RT DS 49 is to create an official, signed certification of vehicle information by a licensed Illinois dealer. It supports transparency, accurate record-keeping, and compliance with Illinois vehicle dealer regulations under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Dealers use the form to document that a physical inspection of the vehicle has been performed and that the listed details (year, make, model, body style, VIN, and owner information) are accurate. This certification helps protect both the dealership and the consumer by establishing a clear record of the vehicle’s status at the time of the dealer’s involvement.

While the Illinois Secretary of State does not publish extensive separate instructions for every use case, the form is part of the standard suite of dealer publications and is intended for situations where a formal dealer certification of vehicle data is required.

Who Needs to Complete Form RT DS 49?

Licensed Illinois vehicle dealers (new and used) and their authorized representatives are the parties responsible for completing and signing Form RT DS 49. Under Illinois law, a person or business that sells or deals in five or more vehicles in a calendar year generally must be licensed as a dealer by the Secretary of State.

First-time used vehicle dealer applicants must also complete mandatory training provided by the Secretary of State before a license is issued. Once licensed, dealers are expected to maintain proper records and use official forms such as RT DS 49 when certifying vehicle information.

For detailed licensing requirements, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/5-101 and 5/5-102) and the Illinois Administrative Code provisions governing vehicle dealers.

Learn more about Illinois dealer training requirements.

How to Download the Official Form RT DS 49 PDF?

The official, fillable PDF version of Form RT DS 49 is available directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Always download forms from the official .gov domain to ensure you have the most current version.

Official download link:
Download Illinois Form RT DS 49 — Dealer Certification — Vehicle Information (PDF)

Alternative official access point:
Illinois Secretary of State — Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms

Forms on the Illinois Secretary of State website are PDFs with fillable fields. For best results, download the form to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How to Complete Form RT DS 49 Step by Step?

Follow these steps carefully to complete the form accurately:

Owner Information — Enter the full legal name(s) of the owner(s) (Last, First, Middle Initial) and the complete address of the owner, including city, state, and ZIP code.
Certification Statement — Read the affirmation carefully. By signing, the dealer confirms a physical inspection has been performed and the information is true and correct.
Vehicle Description — Provide the year, make, model, and body style of the vehicle. Include cylinder and horsepower information if required by the specific transaction.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — Enter the complete 17-character VIN accurately. Double-check every character.
Second-Stage Vehicle Section — Complete the additional fields only if the vehicle is a second-stage vehicle.
Dealer Information and Signature — Print the name of the vehicle dealership, its address, and the name of the dealer or authorized representative making the inspection. Sign and date the form.

Accuracy is critical. Errors in VIN, year, make, or model can cause delays in title and registration processing or raise compliance issues during audits.

Submission and Record-Keeping Requirements

Form RT DS 49 is typically retained as part of the dealer’s official records or submitted with other required documentation to the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department when supporting a specific transaction. Unlike some tax forms, it is not filed electronically through a statewide online portal in the same manner as title applications.

Illinois dealers are required to maintain detailed records of vehicle acquisitions and disposals. These records must be available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary of State or peace officers. Using official forms such as RT DS 49 helps demonstrate compliance with record-keeping obligations under Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1020.20 and related statutes.

Always keep a completed copy of the signed form in your dealership files for the required retention period.

Related Illinois Dealer Forms and Resources

Form RT DS 49 is one of several important documents available to Illinois dealers. Other commonly used forms include:

Dealer License Application (VSD 324)
Illinois Laws — Regulations for Vehicle Dealers (RT DS 21)
Uniform Invoice for Vehicles and Essential Parts (VSD 238)
Buyer’s Guide (VSD 350)
Designated Agent Bond for Illinois Vehicle Dealers (RT DS 47)

For the complete and current list of dealer publications and forms, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State page:

Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms — Illinois Secretary of State

Additional helpful resources:

Tips for Compliance and Best Practices

Always download the latest version of Form RT DS 49 from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
Perform a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle before completing and signing the certification.
Verify the VIN against the vehicle and any supporting title or manufacturer documents.
Ensure the person signing the form is an authorized representative of the licensed dealership.
Retain signed copies in an organized, easily accessible record system for audits or inspections.
Stay current with dealer licensing renewal requirements and mandatory training.

Failure to maintain accurate records or to properly certify vehicle information can lead to administrative actions, including license suspension or other penalties under Illinois law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form RT DS 49

Is there a fee to file Form RT DS 49?
No separate filing fee is associated with the form itself. It is provided free of charge by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Can the form be submitted electronically?
The form is designed as a printable/fillable PDF. It is not submitted through a dedicated electronic portal in the same way as some title or tax forms. Follow the specific instructions for the transaction in which it is being used.

Where can I get help if I have questions?
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department or the Dealer Licensing Section. Current contact information is available on the official website at ilsos.gov.

What is the current revision date of the form?
The version available from the official website as of the most recent update is marked “December 2022 – 1 – RT DS 49.2.”

Conclusion

Form RT DS 49 — Dealer Certification — Vehicle Information is a straightforward yet important tool for Illinois vehicle dealers. By completing it accurately after a physical inspection, dealers create a reliable record that supports compliance, protects consumers, and facilitates smooth title and registration processes.

Download the official form only from the Illinois Secretary of State website, complete every required field carefully, and maintain proper records. Staying compliant with Illinois dealer regulations helps protect your license and your business reputation.

For the most current version of the form and related publications, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources linked throughout this article.

Official Form Download:
https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/rtds49.pdf