Illinois SOS DOP 246 Salvage Contract Affirmation – If you own a salvage vehicle in Illinois and want to restore it to legal road use, understanding the Illinois Secretary of State Form SOS DOP 246 — Salvage Contract/Affirmation is essential. This official form documents the agreement between a vehicle owner (applicant) and a licensed rebuilder when the applicant is not themselves a licensed rebuilder. It plays a key role in the process of converting a salvage certificate into a rebuilt title under Illinois law.
This guide explains what the form is, when it is required, how to complete it, related documents, and the full rebuilt title process. All information is based on current guidance from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form SOS DOP 246?
Form SOS DOP 246 is the official “Salvage Contract/Affirmation” issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. Pursuant to Section 625 ILCS 5/3-304 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the form records that a licensed rebuilder and an individual (the applicant) have contracted together regarding a specific rebuilt vehicle.
Both parties affirm that the supporting documents submitted with the application for a rebuilt title are, to the best of their knowledge and belief, complete, true, and correct. The form includes sections for vehicle information (year, make, model, and VIN), the rebuilder’s details (including UDL/rebuilder number), the applicant’s details, and signatures with dates.
The form was last revised in August 2011 and remains the designated document for this purpose. You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois SOS Form DOP 246 — Salvage Contract/Affirmation (PDF)
When Is Form SOS DOP 246 Required?
Form SOS DOP 246 is required only when the person applying for a rebuilt title is not a licensed Illinois rebuilder. Illinois law strictly limits who may bring a vehicle out of salvage status.
According to the official Rebuilt Vehicle Titles Fact Sheet (VSD 975) from the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Only licensed rebuilders can legally convert a salvage vehicle to rebuilt status in Illinois.
- If the applicant is not a licensed rebuilder, they must contract with a licensed rebuilder.
- The Salvage Contract (SOS DOP 246) documents that contract.
If the applicant is themselves a licensed rebuilder who personally rebuilt or supervised the rebuilding of the vehicle, Form SOS DOP 246 is not required. In that case, the rebuilder completes the Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate (RT 11) and other required documents.
Illinois dealers are also prohibited from selling salvaged vehicles to the public. Any Illinois dealer that acquires a salvage vehicle must first obtain a rebuilt title in its own name before selling the vehicle.
Legal Basis: Illinois Vehicle Code Section 625 ILCS 5/3-304
Section 625 ILCS 5/3-304 requires every applicant for a certificate of title on a rebuilt vehicle to sign a written affirmation stating, among other things, that the applicant either:
- Is a licensed rebuilder and personally rebuilt the vehicle,
- Is a licensed rebuilder and personally supervised its rebuilding, or
- Contracted for rebuilding with a licensed rebuilder.
When the applicant chooses the third option (contracting with a licensed rebuilder), subsection (b) requires submission of a statement from the rebuilder, in the form designated by the Secretary of State, affirming that the supporting documentation and application contents are complete, true, and correct. Form SOS DOP 246 is that designated form.
The statute also requires the applicant to affirm that the completed vehicle meets all safety requirements, that identification numbers have not been altered, that the salvage certificate is genuine, and that all information provided is accurate.
How to Complete Form SOS DOP 246?
The form is straightforward but must be filled out accurately. Incomplete or incorrect information can delay or result in rejection of the rebuilt title application.
Vehicle Information section:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Rebuilder’s Information section:
- UDL / Rebuilder’s license number
- Name
- Address
- City, State, ZIP Code
- Signature
Applicant’s Information section:
- Name
- Address
- City, State, ZIP Code
- Signature and date
Both the rebuilder and the applicant must sign the form. The affirmation language on the form confirms the contractual relationship and the accuracy of the enclosed supporting documents.
Print the form clearly, preferably in blue or black ink if completing by hand. Keep a copy for your records before submitting the original with the title application package.
Related Documents Needed for a Rebuilt Title in Illinois
Form SOS DOP 246 is only one part of a complete rebuilt title application. According to the current Illinois Secretary of State Rebuilt Vehicle Titles Fact Sheet (VSD 975, revised December 2025), the following documents are typically required:
- Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) — marked for “Title Only.”
- Salvage Contract (SOS DOP 246) — only if the applicant is not a licensed rebuilder.
- Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate (RT 11) — signed and dated by the rebuilder. If essential parts were replaced, legible copies of receipts or invoices must be attached. If no essential parts were replaced, Box B must be checked.
- IDOT Vehicle Inspection Report — completed electronically or written in blue ink only, no more than six months old, and signed by the inspector(s). Off-road vehicles are exempt.
- Secretary of State Police inspection — required for vehicles that are eight model years old or newer (unless the vehicle was salvaged solely due to flood damage and the flood brand is verifiable).
- Appropriately assigned Salvage Certificate — or a bill of sale if the vehicle comes from a state that does not issue salvage titles. Bonded title procedures may apply in some out-of-state cases.
- Sales tax form and payment — RUT-50 (private party or auction) or RUT-25 (out-of-state dealer), payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue (dealers are generally exempt).
- Title fee — payable to the Secretary of State (current original title fee is $165).
Junked vehicles cannot be rebuilt. Once a vehicle has been issued a junking certificate, it may only be used for parts.
Where and How to Submit the Application?
Applications for rebuilt salvage titles cannot be processed at local Driver Services facilities. All documents must be mailed to:
Secretary of State
ATTN: Rebuilts
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
For questions regarding rebuilt salvage titles, contact the Illinois Secretary of State at [email protected] or call 217-785-4737.
Include a check or money order for the title fee payable to the Secretary of State. Sales tax is paid separately to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Salvaged vehicles may not be driven on public roads until a rebuilt title is issued. Temporary permits may be obtained solely for travel to and from inspection stations.
Additional Important Notes for Illinois Vehicle Owners
The rebuilt title process exists to protect public safety and to prevent the use of stolen or improperly documented parts. Vehicles that receive a rebuilt title in Illinois will carry a permanent “rebuilt” brand on the title, which can affect resale value and insurance options.
Always verify that the rebuilder you contract with holds a current, valid Illinois rebuilder license. You can confirm licensing status through the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department.
For the most current forms, fact sheets, and instructions, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website:
- Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Rebuilt Vehicle Titles Fact Sheet (VSD 975)
- Illinois Secretary of State Home Page
Requirements and fees can change. Always refer to the latest official publications from the Illinois Secretary of State before submitting an application.
Summary
Illinois Secretary of State Form SOS DOP 246 — Salvage Contract/Affirmation is a critical document for non-rebuilder applicants seeking a rebuilt title on a salvage vehicle. It formalizes the contractual relationship with a licensed rebuilder and supports the statutory affirmation required under 625 ILCS 5/3-304.
Download the form, complete it accurately with the licensed rebuilder, gather all required supporting documents (including RT 11, inspection reports, and the salvage certificate), and mail the complete package to the Springfield Rebuilts unit. Following the official process helps ensure a smoother path to returning a repaired vehicle to Illinois roads.
For personalized assistance, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department directly using the phone number or email listed above.