Illinois SOS Form VSD 106: Certificate of Purchase Guide – The Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 106, officially titled the Certificate of Purchase, is a critical document used to transfer ownership of abandoned, lost, stolen, or unclaimed vehicles under Illinois law. This form is issued by law enforcement agencies or authorized towing firms after a public sale and serves as proof of purchase for the highest bidder. It is not an Illinois Certificate of Title but enables the purchaser to apply for a salvage certificate or junking certificate through the Secretary of State.
This guide explains everything U.S. residents, especially those in Illinois, need to know about Form VSD 106, including its purpose, legal basis, how to complete it, and the next steps after obtaining it. All information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 106?
Form VSD 106 is the official Certificate of Purchase used exclusively within the State of Illinois. It documents the transfer of ownership for vehicles that have been abandoned, lost, stolen, or remain unclaimed after proper notice has been given to the registered owner and any lienholders.
Key points from the form itself:
- It must be completed in full.
- It is valid only for use inside Illinois.
- It is not a substitute for an Illinois Certificate of Title.
- With the proper application, the Secretary of State will issue a Junking Certificate or Salvage Certificate based on this form.
The current version of the form is available for free download from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
Download the official Form VSD 106 here: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd106.pdf
Legal Authority for Form VSD 106
Form VSD 106 operates under specific sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/):
- 625 ILCS 5/3-117.1 — Covers when junking certificates or salvage certificates must be obtained. Vehicles acquired through a Certificate of Purchase at public auction are deemed salvage or junk at the purchaser’s option.
- 625 ILCS 5/4-208 — Governs the disposal of unclaimed vehicles. After required notice periods (typically 18 days in cities over 500,000 population or 30 days elsewhere for vehicles 7 years old or newer), the vehicle may be sold at public auction.
After the sale, the law enforcement agency or authorized towing firm issues the Certificate of Purchase to the highest bidder. The purchaser then has 20 days to submit the form, along with the proper application and fee, to the Illinois Secretary of State to receive a salvage or junking certificate free of any prior liens.
When Is Form VSD 106 Used?
Form VSD 106 is used in these common situations:
- Public auction of an abandoned vehicle that remains unclaimed after statutory notice periods.
- Sale of a lost, stolen, or unclaimed vehicle by a police agency or authorized towing company.
- Acquisition of a vehicle under mechanic’s lien or other statutory dispositions that result in a public sale.
It is primarily completed by police agencies or licensed towing firms. Private individuals generally receive the completed form as proof of their winning bid at the auction.
How to Complete Illinois Form VSD 106?
The form requires the following information (all fields must be filled accurately):
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle make, year, model, body type, and color
- License plate number, year of expiration, and state (if applicable)
- Towed from / towed to locations and authorization details
- Date the vehicle was towed and dates letters were sent to the owner/lienholder
- Name and address of the purchaser (highest bidder)
- Date of the public sale
- Financial details: total purchase price, towing charges, storage charges (or indication that the vehicle was not towed/stored), expenses of sale, total cost of sale, and net proceeds
- Certification that net proceeds were paid to the appropriate municipal or county treasury
- Name of the police agency or towing firm, address, and authorized signature with title
If completed by a towing firm, the towing truck’s license plate number must also be included.
Always download the latest version directly from the Illinois Secretary of State to ensure you have the current ADA-compliant form (most recent printing noted as March 2026 — VSD 106.12 ADA).
Next Steps After Receiving Form VSD 106
Once you have a completed Certificate of Purchase:
- Decide whether you want a salvage certificate (for vehicles you plan to rebuild) or a junking certificate (for scrap or parts only).
- Within 20 days of acquisition, submit the following to the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Completed Form VSD 106
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) or the appropriate salvage/junking application
- Applicable fee (salvage certificates currently carry a fee; junking certificates are typically free)
- Any additional required documentation, such as law enforcement certification of the public sale
- Mail or deliver the packet to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Titles Division – VIA
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-558-4762
The Secretary of State will then issue the salvage or junking certificate in the purchaser’s name, free and clear of prior liens.
Important Notes for Purchasers
- Form VSD 106 does not allow the vehicle to be driven on public roads until a proper title or registration is obtained (and only if a salvage certificate is converted later).
- Buyers are typically limited to licensed automotive parts recyclers, rebuilders, scrap processors, or the original towing operator in many cases.
- Keep copies of all documents for your records.
- Contact your local law enforcement agency or the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department if you have questions about a specific auction or form.
Where to Find Official Forms and Additional Resources?
All current Illinois vehicle title and registration forms are available on the official Illinois Secretary of State website:
- Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Direct PDF Download of Form VSD 106
- Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) available through the Illinois General Assembly website
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources rather than third-party form sites.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 106 — Certificate of Purchase plays a vital role in the legal transfer of ownership for abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. By following the statutory process outlined in the Illinois Vehicle Code and submitting the completed form promptly, purchasers can obtain a salvage or junking certificate free of prior liens. Download the official form today from the Illinois Secretary of State website and ensure full compliance with state requirements.
If you need assistance with a specific situation, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department at 217-558-4762 or visit a local SOS facility.