Illinois SOS Form VSD 683 Lease Agreement Guide – If you operate commercial motor vehicles in Illinois or across state lines under the International Registration Plan (IRP), understanding Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 683 — Lease Agreement is essential. This official form documents the lease of motor vehicle equipment between a carrier/registrant and an equipment owner for freight transportation purposes.
This guide covers what Form VSD 683 is, who needs it, how to complete it, key requirements under federal and Illinois rules, and where to download the official PDF. All information is drawn from trusted sources, including the Illinois Secretary of State and federal motor carrier regulations.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 683?
Form VSD 683 is the official Lease Agreement issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. It formalizes a written lease under which an Equipment Owner leases motor vehicle equipment to a Carrier/Registrant. The carrier then operates the equipment for loading, transporting, and unloading freight.
The form explicitly notes that a copy of the Lease Agreement and a receipt for the equipment must be carried in the vehicle, as required by 49 CFR §376 (Federal Lease and Interchange of Vehicles regulations). The original agreement stays on file at the carrier’s general office.
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois (version VSD 683.2, November 2011 and still current), the form is listed among Commercial and Farm Truck Publications and Forms on the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
Who Needs Form VSD 683?
This form is primarily used by:
- Motor carriers and registrants operating leased commercial equipment in Illinois or under IRP apportioned registration.
- Equipment owners (lessors) who provide trucks, trailers, or other motor vehicle equipment to carriers.
- Owner-operators leased to carriers for freight-hauling operations.
- Businesses involved in interstate or intrastate commercial transportation that must document control and operation of leased vehicles.
It is not a residential or consumer vehicle lease form. Illinois has a separate Motor Vehicle Leasing Act (815 ILCS 636) covering consumer leases. Form VSD 683 specifically addresses commercial equipment leases for freight purposes and supports compliance with federal leasing rules and Illinois vehicle registration requirements.
Key Sections of Form VSD 683
The form is straightforward and includes these main parts:
- Section I — Identifies the parties: Carrier/Registrant (name and address) and Equipment Owner. It states that the Equipment Owner has leased the listed motor vehicle equipment to the Carrier for freight operations.
- Section II — Confirms the original agreement is on file at the Carrier’s General Office. A copy of this form and the equipment receipt must be carried in the vehicle per 49 CFR §376. The Carrier verifies it is operating the equipment under the agreement terms.
- Section III — Equipment Owner/Equipment Information: Name, phone, dba, contact, address, FEIN, plus vehicle details (Year, Make, VIN, Unit #).
- Section IV — Duration of Lease Agreement and Termination: The lease begins on the stated date and continues until terminated by either party with notice (personally, by mail, or by fax).
- Signature Blocks — Separate areas for Motor Carrier/Registrant (including MC # and USDOT #) and Equipment Owner, with dates and signatures.
A clear note appears at the top: “This Lease Agreement should be maintained in the Equipment during the term of the Agreement.”
How to Fill Out and Use Form VSD 683?
Follow these steps for accurate completion:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Enter the full legal name and address of the Carrier/Registrant.
- Enter the full legal name of the Equipment Owner.
- Complete the Equipment Owner contact details, FEIN, and precise vehicle information (Year, Make, VIN, Unit Number). Accuracy is critical for registration and enforcement purposes.
- Indicate the lease start date. The agreement remains in effect until either party gives proper notice of termination.
- Both parties sign and date the form. The Carrier also enters its MC number and USDOT number.
- Keep the original at the Carrier’s general office. Place a copy (plus equipment receipt) in the vehicle at all times during the lease term.
The form is retained by the parties as proof of the lease arrangement. It is commonly required when registering leased vehicles under the Illinois IRP program or when demonstrating compliance during roadside inspections.
Download the Official Form VSD 683 PDF
Always use the official version directly from the Illinois Secretary of State to ensure accuracy and compliance:
Download Illinois SOS Form VSD 683 — Lease Agreement (PDF)
You can also find it listed under Commercial and Farm Truck Publications and Forms on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Forms are fillable PDFs; download them to your computer and open with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
Related Illinois and Federal Requirements
Form VSD 683 supports compliance with several overlapping rules:
- Federal Leasing Rules (49 CFR Part 376) — Requires written leases, specific terms, and that a copy of the lease be carried in the vehicle.
- International Registration Plan (IRP) — Illinois participates in IRP. Leased vehicles often require documentation of the lease relationship for apportioned registration. Related forms include the IRP Application (CFT IRP 22) and instruction manuals available on the SOS site.
- Illinois Vehicle Services — Commercial and farm truck operators may need additional forms such as distance records, IRP summaries, or mileage weight tax documents depending on operations.
- USDOT and MC Numbers — The form captures these identifiers, which are required for most interstate carriers.
For consumer (personal) vehicle leases, different rules and forms apply under Illinois law. Tax reporting for vehicle leases is handled separately through the Illinois Department of Revenue (forms such as ST-556-LSE or LSE-1 series).
Tips for Carriers and Equipment Owners in the USA
- Keep the completed form and equipment receipt inside the vehicle at all times during the lease.
- Ensure the VIN and unit number match registration and title documents exactly.
- Update the form promptly if the lease is terminated or equipment changes.
- Consult the latest IRP Instruction Manual (available on the Illinois SOS site) for leased vehicle registration procedures.
- Verify that the carrier holds proper operating authority (MC and USDOT numbers) and insurance.
- For multi-state operations, confirm that the lease meets both Illinois and federal standards to avoid citation risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form VSD 683 required for every leased truck in Illinois?
It is the standard document used to evidence commercial equipment leases for registration, IRP, and federal compliance purposes. Carriers should maintain proper written leases for all leased equipment.
Does the form need to be filed with the Secretary of State?
The form itself is primarily retained by the parties and carried in the vehicle. Supporting lease documentation may be requested during IRP applications, audits, or inspections.
Can I use a different lease form?
Federal rules (49 CFR 376) require specific lease provisions. Form VSD 683 is designed to meet Illinois SOS needs while referencing the federal requirement. Many carriers use a comprehensive master lease plus this summary form for the vehicle.
Where can I get help with commercial vehicle registration in Illinois?
Visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website or contact the Commercial and Farm Truck section for current guidance.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 683 — Lease Agreement is a practical tool for documenting commercial motor vehicle equipment leases between carriers and equipment owners. By completing it accurately, carrying a copy in the vehicle, and maintaining the original on file, operators meet key federal and state requirements for freight transportation in Illinois and beyond.
Download the official form today, complete it carefully with both parties, and keep it readily available. Staying current with Illinois SOS publications and federal leasing rules helps ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance for USA-based commercial vehicle businesses.