Illinois SOS VSD 843: Special Constructed Vehicle Form – If you have built or are building a special constructed vehicle, motorcycle, custom vehicle, kit car, or street rod in Illinois, Form VSD 843 is a required document for titling and registration. Issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, this Statement of Construction provides official details about how the vehicle was assembled and the origin of its major components. This guide explains everything U.S. vehicle owners and builders need to know about Form VSD 843, based on current Illinois Secretary of State publications and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Official download: Download Illinois Form VSD 843 (PDF) from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 843?
Form VSD 843 is the official “Statement of Construction — Special Constructed Vehicle/Motorcycle, Custom Vehicle, Kit Car or Street Rod.” It serves as a sworn statement from the builder detailing the major components used to construct the vehicle. The form captures information about the body/cab, frame/chassis, engine, and transmission, including year, make, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and serial numbers where applicable.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, this form is submitted along with other required documentation when applying for a certificate of title and registration for vehicles that do not fit standard factory production categories. It helps the state verify ownership of parts, prevent the use of stolen components, and ensure the vehicle can be properly identified on the title.
Related official publications include:
- VSD 842 – Special Constructed Vehicle Fact Sheet
- VSD 840 – Equipment Requirements for Specially Constructed Vehicles, Custom Vehicles, Kit Cars and Glider Kits
- VSD 841 – Special Constructed Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Who Needs to Submit Form VSD 843?
You generally need Form VSD 843 if your vehicle falls under one of these Illinois definitions:
- Specially Constructed Vehicle — A vehicle materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential/major component parts (chassis, frame, cab, body, engine, transmission, etc.), or one not originally built under a distinctive name by a recognized manufacturer.
- Custom Vehicle — Typically a vehicle built to resemble a 1949 or newer model year.
- Street Rod — A vehicle built to resemble a 1948 or older model year.
- Kit Car — A vehicle assembled primarily from a kit, often with a new body or frame from a kit manufacturer.
- Special Constructed Motorcycle — Motorcycles meeting the same alteration or assembly criteria.
These requirements are set out in the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) and Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1010. Builders, hobbyists, and owners seeking Illinois title and registration for such vehicles must provide the Statement of Construction.
How to Complete Illinois Form VSD 843?
The form is straightforward. Fill it out accurately and completely. Key sections include:
- Builder’s Name and Address — Enter the full legal name and current address of the person who constructed the vehicle.
- Body/Cab Information — List the Vehicle Identification Number, year, make, and model of the vehicle from which the body or cab was taken (or the kit manufacturer details if applicable).
- Frame/Chassis Information — Provide the same details (VIN, year, make, model) for the frame or chassis source.
- Transmission and Engine Details — Record the year, make, model, VIN (if available), and serial numbers for both the transmission and engine.
- Comments — Use this space to explain any special construction notes (for example, if the frame came from a kit or if multiple sources were used).
- Signature, Date, and Phone Number — Sign and date the form and include a daytime phone number.
Print the form clearly or complete it digitally if using a fillable PDF. Always use the official version from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Download the current Form VSD 843 here.
Required Supporting Documents
Form VSD 843 alone is not enough. The Illinois Secretary of State requires additional documentation for title and registration of specially constructed, custom, kit, or street rod vehicles. Typical requirements include:
- Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190).
- Proof of ownership for the chassis/frame (Certificate of Title, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, or bonded title application if needed).
- Proof of ownership or bills of sale for the body/cab, engine, transmission, and other essential parts. Bills of sale should include year, make, and VIN where available. An affirmation statement may be accepted in some cases if the applicant previously owned the materials.
- Four color photographs of the completed vehicle (front, rear, and both sides). The vehicle must be painted and all electrical equipment functional before inspection.
- Applicable title and registration fees payable to the Secretary of State (commonly referenced amounts for the specially constructed process are $150 for title only or $251 for title and registration; confirm current fees with the SOS).
- Illinois sales tax or vehicle use tax documentation as required by the Illinois Department of Revenue (contact 800-732-8866).
If ownership documents for major components cannot be provided, a surety bond process may apply. This requires an appraisal of wholesale value from a licensed dealer and a bond equal to 1½ times the appraised value, along with evidence of the right to title.
Official guidance is available on the Special Constructed Vehicle Fact Sheet (VSD 842) and the Custom Vehicles and Street Rods page.
Submission Process and Inspection
Mail or deliver the completed Form VSD 843 together with all supporting documents and fees to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Constructed Vehicle
501 S. Second St., Rm. 698
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-558-2406 or 217-558-4762
For custom vehicle or street rod applications, materials may be directed to the same address with attention to Custom Vehicle / Street Rod.
After the documentation is reviewed and approved, the Illinois Secretary of State Police will contact you to schedule a physical inspection. The inspection verifies that safety equipment is present and operational and checks for stolen parts. The vehicle must meet Illinois Vehicle Code equipment standards (detailed in VSD 840 and VSD 841).
Upon successful inspection, paperwork is forwarded for title and registration processing. Allow four to six weeks after inspection for issuance of the certificate of title.
Inquiries about inspections can be directed to the Illinois Secretary of State Police, Specially Constructed Vehicle Program, 110 E. Adams Street, Springfield, IL 62701 (phone 217-782-7126).
Key Equipment Requirements
Specially constructed vehicles, custom vehicles, kit cars, and street rods must comply with Illinois safety and equipment laws before they can pass inspection and be registered. Core requirements (summarized from official publications) include properly functioning headlights, taillights, stop lights, turn signals, brakes, mirrors, horn, muffler, windshield, tires, seat belts, bumpers, and license plate brackets. Suspension height limits and other structural rules also apply. Motorcycles have additional specific standards listed in VSD 841.
Review the full lists in VSD 840 and VSD 841 before scheduling an inspection.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Download and use only the official Form VSD 843 from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Keep detailed records and receipts for every major part purchased or sourced.
- Photograph the vehicle thoroughly from the required angles once it is complete and painted.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Revenue early regarding any tax obligations on component parts.
- If ownership documents are incomplete, begin the bonded title process promptly rather than waiting until submission.
- Ensure the vehicle is fully roadworthy and meets all equipment standards before the inspection appointment.
- Include a daytime phone number on all forms so the Secretary of State Police can reach you for scheduling.
Additional Resources from the Illinois Secretary of State
- Illinois Secretary of State Official Website
- Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Custom Vehicles and Street Rods Information
- Illinois Vehicle Code Section 3-406 and Administrative Code Title 92, Sections 1010.180 and 1010.185
For the most current forms, fees, and procedures, always verify information directly with the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, as requirements can be updated.
Conclusion
Illinois Form VSD 843 is an essential step for anyone titling a special constructed vehicle, motorcycle, custom vehicle, kit car, or street rod. By accurately completing the Statement of Construction and gathering the required ownership documents, photographs, and fees, builders can move efficiently through the review and inspection process. Download the official form, follow the documentation checklist in the Special Constructed Vehicle Fact Sheet, and contact the Vehicle Services Department with any questions. Proper preparation helps ensure your unique vehicle receives a valid Illinois title and registration so it can be driven legally on public roads.
Download Form VSD 843 now: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd843.pdf