Illinois VSD 158: Sample License Plates Order Form – Collectors, historians, and enthusiasts across the United States often seek authentic sample Illinois license plates and registration stickers. The official way to obtain these is through Form VSD 158, the Illinois Sample License Plates and Stickers Order Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form allows individuals to purchase genuine sample plates and stickers for display or collection purposes only.
Authorized under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-619), sample plates and stickers are sold for a modest fee and come with standard messaging such as “IL 2001.” They are strictly prohibited from use on any vehicle operated on public roads.
What Is Form VSD 158?
Form VSD 158 is the official order form provided by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department, Winchester Distribution Division. It enables the public to request sample versions of Illinois license plates and registration stickers.
According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Secretary of State may issue sample registration plates and stickers to individuals for a fee of $4 each. Law enforcement agencies, authorized foreign jurisdictions, and the motion picture or television industry may receive them free of charge.
These samples are intended solely for collection or display. Affixing them to a vehicle and operating it on public roads violates Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-703).
Available Sample License Plates and Stickers
As listed on the current Form VSD 158, the following sample plates are available:
- Passenger Vehicle (2017 design)
- Passenger Vehicle (2001 design)
- B-truck (2002)
- Motorcycle (2002)
Registration stickers are also offered when available. Options typically include:
- Passenger Vehicle stickers (most marked “JAN.”) — years available generally include 1981–1984, 1986–1988, 1990–1993, 1995–2019, and 2021–2022
- Motorcycle stickers — selected years such as 1987, 1989–1993, 1995, and 1997–2000
- TA Trailer stickers — limited years including 1986–1990 and 2000
If a requested year or type is unavailable, the office may substitute a similar item. Availability can change, so checking the latest form is recommended.
How to Order Using Form VSD 158?
Ordering is straightforward and handled by mail. Follow these steps:
- Download the official Form VSD 158 PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Print the form and complete the shipping information section (name, phone, address, city, state, ZIP, and country if outside the U.S.).
- Select the desired plate type(s) and/or sticker type(s) and enter the quantity for each.
- Calculate the total at $4 per item.
- Make a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State for the full amount.
- Mail the completed form and payment to the address below.
Mailing Address:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Winchester Distribution Division
3701 Winchester Rd.
Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: 217-782-5893
The official form notes that samples are available for the listed plates and stickers “for a fee of $4 each.” Always use the most recent version of the form, which is printed by authority of the State of Illinois.
Download the Official Form VSD 158
Obtain the current fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form VSD 158 – Sample License Plates and Stickers Order Form (PDF)
Forms on the official site are PDFs with fillable fields. Download the file to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader for the best results before printing and completing it by hand if preferred.
Legal Authority and Important Restrictions
The issuance of sample plates and stickers is governed by 625 ILCS 5/3-619 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. This statute authorizes the Secretary of State to sell samples to the general public at $4 each while providing free samples to certain government and media entities.
Key restrictions include:
- Samples carry a standard message only (for example, “IL 2001”).
- They are for collection purposes exclusively.
- It is unlawful to affix sample plates or stickers to any vehicle operated on public roads.
These rules protect the integrity of actual vehicle registration and help law enforcement maintain accurate identification of vehicles on Illinois roadways.
Why Collectors Choose Official Illinois Sample Plates?
Official samples from the Illinois Secretary of State offer several advantages over unofficial reproductions:
- Authentic production by the same facilities that manufacture real plates
- Accurate colors, materials, and designs reflecting actual Illinois issues
- Clear legal status as non-registrable collectibles
- Affordable price of just $4 per item
Whether you are building a state-by-state plate collection, researching the evolution of Illinois designs, or simply want a decorative piece of “Land of Lincoln” history, Form VSD 158 provides the proper channel.
Additional Resources from the Illinois Secretary of State
For related information on Illinois license plates, visit these official pages:
- License Plates Publications and Forms – full list of plate-related forms including VSD 158
- Vehicles, Plates & Titles FAQ – answers questions about sample plates and general registration
- Illinois Secretary of State Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sample plates on my car?
No. Sample plates and stickers are for collection only and may not be affixed to any vehicle operated on public roads.
How much do sample plates cost?
Each sample plate or sticker costs $4. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State.
Are the plates the same as real issued plates?
They are produced to the same specifications but carry standard sample messaging and are not assigned registration numbers for road use.
How long does shipping take?
Processing and delivery times vary. Contact the Winchester Distribution Division at 217-782-5893 for current estimates.
Is the form available online only?
Yes. Download the PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State website, complete it, and mail it with payment.
Conclusion
Form VSD 158 remains the simple, affordable, and official method for anyone in the United States to acquire authentic Illinois sample license plates and stickers. By following the instructions on the form, mailing the correct payment, and respecting the collection-only restriction, collectors can legally own a piece of Illinois automotive history.
Download the form today from the link above, complete your order, and add genuine Illinois samples to your collection.