Illinois VSD 697 Form: Permanently Mounted Equipment Plates – Vehicle owners in Illinois who operate trucks or similar vehicles equipped with permanently mounted equipment can qualify for special “PM” license plates and reduced registration fees. The official form required for this registration is the Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 697, titled “Affirmation Statement for Permanently Mounted License Plates.” This article explains what the form is, who needs it, eligibility rules under Illinois law, required documentation, fees, and how to submit it correctly.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 697?
Form VSD 697 is an official affirmation issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Commercial & Farm Truck Division. By signing the form, the vehicle owner or authorized representative affirms that the described vehicle meets the strict requirements of the Illinois Vehicle Code, specifically 625 ILCS 5/3-812 (Vehicles with Permanently Mounted Equipment – Registration Fee).
The form is used to obtain or maintain Permanently Mounted (PM) license plates. These plates are intended for vehicles that carry specialized equipment fixed to the vehicle and are not used for general hauling or for-hire transportation.
You can download the current official PDF version of Form VSD 697 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois Form VSD 697 (PDF)
Who Needs Form VSD 697?
Any Illinois resident or business that wants to register a vehicle under the permanently mounted equipment provisions of Section 3-812 must complete and submit Form VSD 697. Typical users include:
- Owners of well-drilling rigs
- Vehicles with permanently mounted drilling, digging, or mining equipment
- Specialized construction or industrial vehicles with fixed machinery
- Other second-division vehicles whose primary purpose is transporting permanently affixed equipment and related tools
The form is not for ordinary passenger vehicles or trucks used for general cargo hauling.
Eligibility Requirements Under Illinois Law
To qualify for PM plates and the associated fee schedule, the vehicle must meet all of the following conditions stated on Form VSD 697 and in 625 ILCS 5/3-812:
- The equipment is permanently mounted (bolted, welded, screwed, or otherwise affixed so that tools are required to remove it).
- The vehicle is used exclusively by the owner to transport the permanently mounted equipment plus tools and equipment used incidentally in the work performed by that equipment.
- The vehicle is not for hire.
- The vehicle is not operated more than 50% of the registration year.
- The vehicle is not used to haul cargo or supplies (cargo and supplies are defined as any commodity not directly related to the mechanical operation of the permanently mounted equipment).
Transporting the vehicle to a job site to complete a specific task is generally not considered a “for-hire” movement under the statute.
Vehicles that fail to maintain compliance risk suspension of the registration plates.
Required Information and Supporting Documents
When completing Form VSD 697, you must provide:
- Applicant or business name and complete Illinois address
- Vehicle year, make, body style, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Axle spread
- Description of any storage features (tool boxes, open storage space, flat bed space, tanks, bins, etc.) with additional details if applicable
- Contact person’s name and daytime phone number(s)
- Authorized signature, title, and date
Mandatory attachments include:
- Four clear photographs of the vehicle (front, rear, and both sides)
- Gross vehicle weight information (usually shown on the registration application)
- Axle spread details
Incomplete submissions or missing photos will delay processing or result in denial.
Registration Fees for Permanently Mounted Equipment Plates
Fees are based solely on the gross weight of the vehicle plus the permanently mounted equipment. According to 625 ILCS 5/3-812, the annual fees are:
| Gross Weight (lbs) Including Vehicle and Equipment | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 10,000 lbs and less | $45 |
| 10,001 – 20,000 lbs | $90 |
| 20,001 – 30,000 lbs | $135 |
| 30,001 – 40,000 lbs | $180 |
| 40,001 – 50,000 lbs | $225 |
| 50,001 – 60,000 lbs | $270 |
| 60,001 – 70,000 lbs | $315 |
| 70,001 – 73,280 lbs | $340 |
| 73,281 – 80,000 lbs | $385 |
These fees are not prorated in the same manner as many other Illinois plate categories. Confirm the exact amount with the Commercial & Farm Truck Division when applying, as additional taxes or requirements (such as Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 for higher weights) may apply.
How to Submit Form VSD 697?
Mail the completed and signed Form VSD 697 along with all required photos and supporting documents to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Commercial & Farm Truck Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 300
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-1800
Website: ilsos.gov
It is recommended to keep copies of everything you submit. Processing times vary; contact the division directly for status updates.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Form VSD 697 clearly states that vehicles not in compliance are subject to suspension of registration plates. Operating outside the affirmed restrictions (for example, hauling unrelated cargo or operating the vehicle more than 50% of the year) can lead to plate suspension, fines, or the requirement to re-register under a higher-fee category such as flat-weight or apportioned plates.
Additional Resources from the Illinois Secretary of State
- Commercial and Farm Trucks page
- Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Official statute: 625 ILCS 5/3-812
Always download the most recent version of Form VSD 697 from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you are using the current edition (the version referenced here is VSD 697.3, June 2024).
For personalized assistance, contact the Commercial & Farm Truck Division at 217-785-1800. Proper completion of Form VSD 697 helps Illinois vehicle owners obtain the correct, cost-effective registration for specialized equipment vehicles while remaining fully compliant with state law.