Illinois VSD 702 Specialty License Universal Decals – The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) issues Form VSD 702, officially titled Specialty License Universal Decals Request and Guidelines. This form allows Illinois vehicle owners and authorized organizations to request specialty universal decals that support fundraising for approved causes. These decals attach to universal special license plates and help raise funds for organizations designated by the Illinois General Assembly.
This guide provides current, official information for U.S. residents, particularly Illinois drivers, on how to use Form VSD 702, eligibility requirements, design guidelines, fees, and the application process. Always download forms and verify details directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
What Is Form VSD 702?
Form VSD 702 is the official Illinois Secretary of State document used to request specialty license universal decals. These decals are authorized by Illinois statute primarily to raise funds for specific organizations. Unlike traditional specialty plates that feature fixed designs, universal special plates include a designated space on the left side where approved organizational decals can be affixed.
According to official SOS publications, the Secretary of State’s office begins production of a new specialty decal category only after receiving 2,000 requests. A non-refundable specialty license decals fee must accompany each request. Fees are deposited into the special fund designated by statute, regardless of whether the decals are ultimately produced.
Download the official form here: Illinois SOS Form VSD 702 PDF.
Purpose of Specialty License Universal Decals
Specialty universal decals serve as a flexible fundraising tool. Authorized organizations approved by the Illinois General Assembly design and distribute the decals. Vehicle owners select an organization, purchase the decal (typically with a one-time fee not exceeding $25 charged by the organization), and place it on a universal special license plate.
Key benefits include:
- Supporting causes such as veterans’ homes, environmental initiatives (e.g., monarch habitat), autism awareness, and other legislatively approved organizations.
- Availability to the general public without specific qualifying criteria beyond Illinois vehicle registration.
- Compatibility with passenger vehicles of the first division (including motorcycles and autocycles) and second-division vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or less.
For full details on authorized organizations, refer to Illinois Vehicle Code Section 3-699.14 and related administrative rules.
Who Can Apply Using Form VSD 702?
Registered vehicle owners in Illinois can request specialty universal decals. The process involves two main parties:
- Authorized Organizations: These entities, listed in the Illinois Vehicle Code, design the decal, obtain SOS approval, purchase inventory, and distribute decals. They may charge a one-time fee of up to $25 per decal to cover manufacturing and administrative costs.
- Registered Vehicle Owners: Illinois residents who own eligible vehicles. Owners must first obtain the decal from the chosen authorized organization and present a receipt when applying for the universal special plate.
The form itself is primarily used in the request and guidelines process for new decal categories or individual applications as directed by the SOS Vehicle Services Department.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 702?
Follow these steps based on the official form instructions:
- Download the fillable PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State site: VSD 702 Specialty License Universal Decals Request and Guidelines.
- Open the form using Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results (recommended by the SOS).
- Complete the required fields:
- Name of Specialty Decal Being Requested
- Date
- Current License Plate Number and Expiration Date
- Vehicle Owner’s Name
- Full Address (City, State, ZIP)
- Daytime Phone Number (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- Signature and Amount Enclosed
- Include the non-refundable specialty license decals fee with your request.
- Mail the completed form and payment to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-782-7758
For organizations submitting design proposals, include a color sample (and preferably vector artwork) along with proof of any licensure agreements for trademarked materials.
Design Guidelines for Universal Decals
The Illinois Secretary of State provides strict guidelines for decal artwork to ensure visibility, durability, and compliance:
- Standard license plate size is 12” x 6”. Artwork area measures approximately 2⅓” wide x 3” high for standard plates and 1” wide x 1½” high for motorcycle plates.
- Artwork may use Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors, though exact matching is not guaranteed due to reflective sheeting used in plate production.
- Decals must adhere with pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds at temperatures from -10°F to 125°F and remains durable for at least five years under normal conditions.
- No additional adhesives, water, solvents, or heat techniques should be required for application.
- The SOS reserves the right to modify any decal design.
- Organizations must provide a manufacturer contract for SOS review and approval before production.
Full technical requirements appear in Title 92, Chapter II, Part 1010.459 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
Fees and Payment Information
A non-refundable specialty license decals fee must accompany each request on Form VSD 702. The exact amount depends on the specific program and statute. Authorized organizations may separately charge vehicle owners up to $25 per decal.
Fees collected support the designated special funds. Payment is typically made by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Confirm current fee amounts by contacting the Vehicle Services Department or checking the latest SOS publications, as amounts can be updated by legislation.
Related Forms and Resources
Illinois offers several related specialty plate forms:
- VSD 978 – Specialty License Plate Request
- VSD 815 – Specialty License Plates Guidelines
- Official License Plates Publications and Forms page: ilsos.gov License Plates Forms
For personalized or vanity plates, use the SOS Pick-A-Plate online tool available on the official website.
Important Tips for Successful Submission
- Always download the latest version of Form VSD 702 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current edition (the May 2023 version is widely referenced).
- Keep copies of all submitted documents and payment records.
- Processing times vary; contact the Special Plates Division if you have not received confirmation within a reasonable period.
- Decals must remain on the plate for the entire registration period. Changing organizations requires a new universal special plate application.
- Only authorized decals or registration renewal stickers may be affixed to universal special plates.
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State
For questions about Form VSD 702 or specialty plates:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-782-7758
Official website: www.ilsos.gov