Illinois VSD 838 Form: Chicago Police Memorial Plates

Illinois VSD 838 Form: Chicago Police Memorial Plates – Illinois residents who want to display special Chicago Police Memorial Foundation license plates must first complete Form VSD 838. This official affirmation from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department certifies eligibility and is required before the plates can be issued. The form helps support a vital nonprofit that honors fallen Chicago police officers and assists their families.

This guide explains what Form VSD 838 is, who qualifies, how to download and submit it, current fees, and the full application process. All information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation sources.

What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 838?

Form VSD 838 is the official “Affirmation for Chicago Police Memorial Foundation License Plates.” It is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Special Plates Division.

Applicants use the form to certify that they meet one of the specific eligibility categories and that they are donors to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. The completed and signed form must be approved by the Foundation before the Secretary of State will issue the specialty plates.

The current version of the form (VSD 838.4) was printed in August 2022 and remains the active version used by the Secretary of State.

Download Form VSD 838 (PDF): https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd838.pdf

Purpose of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation License Plates

Purchasing these specialty plates supports the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring Chicago police officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Funds help maintain the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park on Chicago’s lakefront, hold annual memorial events, provide scholarships to children of fallen or injured officers, offer financial assistance to officers and families, and cover insurance premiums for terminally ill officers.

A portion of every plate fee is deposited into the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Fund created under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-697).

Who Is Eligible for Form VSD 838 and the Specialty Plates?

To qualify, an applicant must certify that he or she falls into one of the following categories and must be a donor to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation:

  • Active law enforcement officer (attach copy of active police ID)
  • Retired law enforcement officer (attach copy of retired police ID)
  • Immediate family member of an active law enforcement officer (attach copy of the officer’s ID and provide a telephone number for verification)
  • Surviving family member of a police officer killed in the line of duty
  • Established individual donor to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
  • Corporate donor to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation may require a background check at its discretion. Approval of the affirmation by an authorized Foundation representative is mandatory before the Secretary of State will process the plate application.

How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 838?

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Download the official Form VSD 838 PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website using the link above.
  2. Check the appropriate eligibility box and provide all required information (agency name, officer name, relationship, etc.).
  3. Attach any required supporting documents (police ID copies).
  4. Sign and date the affirmation section.
  5. Make a donation to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (the Foundation currently recommends a minimum $50 donation).
  6. Submit the completed Form VSD 838 (and any background-check form requested by the Foundation) to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation for review and signature.

Foundation contact for submission:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1407 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607

Once the Foundation approves and signs the form, the applicant may proceed with the plate application through the Illinois Secretary of State.

How to Apply for the License Plates After Affirmation Approval?

After receiving the signed Form VSD 838 from the Foundation, applicants can request the plates:

  • Online through the Illinois Secretary of State Pick-a-Plate service
  • By mail to the Special Plates Division
  • In person at most Secretary of State facilities

Official application page: Illinois Chicago Police Memorial Foundation License Plates

Mailing address for Special Plates Division:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, IL 62756-5100
Phone: 217-785-8605

Current Fees for Chicago Police Memorial Foundation License Plates

Fees include the standard registration fee plus a $25 specialty plate fee. A portion of the specialty fee goes to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Fund. Additional fees apply for vanity or personalized plates, title transfers, and electric vehicles ($100 extra registration fee). Motorcycle and autocycle plates are also available (additional $30 for autocycles).

Example standard (random-number) passenger vehicle fees (subject to change; always verify on the official site):

  • Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: approximately $341
  • Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: approximately $176
  • Annual renewal: approximately $176

Exact fees depend on vehicle type, whether the plates are new or replacement, and whether vanity or personalized options are chosen. Check the current fee schedule on the official Illinois Secretary of State page.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • All applicants must be donors to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
  • The affirmation must be approved by the Foundation before the Secretary of State will issue plates.
  • Plates are available for passenger vehicles, trucks and vans 8,000 pounds or less, SUVs, motorcycles, and autocycles.
  • Renewals are staggered annually and can be completed online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
  • The form and process are intended for Illinois residents registering vehicles in the state.

Why Support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation?

Since its founding, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars in direct assistance to Chicago Police Department families. Contributions through specialty license plates help fund scholarships, financial aid, officer wellness programs, vest replacements, and the ongoing maintenance of the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park.

Learn more about the Foundation’s mission and programs at the official website: https://cpdmemorial.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download the official Form VSD 838?

Direct download from the Illinois Secretary of State: VSD 838 PDF.

Do I need to donate before submitting the form?

Yes. All applicants must be donors. The Foundation currently recommends a minimum $50 donation.

Can the Foundation require a background check?

Yes. The Foundation may request a background check at its discretion before approving the affirmation.

Are the plates available for motorcycles?

Yes. Motorcycle and autocycle versions are offered with separate fee schedules.

Where do I send the completed Form VSD 838?

First to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation for approval, then (with the signed form) to the Illinois Secretary of State Special Plates Division or through the online Pick-a-Plate system.

Official Resources and Contact Information

Always verify the most current fees, form version, and procedures directly on the official Illinois Secretary of State website (ilsos.gov) and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation website before submitting any application. Requirements and fees can change.

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