Illinois VSD 875: Retired Law Enforcement Plates Affirmation – Form VSD 875 is the official Affirmation for Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. This one-page document allows eligible retired law enforcement officers to certify their status so they can obtain special recognition license plates. The form supports the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship and Training Fund, which provides scholarships, youth and senior programs, and law enforcement training across the state.
You can download the current Form VSD 875 directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form VSD 875 (PDF).
Eligibility for Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates
Only residents of Illinois who meet the definition of a retired law enforcement officer may apply. Under 720 ILCS 5/2-13, a “peace officer” includes any person vested by law with the duty to maintain public order or make arrests, or any person granted similar powers by statute. Federal law enforcement officers defined in 745 ILCS 22/5 are also eligible. Examples include officers from the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, ATF, IRS, and other listed federal agencies.
Applicants must complete Form VSD 875 and certify that they are retired. Making a material false statement is a violation of 625 ILCS 5/4-105.
Required Supporting Documents for Form VSD 875
Along with the completed affirmation, you must submit one of the following:
- A copy of your retired ID card issued by your former agency, or
- A letter from your retirement system affirming your retired status, or
- A letter from your former agency affirming your retired status.
You will also need to list your former agency and provide a contact name and phone number for verification.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 875?
Fill out the form completely, including your printed name, address, city/state/ZIP, and signature. The affirmation states: “I hereby affirm that I am eligible to receive Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates.”
Submit the completed Form VSD 875 and supporting documents first to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association for review and approval:
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
401 E. Washington St.
Springfield, IL 62701
After approval by an authorized representative of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, the form and applicable fees and registration paperwork are processed by the Illinois Secretary of State Special Plates Division:
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Room 520
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-524-1345
Registration application forms are available at most Secretary of State facilities, by mail, online at ilsos.gov, or by calling 800-252-8980.
Fees for Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates
In addition to standard registration fees, a $25 specialty plate fee applies. Of the original-issuance $25 fee, $10 goes to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship and Training Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. On renewal, $23 supports the fund and $2 covers administrative costs (per 625 ILCS 5/3-699.11).
Standard (Random-Number) Plates – Passenger Vehicles / SUVs / Trucks ≤ 8,000 lbs:
- Newly acquired / first-time issuance: $341
- Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $176
- Annual renewal: $176
Vanity Plates:
- Newly acquired / first-time: $435
- Currently titled / first-time: $270
- Annual renewal: $189
Personalized Plates:
- Newly acquired / first-time: $388
- Currently titled / first-time: $223
- Annual renewal: $183
Motorcycle and autocycle plates are also available at lower registration rates (plus the $25 specialty fee). An additional $30 fee applies for display on an autocycle. Electric vehicles carry an extra $100 registration fee. Exact amounts can change; always confirm current fees on the official Illinois Secretary of State Retired Law Enforcement License Plates page.
Purpose and Benefits of the Specialty Plates
Purchasing these plates helps fund the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship and Training Fund. The fund supports competitive scholarships for the Illinois Teen Institute or accredited colleges and universities, programs that benefit seniors and teens, and law enforcement training throughout Illinois.
Vehicle Eligibility and Availability
These plates may be displayed on:
- Passenger vehicles of the first division
- Motorcycles and autocycles
- Motor vehicles of the second division weighing 8,000 pounds or less (trucks, vans, SUVs)
Plates follow the staggered annual renewal system and are eligible for the Benefit Access Program. Design and color are determined by the Secretary of State. Vanity and personalized options are available under Section 3-405.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
How to Apply for the License Plates?
1. Download and complete Form VSD 875.
2. Attach one of the required proof-of-retirement documents.
3. Mail the package to the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association for approval.
4. Once approved, submit the form with the appropriate registration application, title (if needed), and fees to the Secretary of State Special Plates Division or process at a local facility.
Full details and the latest fee schedule are maintained on the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
Renewal of Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates
Renew online, by mail, by touch-tone phone, or in person at any Secretary of State facility. The $25 specialty fee continues to apply at each renewal. Keep your registration current to remain eligible for the special plates.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
Official plate information and forms: Illinois Retired Law Enforcement License Plates Guide
Form download: Form VSD 875 PDF
Illinois Secretary of State main site: ilsos.gov
Special Plates Division phone: 217-524-1345
General vehicle services: 800-252-8980
This guide is based on current official Illinois Secretary of State publications and Illinois Compiled Statutes (625 ILCS 5/3-699.11). Always verify the latest requirements and fees directly with the Illinois Secretary of State before submitting an application.