Illinois VSD 980: Transfer Plates to Spouse or Child – Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 980 is the official “Request for Transfer of Vehicle Registration License Plates To Spouse or Child.” This form allows a vehicle owner (the transferor) to release all interest in their current Illinois license plates to a spouse or child (the transferee). It is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department and supports reassignment of plates under Illinois law.
In Illinois, license plates belong to the registered owner, not the vehicle. Form VSD 980 specifically authorizes transfers limited to a spouse or child and is the document referenced in state statute for fee waivers on such reassignments. The current version of the form is dated March 2026 (VSD 980.1 ADA).
You can download the official form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Illinois Form VSD 980 (PDF).
Who Can Use Form VSD 980?
Form VSD 980 may only be used when the plates are transferred to a spouse or a child of the current registered owner. The form requires the transferor to state the relationship clearly (“The transferee is my/our ____________________________”). Transfers to other relatives, friends, or unrelated parties are not permitted under this form.
Both the transferor and transferee must sign and date the form under penalty of perjury, affirming that the information provided is correct. Specialty or personalized plates can also be transferred using this form when the relationship qualifies.
Key Benefits: Fee Waivers for Spouse or Child Transfers
Under 625 ILCS 5/3-421 of the Illinois Vehicle Code:
- When plates are reassigned to a spouse, the Secretary of State waives any transfer fee or vanity/personalized registration plate fee upon both spouses signing a form authorizing the reassignment (Form VSD 980 serves this purpose).
- When plates are reassigned to a child, the Secretary of State also waives any transfer fee or vanity/personalized registration plate fee.
Standard plate transfers (to another vehicle you own) normally require a $25 transfer fee via Form VSD 190. Using VSD 980 for a qualifying spouse or child transfer eliminates that cost and any related vanity or personalized plate fees, making it a valuable option for families in Illinois.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form VSD 980
The form is straightforward and fillable. Complete all sections accurately:
- State the relationship of the transferee (spouse or child).
- Enter the Plate Number and Specialty Plates Category (if applicable).
- Provide details for the vehicle to which the plates are currently registered: Make, Model, Year, and VIN.
- List the full name and address of the person receiving the plates (transferee).
- Provide details for the vehicle to which the plates are being transferred: Make, Model, Year, and VIN.
- Both transferor and transferee print their names, sign, and date the form under the perjury affirmation.
Mailing address printed on the form: Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 541, Springfield, IL 62756. Official site: ilsos.gov.
How to Submit Form VSD 980 and Complete the Plate Transfer?
Form VSD 980 is typically submitted together with the primary Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190). According to the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Complete and print Form VSD 190 (available through the Electronic Registration and Title system or at a facility). Transfer-only transactions cannot be fully completed online.
- Include the most recent vehicle registration identification card for the plates being transferred.
- Attach the completed and signed VSD 980 to document the spouse or child release of interest and claim the fee waiver.
- Provide proof of insurance for the vehicle receiving the plates and any other required documents (such as title information if a simultaneous title transaction is involved).
Submit the package in person at an Illinois Secretary of State facility or by mail to the Vehicle Services Department address on the form. Use the official facility finder on ilsos.gov to locate the nearest office. For general vehicle services questions, call 800-252-8980 (Illinois only) or 217-785-3000.
Official guidance on transferring plates is available at: Illinois SOS Transferring Plates page.
Important Illinois License Plate Transfer Rules
Illinois law treats license plates as belonging to the owner rather than the vehicle. You generally cannot transfer plates when selling a vehicle to a third party. Plates may be moved to another vehicle that the owner (or, with VSD 980, the qualifying spouse or child) is registering in their name.
Additional points to remember:
- The standard transfer-only fee is $25 when VSD 980 does not apply.
- Title and transfer combined typically costs more (title fee plus transfer fee).
- If the previous registration listed multiple owners and the new registration will list fewer, an Affirmation of Correction (VSD 393) may also be required.
- Always ensure the new vehicle meets Illinois mandatory insurance requirements before operating it with the transferred plates.
For the most current procedures and fees, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services resources at ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles.
Download the Official Form VSD 980
Download the current official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Print the form, complete it carefully, and retain a copy for your records. Forms on the SOS website are designed as fillable PDFs; download and open them with a compatible PDF reader for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer plates to a stepchild or in-law using VSD 980?
No. The form and statute limit transfers under this process to a spouse or child.
Does VSD 980 transfer the vehicle title as well?
No. VSD 980 addresses only the registration plates. Title transfers require separate documentation and Form VSD 190 (plus any applicable tax forms such as RUT-50).
Is there a fee when using VSD 980 for a spouse or child?
The transfer fee and any vanity/personalized plate fees are waived under 625 ILCS 5/3-421 when the form is properly completed and submitted for a qualifying transfer.
Where do I submit the completed form?
In person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail to the Vehicle Services Department address shown on the form (501 S. Second St., Rm. 541, Springfield, IL 62756).
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State
For questions about Form VSD 980 or plate transfers:
- Toll-free (Illinois only): 800-252-8980
- Springfield Vehicle Services: 217-785-3000
- Official website: www.ilsos.gov
- Vehicle Services main page: ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles
Always verify the latest requirements and forms on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as procedures and fees can be updated. This guide is based on the official Form VSD 980 (March 2026), the Illinois Vehicle Code, and published Secretary of State guidance for U.S. residents handling Illinois vehicle registrations.