llinois Form RT DS 43 Dealer Plates Guide – Licensed vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and transporters in Illinois often need extra plates beyond their initial master set. Form RT DS 43 from the Illinois Secretary of State is the official application used to request additional sets of dealer plates, in-transit plates, and identification cards. This guide covers eligibility, fees, the plate allocation formula, how to complete the form, and submission requirements using current information from the Illinois Secretary of State.
What Is Form RT DS 43?
Form RT DS 43 is the official Illinois Secretary of State application titled “Application for Additional Sets of Dealer Plates, In-Transit Plates, Identification Card(s).” It allows currently licensed dealers and related entities to order extra plate sets and ID cards after the initial issuance that accompanies a dealer license.
The form is maintained by the Vehicle Services Department, Dealer Licensing Section. Official copies are available on the Illinois Secretary of State website under Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms.
Download the official Form RT DS 43 (PDF) from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Who Needs Form RT DS 43?
This form is intended for:
- Licensed Illinois motor vehicle dealers who need more duplicate dealer plate sets
- Entities requiring additional in-transit plates
- Dealers or manufacturers requesting extra identification cards
You must already hold a valid Illinois dealer, manufacturer, or transporter license. New dealers receive a limited number of plates with their initial license; additional plates beyond the statutory formula require this form and the higher “additional sets” fee.
Fees for Additional Plates and ID Cards
Current fees listed on Form RT DS 43 (as of the December 2022 edition still in use) are:
- Duplicate Dealer Plates — $13 per set
- Additional Sets of Duplicates (beyond the standard allocation) — $151 per set
- Additional Sets of In-Transit Plates — $13 per set
- Identification Card(s) — $3 each
Payment must be made by check, draft, or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash or stamps. Applications with incorrect fees are returned.
How Many Dealer Plates Can You Request?
Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-602) limits the number of special plates based on the number of vehicles sold in the previous calendar year. The formula printed on the reverse of Form RT DS 43 is:
- 0 sales — 0 plates
- 1–10 sales — Master set only + up to 1 additional set
- 11–25 sales — Master + limited duplicates + additional sets
- 26–100 sales — Higher allocation
- And so on, scaling up to Master + 89 / 90 additional sets for dealers with 2,501+ sales
For dealers selling more than 2,501 vehicles, additional sets are allocated at a rate of 10 sets under each fee category for every additional 500 vehicles sold. New dealers are generally limited to a smaller initial allotment (typically one master set plus a limited number of duplicates).
Applicants must state the total number of vehicles sold in the preceding year on the form. The Secretary of State uses this figure to determine the maximum plates allowed.
How to Complete Form RT DS 43?
Follow these steps for accurate completion:
- Download the current PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State site and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results (fillable fields are available).
- Type or print the firm’s legal name, business address, city, ZIP code, and county.
- Indicate the license year ending December 31 and provide any required DRS or plate numbers for office use.
- Enter the quantity requested for each category: additional in-transit plates, duplicate dealer plates, additional sets of duplicates, and identification cards.
- State the total number of vehicles sold in the preceding calendar year.
- Have an authorized owner, partner, or officer sign the form.
- Have the form notarized (signature of notary public and seal required).
Important notes from the form instructions:
- A separate application must be used for ordering duplicates under each license number.
- It takes approximately four weeks to manufacture additional plates.
- Your signature authorizes the Secretary of State to lower the check amount if you overpay on a mail-in transaction.
Where to Submit Form RT DS 43?
Mail the completed, notarized form and correct payment to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Dealer Licensing Section, Rm. 069
Springfield, IL 62756
For questions, contact the Dealer Licensing Section at 217-782-7817 or visit the official Dealers and Remitters Publications and Forms page.
Related Forms and Resources
Other useful Illinois Secretary of State dealer forms include:
- RT DS 27 — Application for In-Transit or Repossessor Plates
- RT DS 36 — Application for Replacement of Dealer, Manufacturer, In-Transit, or Repossessor License Plates
- VSD 659 — Instructions for Dealer License
Always verify the latest version and fees on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as forms and amounts can be updated.
Key Takeaways for Illinois Dealers
Form RT DS 43 is the required pathway for obtaining extra dealer plates, in-transit plates, and ID cards beyond your initial allocation. Accurate reporting of prior-year sales, correct fees, notarization, and mailing to the Dealer Licensing Section in Springfield are essential for timely processing. Using the official PDF ensures you have the current instructions and formula.
For the most reliable information, download the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State and contact the Dealer Licensing Section with any specific questions about your license.
Official download: Illinois Secretary of State Form RT DS 43 (PDF)