Section 1010.455  Collectible License Plates

a)         For purposes of this Section, the following definition shall apply:

            "Collectible Plates" – license plates issued for commemorative purposes which cannot be displayed on a motor vehicle.  This type of plate is solely for use as a collectible item.

b)         Written requests may be directed to the Plate Control Division of the Department to apply for approval of Collectible plates.  Requests shall be submitted at least ninety (90) days before the plates are needed by the applicant.

c)         A preliminary illustration of the design for the Collectible plate shall be submitted with the letter of request.  The design for the plate shall meet the following criteria:

1)         the design is such that it will not, in the opinion of the Department, be confused with or interpreted as a valid Illinois license plate as outlined below;

2)         the phrase "LAND OF LINCOLN" does not appear in the plate design;

3)         the word "COLLECTIBLE" appears in the design;

4)         number and letters are not embossed as part of the plate design and the plates are not sequentially numbered; and

5)         the plate design is, in the opinion of the Department, in good taste and exhibits decency.

d)         Designs for requested Collectible plates shall meet the criteria described in (c) above to be approved.  In addition, the Director of Vehicles Services may, from time to time, set limits upon the total number of Collectible plates that may be issued in a single calendar year.  Such limitations shall be grounded on the manufacturing capacity of the Secretary of State's license plate contractor.

e)         Final artwork shall be provided within a reasonable time for Collectible plates approved by the Director of Vehicle Services, preferably in camera-ready form.  The Department shall have the right to use any plate designs or pictures of finished plates without prior notice for any purpose related to the administration of the Collectible plate program, including but not limited to the promotion of the program by the Department.

f)         The amount of charges for the manufacture of Collectible plates is determined by the license plate contractor.  The organization shall be responsible for the payment of manufacturing and, if necessary, shipping charges.  Billing and payment for the plates is directly between the license plate contractor and the organization.

(Source:  Added at 13 Ill. Reg. 5173, effective April 1, 1989)