Illinois Police K9 Memorial License Plate Form

Illinois Police K9 Memorial License Plate Form

Illinois residents can now apply for the new K9 Memorial License Plate, supporting a first of its kind program to help cover veterinary expenses for retired police dogs across the state.

The specialty plate funds the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, created under House Bill 3140.

The program will provide up to $1,500 annually to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for eligible veterinary expenses. To qualify, a K9 must have served at least five years, or at least three years if injured in the line of duty.

The program is fully funded through the sale of the K9 Memorial License Plate, ensuring no cost to taxpayers. To guarantee long term sustainability, it will only be launched once a minimum of 2,000 license plate applications are received by January 2028.