The Illinois Underground Storage Tank (UST) Notification Form is the official document that tank owners use to register USTs with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which works alongside the Illinois EPA on cleanup and Leaking UST (LUST) Fund matters. Every owner of a tank that holds petroleum or a regulated hazardous substance must file this form within 30 days of installation, ownership change, status change, or permanent closure under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176.440.
Filing on time matters because the Illinois EPA’s UST Finder data shows that Illinois has tracked more than 24,000 regulated UST systems and over 23,000 confirmed releases, and a missed registration can trigger fines, loss of UST Fund eligibility, and a $5,000 deductible spike on any future cleanup claim per a3e LUST Fund guidance. This guide walks you through the form line by line so you can file with confidence.
- 📝 What every box, code, and signature line on the OSFM Notification Form means in plain English
- 💵 How much you owe in registration fees and how to pay OSFM by check, money order, or electronic payment
- ⏰ Which deadlines, statutes, and penalties apply under the Gasoline Storage Act and 41 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 174–177
- 🛠️ Three filled-out walkthroughs covering a new gas station, an ownership transfer, and a heating oil tank closure
- 🚫 The most common field-level mistakes that cause OSFM to reject your form or strip your LUST Fund eligibility
What the UST Notification Form Is and Who Must File It
The “Notification for Underground Storage Tank(s) Form” is the single intake document that the OSFM Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety uses to register tanks, log changes, and trigger inspections. The form satisfies the federal notification rule in 40 CFR Part 280 Subpart B and the Illinois implementing rules at 41 Ill. Adm. Code 174, 175, 176, and 177, which were adopted under the Gasoline Storage Act, 430 ILCS 15.
You must file if you own a tank with more than 10% of its volume underground that stores petroleum or a CERCLA hazardous substance. That includes gasoline stations, diesel fleet yards, used-oil tanks, emergency generator tanks larger than 110 gallons of heating oil for on-site consumption, and many farm and commercial tanks. Federal exemptions for septic tanks, stormwater systems, and small farm/residential motor-fuel tanks under 1,100 gallons still apply, but Illinois reads them narrowly.
The form is required at five trigger points: a brand-new install, a change in tank or facility ownership, a change in substance stored, a change in operational status (in-use, temporarily out of service, permanently closed), and any reactivation under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.810. If your tank existed on September 24, 1987 and was never registered, the OSFM late registration fee under Section 176.450 jumps from $100 to $500 per tank.
Janet, who just bought a small auto repair shop in Peoria with two 4,000-gallon gasoline USTs, must file an ownership change notification within 30 days of closing, even though the tanks themselves did not move. Marcus, who installed a 1,000-gallon diesel UST at his trucking yard, must file within 30 days of the install date stamped on the OSFM-licensed contractor’s installation oath.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before opening the form, gather every document and number below. Missing data is the single biggest reason OSFM kicks notifications back, and each round trip can cost you a week of compliance time.
- Facility ID number. Pull it from any prior OSFM correspondence; if this is a brand-new facility, leave the box blank and OSFM will assign one. A wrong ID merges your data with another site.
- Owner FEIN or SSN. OSFM cross-checks ownership against IRS records. A mismatched FEIN delays your UST Fund eligibility letter.
- Property address and PIN. The county Property Index Number ties the tank to the parcel for lien and transfer purposes.
- Tank manufacturer and model. Pulled from the manufacturer’s nameplate or the installer’s bill of materials, this proves your tank meets the UL 58, UL 1316, or STI standards required by 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.
- Date of installation. The exact MM/DD/YYYY the tank was placed in the ground; this date starts your 30-day clock.
- Substance code(s). Use the OSFM substance codes (gasoline, diesel, used oil, heating oil, hazardous substance CAS number) printed on the form’s instruction page.
- Corrosion protection method. Cathodic protection, fiberglass, composite, or internal lining — must match the installer’s certification.
- Spill, overfill, and release detection equipment. Spill bucket size, overfill alarm or ball-float type, and ATG/SIR/interstitial monitoring details.
- Financial responsibility mechanism. UST Fund participation, commercial insurance, surety bond, or self-insurance per 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176 Subpart D.
- OSFM-licensed contractor information. License number, signature, and installation oath; without this the notification is incomplete.
- Payment. $100 per tank annual registration fee for already-registered tanks, or $500 per tank for late or never-registered tanks under Section 176.450.
If any item is missing, OSFM places the notification in “deficient” status and your tank cannot legally receive product until you cure the defect.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The current Notification for Underground Storage Tank(s) Form lives on the OSFM Petroleum and Chemical Safety Applications and Forms page, which OSFM last refreshed in 2025. You can use the form three ways: fill it out online through the OSFM portal (no login required for the public version), download the PDF and complete it by hand, or have your licensed contractor submit it through the UST Portal contractor login.
The online version is the fastest path because it pre-populates your facility data, validates substance codes, and accepts electronic payment of the registration fee. The PDF version is safer if your facility ID, contractor data, or financial responsibility mechanism is unusual, because you can attach explanatory letters and exhibits the portal will not accept.
If you are filing as a property buyer doing due diligence, you should still pull the seller’s prior notifications through a FOIA request to OSFM before you close, because Section 176.440 makes the new owner liable for unregistered tanks the day after closing. A reference copy of the older paper layout is mirrored at the Warrenville municipal archive for filers who want to see the field structure before opening the live PDF.
Aisha, an environmental consultant in Naperville, prefers the online form because the portal’s auto-validation catches missing substance codes before submission. Carlos, a sole-proprietor gas station owner in East St. Louis, prefers the PDF because his bank requires a wet-ink signed copy for the loan file.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the OSFM UST Notification Form Line by Line
The form is divided into Section I (Owner Information), Section II (Facility/Site Information), Section III (Tank Information), Section IV (Description of Underground Storage Tanks), Section V (Certification of Compliance), and Section VI (Owner and Installer Signatures). Each H3 below mirrors the order on the form so you can fill it out top-to-bottom without guessing.
Section I, Box 1: Owner Name
This box asks for the legal name of the person or entity that owns the tank, not the operator and not the property owner if they differ. Enter the exact legal name as registered with the Illinois Secretary of State or the IRS — for example, Lopez Fuel Holdings, LLC — and never a “doing business as” trade name. Use ALL CAPS only if you write by hand on the PDF; the online form auto-formats.
Maria Lopez, who owns a single-station LLC, writes LOPEZ FUEL HOLDINGS, LLC on the line, even though her station’s sign reads “Lopez 66.”
The most common edge case is a tank owned by a trust or estate; in that scenario you write the trustee’s name followed by the phrase as Trustee of the [Trust Name] dated [MM/DD/YYYY]. The frequent mistake is writing the gas station brand instead of the legal entity, which causes OSFM to reject the notification because the brand has no FEIN. Many filers wrongly believe the owner is whoever pumps the gas; OSFM defines the owner as whoever holds title to the tank under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 174.200.
Section I, Box 2: Owner Mailing Address
This box collects the address where OSFM sends the registration certificate, fee invoices, and inspection notices. Use a street address whenever possible, including suite or unit number, ZIP+4, and the county name. Do not list the facility address here unless the owner truly receives mail there.
Marcus enters 4421 W INDUSTRIAL DR, SUITE B, JOLIET, IL 60435, WILL COUNTY because his trucking company headquarters is separate from the fuel yard.
A common edge case is a P.O. Box; OSFM accepts it but also requires a physical street address on a continuation line so investigators can serve compliance notices. The frequent mistake is using a property manager’s address; if the manager leaves, OSFM mail bounces and your annual fee invoice goes unpaid, which triggers a non-compliance flag. Filers often think OSFM will use the facility address by default, but the agency mails strictly to Box 2.
Section I, Box 3: Owner Type
Select the single code that describes ownership: A (Current), B (New owner – purchased), C (New owner – inherited), D (Government), or E (Other). Pick the code that reflects your status on the date you sign the form, not the date of the underlying transaction.
Janet, who bought the Peoria shop on March 14, 2026, marks B – New owner – purchased and attaches a copy of the executed deed.
The edge case appears in foreclosure or receiver scenarios; lenders generally use E – Other and attach a one-page memo explaining the receivership. The frequent mistake is leaving Box 3 blank for an ownership change, which forces OSFM to treat the filing as informational only and never updates the title chain. Many filers think Box 3 is for the operator; it is strictly for the legal owner.
Section II, Box 4: Facility Name and Site Address
This box captures the trade name and the physical location of the tank, including street, city, ZIP, county, and township. Enter the facility name customers actually see — the brand name is fine here, unlike Box 1.
Carlos enters CARLOS 24/7 FUEL, 1820 STATE ST, EAST ST LOUIS, IL 62205, ST CLAIR COUNTY, CENTREVILLE TOWNSHIP.
A common edge case is a multi-tenant truck stop where the convenience store and the fuel island have different addresses; use the address where the tank manholes physically sit. The frequent mistake is entering a mailing address with no parcel match, which prevents OSFM from cross-referencing the county PIN and delays inspection scheduling. Filers often believe a single facility name covers two adjacent parcels; OSFM treats each parcel as a separate facility.
Section II, Box 5: Facility ID Number
This is the unique number OSFM assigned the site at first registration; if you do not have one, leave the box blank. Do not invent a number, and do not reuse another facility’s ID just because it is in your file cabinet.
Aisha leaves the box blank for her client’s brand-new install and writes NEW FACILITY in the margin so the reviewer flags it for ID assignment.
The edge case is a facility that was demolished and rebuilt on the same parcel; OSFM may issue a new ID or reuse the old one depending on whether the original tanks were permanently closed under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.820. The frequent mistake is copying the LUST incident number into Box 5; the LUST number is for cleanup tracking, not registration. Filers think a new owner gets a new ID, but the ID stays with the site, not the owner.
Section III, Box 6: Number of Tanks at the Facility
Enter the total count of regulated USTs at the site, including any tank that is temporarily out of service but not yet permanently closed. Write a numeral, not a word.
Maria writes 4 because she has three gasoline tanks and one diesel tank, even though one gasoline tank is on temporary out-of-service status.
The edge case is a tank with multiple compartments; each compartment counts as a separate tank for registration and fee purposes. The frequent mistake is excluding out-of-service tanks; this understates your annual fee and triggers a back-fee assessment when OSFM audits. Many filers think only “active” tanks count, but Section 176.450 ties the fee to every registered tank until permanent closure is documented.
Section IV, Box 7: Tank ID Number
Each tank gets a unique tank ID assigned by OSFM, typically in the form 1, 2, 3, etc., that stays with the physical tank for life. If the tank is new, leave the ID blank and let OSFM assign it; if you are amending an existing record, use the exact ID from your last registration certificate.
Carlos writes 1, 2, 3 across three rows for his three existing tanks and copies each ID from his most recent OSFM annual invoice.
The edge case is a tank that was swapped in place — same hole, new tank — which gets a new tank ID even though the facility ID stays. The frequent mistake is renumbering tanks year to year; OSFM relies on stable IDs to track release history, and renumbering can erase a tank’s compliance trail. Filers think the ID is just internal paperwork, but it is the legal identifier OSFM uses on every enforcement action.
Section IV, Box 8: Date of Installation
Enter the exact MM/DD/YYYY the tank was first placed in the ground; this date controls upgrade deadlines, corrosion protection requirements, and your 30-day notification clock under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176.440.
Marcus enters 04/22/2026 because his contractor’s installation oath shows the tank was set on that date.
The edge case is a tank installed before 1974, when records are spotty; write PRE-1974 and attach any available documentation. The frequent mistake is using the date the tank was delivered to the site rather than the date it was set; the set date is what OSFM uses. Filers often believe the install date can be approximate; OSFM treats any date that conflicts with the contractor’s oath as fraud under 430 ILCS 15/2.
Section IV, Box 9: Substance Stored and Substance Code
Use the OSFM substance code list on the instruction page: 1 = Gasoline, 2 = Diesel, 3 = Used Oil, 4 = Kerosene, 5 = Heating Oil, 6 = Hazardous Substance (enter CAS), 7 = Empty, 8 = Other. Mark the code that matches the substance currently in the tank, not the substance you plan to store next month.
Aisha enters 1 for her client’s two new gasoline tanks and 3 for the used-oil collection tank.
The edge case is blended fuel like E85 or B20; OSFM requires the Blended Fuel Compatibility Form plus code 1 with a notation. The frequent mistake is leaving the code blank for an empty tank; you must mark code 7, or OSFM treats the tank as still active and bills the full fee. Filers think a temporarily idle tank is “empty,” but empty under OSFM rules means cleaned to less than one inch of residue.
Section IV, Box 10: Tank Capacity
Enter the manufacturer’s nominal capacity in gallons, not the working capacity after ullage. Use whole numbers, no commas.
Maria enters 12000 for each of her two new gasoline tanks because the manufacturer’s nameplate reads 12,000 gallons.
The edge case is a multi-compartment tank; enter each compartment’s capacity on its own line. The frequent mistake is entering working capacity (about 95% of nominal); this understates the fee basis and creates a discrepancy with the manufacturer’s certification. Filers often think capacity is rounded to the nearest thousand; OSFM matches it to the nameplate exactly.
Section IV, Box 11: Tank Material and Corrosion Protection
Select the construction code: SW (single-wall steel), DW (double-wall steel), FRP (fiberglass), CC (composite), CL (clad), and the corrosion protection: cathodic, internal lining, or none. The combination must comply with 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.300 for new tanks installed after 1991.
Carlos enters DW + FRP because his replacement tanks are double-wall fiberglass.
The edge case is a pre-1991 single-wall steel tank with retrofitted cathodic protection; you mark SW + Cathodic and attach the most recent cathodic protection test. The frequent mistake is marking “none” when a tank has unverified cathodic protection; this disqualifies the tank from the UST Fund. Filers often think old tanks are grandfathered; the federal 2015 UST rule and Illinois adoption removed most grandfather provisions.
Section IV, Box 12: Piping Material and Release Detection
Indicate piping construction (single-wall, double-wall, flex) and release detection method (interstitial, ATG, SIR, manual tank gauging for small tanks). Each tank’s piping must have automatic line leak detectors per 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.420.
Marcus enters DW flex piping with interstitial monitoring and ATG on the line for his diesel tank.
The edge case is suction piping that meets the European-style safe suction exemption; you can skip line leak detectors but must mark the exemption box. The frequent mistake is leaving release detection blank for a tank installed before 1990; the rule applies to all tanks regardless of age. Filers think monthly stick readings count as release detection; they only count for tanks under 2,000 gallons that meet 40 CFR 280.43(b) manual tank gauging criteria.
Section IV, Box 13: Spill and Overfill Prevention
Mark the spill containment device (typically a 5- or 15-gallon spill bucket) and the overfill prevention device (automatic shutoff at 95%, ball float at 90%, or audible/visual alarm at 90%). The device must match the installer’s certification.
Aisha enters 15-gallon spill bucket; automatic shutoff at 95% for each new tank.
The edge case is a tank filled by transfers under 25 gallons at a time, which can skip overfill prevention under 40 CFR 280.20(c)(1)(ii); mark the exemption. The frequent mistake is listing a ball float on a tank with coaxial Stage I vapor recovery; ball floats and coaxial vapor recovery are incompatible. Filers think any overfill alarm works; only a device that prevents release at 95% (or 90% with shutoff) satisfies the rule.
Section V, Box 14: Financial Responsibility Mechanism
Mark the mechanism you use to meet the financial responsibility requirements of 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176 Subpart D: UST Fund, commercial insurance, surety bond, letter of credit, trust fund, or self-insurance for large owners. Most Illinois owners pick the UST Fund plus a commercial policy for the deductible.
Carlos marks Illinois UST Fund + Commercial Insurance and attaches the certificate of insurance.
The edge case is a local government owner that self-insures; attach a chief financial officer letter per 40 CFR 280.95. The frequent mistake is checking UST Fund without paying the annual fee; missing the fee strips eligibility and leaves you exposed to the full $5,000 to $100,000 deductible. Filers think federal financial responsibility automatically transfers to a new owner; it does not — the new owner must re-establish coverage on day one.
Section VI, Box 15: Owner Certification and Signature
The owner (or an officer with signing authority) must sign and date the form under penalty of perjury, certifying that the information is true and complete. Print name, title, phone number, and email next to the signature.
Maria signs Maria Lopez, Managing Member, dates 05/15/2026, and lists her direct phone and email.
The edge case is signing by power of attorney; attach the POA and write POA on file under the signature. The frequent mistake is having the contractor sign the owner’s box; OSFM treats that as an unsigned form and the 30-day clock keeps running. Filers think an electronic signature is risky; the OSFM portal accepts e-signatures under the Illinois Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Section VI, Box 16: Installer Certification (Installation Oath)
The OSFM-licensed contractor signs the installation oath certifying that the tank, piping, and corrosion protection were installed per manufacturer instructions and Illinois rules. The contractor’s license number must appear next to the signature.
Aisha’s installer enters License #2025-1198, John Becker, Becker Tank Services.
The edge case is a tank top-replacement (sump or piping only); the contractor still signs but notes the scope. The frequent mistake is using an unlicensed installer; the notification is void and the OSFM may impose civil penalties under 430 ILCS 15/2 of up to $10,000 per day. Filers think any plumber can install a UST; only contractors licensed under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 160 may do the work.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — New Gas Station Install in Springfield
Maria is opening a new Lopez 66 station with two 12,000-gallon gasoline USTs and one 8,000-gallon diesel UST.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 Owner Name | LOPEZ FUEL HOLDINGS, LLC |
| Box 2 Mailing Address | 2200 S 6TH ST, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703 |
| Box 3 Owner Type | A – Current |
| Box 4 Facility Name/Address | LOPEZ 66, 2200 S 6TH ST, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703, SANGAMON COUNTY |
| Box 5 Facility ID | Blank – new facility |
| Box 6 Number of Tanks | 3 |
| Box 8 Install Date | 05/02/2026 (all three tanks) |
| Box 9 Substance | 1, 1, 2 |
| Box 11 Construction | DW + FRP |
| Box 14 Financial Responsibility | UST Fund + Commercial Policy |
| Box 15 Owner Signature | Maria Lopez, Managing Member, 05/15/2026 |
Scenario 2: Janet Reyes — Ownership Transfer of an Existing Peoria Auto Shop
Janet bought a small auto repair shop with two existing 4,000-gallon gasoline tanks installed in 1998.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 Owner Name | REYES AUTO SERVICE, INC. |
| Box 2 Mailing Address | 815 NE ADAMS ST, PEORIA, IL 61603 |
| Box 3 Owner Type | B – New owner – purchased |
| Box 4 Facility Name/Address | REYES AUTO, 815 NE ADAMS ST, PEORIA, IL 61603, PEORIA COUNTY |
| Box 5 Facility ID | 2-019-4477 (from prior owner’s certificate) |
| Box 6 Number of Tanks | 2 |
| Box 7 Tank IDs | 1, 2 |
| Box 8 Install Date | 07/14/1998 |
| Box 9 Substance | 1, 1 |
| Box 14 Financial Responsibility | UST Fund + Commercial Policy |
| Box 15 Owner Signature | Janet Reyes, President, 03/28/2026 |
Scenario 3: Carl Whitfield — Permanent Closure of a 1,500-Gallon Heating Oil Tank
Carl owns a small office building in Decatur with a 1,500-gallon heating oil UST he is permanently closing after switching to natural gas.
| Form Section | What Carl Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 Owner Name | WHITFIELD PROPERTIES, LLC |
| Box 2 Mailing Address | 401 N WATER ST, DECATUR, IL 62523 |
| Box 3 Owner Type | A – Current |
| Box 4 Facility Name/Address | WHITFIELD OFFICE BUILDING, 401 N WATER ST, DECATUR, IL 62523, MACON COUNTY |
| Box 5 Facility ID | 3-115-8821 |
| Box 6 Number of Tanks | 1 |
| Box 8 Install Date | 09/12/1985 |
| Box 9 Substance | 5 – Heating Oil |
| Box 10 Capacity | 1500 |
| Status Box | Permanently Closed – Removed |
| Box 16 Installer Certification | License #2024-0488, Decatur Tank Removal LLC |
How to File the Completed Form
OSFM accepts the Notification Form through four channels, and the fastest path is the online portal because it timestamps the filing the moment you click submit. The OSFM online Notification for Underground Storage Tank(s) Form accepts ACH and credit-card payment of the registration fee and emails a confirmation receipt; keep that PDF as proof of filing.
By mail, send the signed paper form, the installer’s installation oath, and a check or money order payable to “Office of the State Fire Marshal” to: Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703-4259. Standard processing runs 4 to 6 weeks, and you should send the package via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you have a stamped delivery date.
In person, you may walk the form into the same Springfield address Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the front desk timestamps your copy. Fax filing is no longer accepted as the primary channel as of the OSFM 2025 forms update, but contractors can still use the UST Portal contractor login to upload supporting documents tied to your filing.
The fee is $100 per tank per year for tanks already on the rolls and $500 per tank for late-registered tanks under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176.450. Your proof of filing is the OSFM-issued registration certificate, which you must keep at the facility for inspector review.
What Happens After You File
OSFM logs your notification into the UST registry within about two weeks, assigns or confirms your facility and tank IDs, and mails a registration certificate that you must post or keep on-site. The agency cross-references your filing with Illinois EPA’s LUST database to flag any open release incidents tied to the facility ID.
If your filing is complete, OSFM may schedule a compliance inspection within the first year of a new install, and routine inspections every three years thereafter. If your filing is deficient, OSFM mails a notice of deficiency giving you 30 days to cure; failure to cure can lead to a Notice of Violation, civil penalties, and suspension of your UST Fund eligibility.
A clean registration also unlocks your access to the Illinois UST Fund, which reimburses cleanup costs above the $5,000 to $100,000 deductible for releases reported on or after June 8, 2010, per the Leaking UST Fund summary. For the most current LUST guidance and reporting templates, the Illinois EPA LUST page is the authoritative resource.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Listing the trade name in Box 1. OSFM rejects the form because the brand has no FEIN, and your 30-day clock keeps running.
- Leaving the facility ID blank on an existing site. OSFM may create a duplicate site record, which corrupts your release history.
- Using the wrong owner type code. A miscoded transfer leaves the prior owner on the hook for fees and inspections.
- Entering an incorrect installation date. A date that conflicts with the installer’s oath can be treated as fraud under 430 ILCS 15/2.
- Skipping the substance code. OSFM cannot calculate fees and your registration is held in deficiency.
- Marking “none” for corrosion protection on a steel tank. This disqualifies the tank from the UST Fund.
- Leaving release detection blank. Your tank is treated as out of compliance and cannot legally receive product.
- Forgetting the spill bucket size. OSFM presumes no spill containment, which is a violation under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.430.
- Listing financial responsibility you do not actually have. A false certification can trigger civil and criminal penalties.
- Letting an unlicensed contractor sign the installer oath. The notification is void from day one.
- Forgetting to pay the registration fee. OSFM holds the certificate until the fee clears.
- Failing to file within 30 days of any change. Each day of delay is a separate offense under Chicago Municipal Code 11-4-2115 and parallel state penalties.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do match the legal owner name in Box 1 to the Secretary of State record, because a mismatch breaks the FEIN cross-check.
- Do keep a wet-ink copy of the installer’s oath in your facility binder, because OSFM inspectors ask to see it.
- Do file the form online when you can, because the portal timestamps your submission to the second.
- Do attach the deed or bill of sale to any ownership-change filing, because OSFM verifies title before updating the registry.
- Do pay the fee with the form, because OSFM does not issue the certificate until payment clears.
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Do save your confirmation email and registration certificate in two places, because lost certificates delay UST Fund claims.
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Don’t use an unlicensed installer, because the notification is void and you face penalties up to $10,000 per day.
- Don’t copy a prior year’s form without checking each box, because substance codes, contractor licenses, and insurance certificates often change.
- Don’t abbreviate the county or township, because OSFM auto-validates the full county name against the state GIS layer.
- Don’t ignore a notice of deficiency, because the 30-day cure period runs whether you read the letter or not.
- Don’t assume the prior owner closed the tanks, because unclosed tanks transfer to you the moment the deed records.
- Don’t mix multiple facilities on one form, because each facility must be filed separately.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With a Consultant
- Pro – Cost savings. Filing on your own avoids the $500 to $2,500 consultant fee for a routine notification.
- Pro – Direct knowledge. You learn the form so you can spot red flags during future inspections.
- Pro – Speed for simple filings. A status change or fee payment can be done online in under 30 minutes.
- Pro – Control of the record. You see every entry that goes into the OSFM registry under your name.
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Pro – Easier audit trail. Self-filed records are organized the way your business already files documents.
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Con – Risk of missed fields. A blank substance code or financial responsibility box can cost you UST Fund eligibility.
- Con – Statute and rule complexity. 41 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 174 to 177 cross-reference each other and federal rules.
- Con – No second set of eyes. A consultant catches errors you would miss after staring at the form.
- Con – Limited LUST experience. If your filing touches a release, a consultant who works with Illinois EPA’s LUST program is invaluable.
- Con – Time cost. A complex new-install notification can absorb 8 to 12 hours of an owner’s time.
OSFM Notification vs. IEPA LUST Incident Reporting
| Topic | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| OSFM Notification Form | Registers the existence, ownership, and status of the tank |
| IEPA LUST Incident Report | Reports a confirmed release for cleanup oversight |
| Triggering Event | Install, ownership change, status change, closure |
| Triggering Event for LUST | Confirmed release, suspected release, positive site assessment |
| Deadline | 30 days from event |
| LUST Deadline | 24 hours for confirmed release per 40 CFR 280.50 |
| Lead Agency | OSFM Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety |
| LUST Lead Agency | Illinois EPA Bureau of Land |
| Fee | $100 or $500 per tank per year |
| LUST Fund Deductible | $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the incident |
FAQs
Do I have to register a tank that only stores heating oil for my own building?
Yes. Heating oil USTs over 110 gallons used for on-premises consumption must register with OSFM under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 176.440, even though they are exempt from many federal UST rules.
Do I write the operator’s name or the owner’s name in Box 1?
No. Box 1 is strictly for the legal owner of the tank, not the operator; the operator gets listed only on later sections that ask for day-to-day site contacts.
Do I need a new Facility ID when I buy an existing station?
No. The Facility ID stays with the site, so you carry over the prior owner’s ID into Box 5 and only Box 3 (Owner Type) changes to “B – New owner – purchased.”
Do I have to file within 30 days of buying a property with USTs?
Yes. Section 176.440 makes the new owner liable for filing within 30 days of the title transfer, regardless of whether the prior owner filed.
Do I write the working capacity or the nominal capacity in Box 10?
No. Always use the manufacturer’s nominal capacity from the tank nameplate; working capacity understates the fee basis and conflicts with the installer’s certification.
Do I list a P.O. Box in Box 2?
Yes. OSFM accepts P.O. Boxes for the mailing address, but you must also provide a physical street address on the continuation line so investigators can serve compliance notices.
Do I have to use an OSFM-licensed contractor to sign the installation oath?
Yes. Only a contractor licensed under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 160 can sign Box 16, and an unlicensed signature voids the notification.
Do I pay the $100 fee or the $500 fee?
Yes. You pay $100 per tank per year for tanks already registered with OSFM and $500 per tank for late or never-registered tanks under Section 176.450.
Do I have to file if I am temporarily taking a tank out of service?
Yes. 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.810 requires you to submit a notification placing the tank in out-of-service status within 30 days of the last use.
Do I need to file separately with the Illinois EPA when I register?
No. OSFM shares your registration with Illinois EPA automatically; you only file with Illinois EPA directly when you have a confirmed release or LUST incident.
Do empty tanks still owe the registration fee?
Yes. Tanks marked code 7 (Empty) remain on the registry and owe the annual fee until you complete permanent closure under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 175.820.
Do I have to update the form if I change my insurance carrier?
Yes. A change in financial responsibility mechanism is a reportable change, and you must refile Box 14 within 30 days to keep your UST Fund eligibility active.
Do I sign Box 15 myself or can my consultant sign?
No. Only the legal owner or an officer with authority can sign Box 15; a consultant may sign only with a recorded power of attorney attached to the filing.
Do I have to file a paper form, or can I file online?
No. Paper is not required; the OSFM online Notification Form is the preferred channel because it validates fields and accepts electronic payment.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida DEP Underground Storage Tank Registration + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois IEPA Wastewater Treatment Permit (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas TCEQ Underground Storage Tank Notification + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan EGLE Underground Storage Tank Registration + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Ohio EPA / BUSTR Underground Storage Tank Registration Application (Form SFM-17-0033 / COM5211) + FAQs
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