• Illinois License Plate Renewal Cost
• Illinois License Plate Sticker Locations
• Illinois Plate Sticker Renewal Online

Apply for Illinois License Plates. To apply for an Illinois license plate, you'll need to register your vehicle with the Illinois SOS. New IL residents have 30 days to register a vehicle, and newly purchased vehicles must be registered within 20 days of the purchase date. License Plate Renewals. Renew Your License Plates Instantly! Get your sticker instantly, on the spot! No worries about your sticker getting lost or delayed in the mail; Over 350 locations; Convenient – Extended hours, nights and weekends, some locations even 24/7/365; No paperwork, no problem! We can access your vehicle. To receive a senior discount on a new vehicle before the expiration data of your current senior-discounted City Sticker, you must present your Illinois Driver’s License, old City Sticker, and new vehicle registration at a City Clerk location and request a City Sticker Transfer. License Plates B-Truck. Farm Trailer VDD-VDL. Farm Truck VF-VZ. Recreational Trailer. Recreational Vehicle. Renewal Stickers. Semi Trailer. Specialty Plate Requests. Sticker Replacement. Trailer TB-TN. The official website of the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. If you do not have a renewal notice, please call the Public Inquiry Division at 800-252-8980 to obtain your Registration ID and PIN. You will be asked by the Public Inquiry operator to identify yourself by giving them the license plate number and address you used the last time you updated your vehicle's address with the Illinois Secretary of State.

• An online DMV registration renewal in Illinois can only take place if you meet certain requirements. For example, you are not eligible to renew online if: Your vehicle information is incorrect or not up-to-date. Your renewal sticker needs to be sent to an out of state address. You want to switch license plates types.
• The Secretary of State's office is not responsible for your receipt of plates or stickers later than your expiration date if you use the license plates renewal too close to your expiration date. We suggest you renew as soon after receiving the renewal notice; How do I renew my license plates online? It's as easy as Four Simple Steps.

If you're an Illinois resident, you'll need to have IL license plates on your vehicle. It's easy to apply for license plates—you just need to register your vehicle. In most cases, you'll be able to transfer your plates to your next vehicle. Before they expire, you'll renew your tags by renewing your vehicle registration. If your plates go missing or get damaged, you can order replacements.

Read below for details about Illinois license plates and tags.

Pick a plate that reflects your personality—find information about personalized and special plates on our Types of Special Plates page.

Get more information about disabled parking plates by visiting our Disability Placards & Plates page.

Types of Illinois License Plates

Beamng drive game online. To drive your vehicle in Illinois, you must have license plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).

Standard Illinois license plates have a blue and white background, with red letters and numbers.

Cars and other passenger vehicles have plates on both the front and the back. Motorcycles have a plate on the back only.

All license plates have a sticker that shows when the tags expire.

Special License Plates

The IL SOS offers several different license plate designs. You can pick a plate that shows your support for a cause, your affiliation with a college, or a special interest or hobby.

For more information about these special plates, see our page on Types of Special Plates in Illinois.

Disability Parking Plates

You may be eligible for disabled parking license plates if you have a qualifying disability.

For additional information, including application forms, see our Disability Placards & Plates page.

Temporary Plates

If you buy a new car and do not yet have license plates, you can get a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) from:

• Your vehicle dealer.
• A SOS office.
• A currency exchange.
  OR
  
• A remittance agent.

You must have submitted your vehicle registration application to get a TRP.

The temporary tag allows you to operate your vehicle while waiting for your license plate to arrive. It is good for 90 days and cannot be renewed.

Apply for Illinois License Plates

To apply for an Illinois license plate, you'll need to register your vehicle with the Illinois SOS.

New IL residents have 30 days to register a vehicle, and newly purchased vehicles must be registered within 20 days of the purchase date.

Visit our Vehicle Registration page for application instructions.

Renew Tags in Illinois

To renew the expiration sticker on your license plate, you must renew your registration.

You should receive a renewal notice before your decal expires. You can also check your vehicle's registration status on the IL SOS website.

For more information, see our Registration Renewal page.

Replace License Plates & Decals

If your IL license plates or decals have been damaged, lost, or stolen, you'll need to apply for replacements from the IL SOS.

To get a replacement license plate or expiration decal, you will need:

• The Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190). Can be completed online or is available from your local IL SOS office.
• Payment for the appropriate fee:
  • $6 for 1 license plate.
  • $9 for 2 license plates.
  • $20 for an expiration sticker.

You can get the application and submit your request in person at an IL SOS branch office.

Contact the SOS at (888) 261-7864 to check if they will accept your application by mail.

Transfer Your IL Tags

You can transfer license plates to a new vehicle IF you are transferring them to a vehicle registered in:

• The same name or names as the previous vehicle.
  OR
  
• The name of a joint owner of the previous vehicle.

NOTE: When a car owner dies, the plate can transferred to the joint owner. If there is no joint owner, the estate must go through probate before changes can be made.

To transfer your license plates, you will need:

• The Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190). The form can be completed:
  • In person at an SOS office.
  • Using the Electronic Registration & Title System (ERT). You'll then need to print the form and take it with you.
• The $25 transfer fee PLUS any title or registration fees for the new vehicle.
• The most recent registration card for the plate number being transferred.
• An Affirmation of Correction (Form VSD 393) ONLY IF you're transferring the plate from joint owners to a single owner.

Complete the license plate transfer in person at your nearest IL SOS branch office.

Fees for IL License Plates

• Standard plates and standard plate renewal:
  • Passenger vehicle: $101.
  • Motorcycle: $41.
• Transfer:
  • $25 PLUS title and registration fees.
• Replacement:
  • 1 license plate: $6.
  • 2 license plates: $9.
  • Expiration sticker: $20.

Illinois License Plate Search

You can quickly and easily search for a personalized license plate design or style you want using the Illinois SOS Pick a Plate online system.

The Pick a Plate system also searches the license plate database to see if the letter and number combination you want is available BEFORE you even order it.

The IL SOS does not provide any other license plate search. The police can run a plate to locate a vehicle owner, but the general public cannot.

For more information about a specific vehicle, you can order a vehicle history report using its vehicle identification number (VIN).

Forms

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

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1. Get Started With Car Registration Renewal Assistance Online

Vehicle registrations need to be renewed regularly. Many states require vehicle owners to renew their registrations every year, although some states offer the option to purchase registrations that last for two years or longer. Most states allow you to quickly renew your car registration online, but you should be aware of the information you will need to provide, the necessary fees and the acceptable methods of payment to ensure a smooth transaction. Our online guide can help you prepare all the required documents and fees so that you can renew your vehicle registration as smoothly and quickly as possible. In it, you will also discover all the steps needed to replace a lost registration and to update your name or address with the DMV.

2. By Mail

Some vehicle owners may prefer to renew their auto registrations through the mail. Certain states will allow their residents to apply by mail, but vehicle owners may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to submit their request. Additionally, the ways in which you may pay your renewal fee are limited to check or money order, and you may experience processing delays due to the time it takes the postal service to deliver your application. Furthermore, you may risk losing your application or registration tags in the mail, adding to the wait time.

3. In Person at a DMV Office

Renewing your vehicle registration in person at a DMV office is an option if you cannot or prefer not to apply by mail or online. Typically, the DMV will issue your new registration credentials after receiving payment. However, certain states may require you to wait to receive your renewed registration documents in the mail. While visiting a DMV office in person may provide you with more personalized attention, it often involves long waits. Additionally, the office hours of many DMV locations can interfere with your work schedule.

Residents must request an Illinois car registration renewal before their credentials expire. In general, operating a car that has an expired vehicle registration will result in penalties and fines from law enforcement. On the other hand, after a renewal procedure has been requested, renewed registration documents and decals will be sent to your mailing address on file and thus extend your privileges to operate the car in question.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Illinois

As a general rule, you must be eligible to complete a DMV car registration renewal in Illinois. These requirements include that you are an IL resident and have all the necessary information and documentation to process the request.

Moreover, you may need to pass an emissions test before you can renew your license plates. In any case, most vehicle owners will receive a notice in the mail that details every requirement for this procedure.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Illinois?

Overall, you will need to provide certain information and documentation when you request a motor vehicle registration renewal, regardless of the method you opt to use. For instance, you must have the following:

• A renewal notice or current registration card.
• Information about your auto insurance policy, such as your insurer’s name, policy number and expiration date.
• Payment for the DMV registration renewal fees.

Illinois Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

An Illinois vehicle registration renewal notice may be sent to you prior to the expiration date of your credential. This notice is sent out as a courtesy reminder, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you stay up to date with your registration. This renewal notice is sent to most motorists and includes information such as your Registration ID and PIN, but is not necessary for you to renew a car registration in IL.

Illinois Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

Despite the fact that this notice can be beneficial to remind you about the upcoming expiration date, this document is not necessary for completing a DMV vehicle registration renewal in Illinois. Thus, if you have lost a car registration renewal form or did not receive it at all, you can still request a renewal without issue.

While this notice includes important details such as your Registration ID and PIN, that same information can be found on your current registration card or by calling the Public Inquiry Division at (800) 252-8980.

Illinois Car Registration Renewal Options

Knowing where to renew car registration is an important first step in completing the renewal process. In general, the state offers four convenient options for renewing: online, by mail, in person and over the phone.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

An online DMV registration renewal in Illinois can only take place if you meet certain requirements. For example, you are not eligible to renew online if:

Illinois License Plate Renewal Cost

• Your vehicle information is incorrect or not up-to-date.
• Your renewal sticker needs to be sent to an out of state address.
• You want to switch license plates types.
• You want to change the spacing of your license plates.

1. Provide your Registration ID and PIN.
2. Follow the directions provided on the screen and ensure that all information is correct.
3. Pay for the renewal fees with a credit or debit card.
4. Print your receipt.

Once you have completed these motor vehicle registration renewal steps, your plate or sticker will be issued and delivered to your mailing address on file. You can expect to receive your new registration sticker in approximately five to 10 business days. If you are receiving new license plates, you will receive a temporary renewal sticker until your new plates are delivered.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

If you want to know how to renew a car registration by mail, you must note that the process is quite simple. To do so, you must sign the renewal notice that you have received and send it to the address listed on the notice. You must also include a check for the appropriate renewal fee.

If you do not have your renewal notice but wish to renew your car registration by mail, you can submit the check along with a letter that states your name and address, license plate number and vehicle information (VIN, make, model and year). Your request must be mailed to:

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

Another option for renewing an expired vehicle registration is to visit your nearest Illinois Secretary of State facility. In order to request a renewal, you must provide your notice or current registration document, as well as a payment method for the fee. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check and credit cards.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Phone

Certain car owners may renew an Illinois vehicle registration over the phone. By calling (866) 545-9609, you may check your DMV registration renewal status and follow the renewal prompts. You will be asked to provide information such as your Registration ID and PIN, and you will also need to pay the fee with a debit or credit card.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Illinois

If you need to renew expired car registration but you are currently out of state for any reason, including being on active duty with the U.S military, you can still get your license plates renewed on time. To do so, request the renewal through the online, mail-in or phone methods.

Illinois Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

You need to understand the IL car registration renewal cost before you can successfully file this request in Illinois. These fees include:

Illinois License Plate Sticker Locations

• Standard renewal sticker: $101
• Renewal sticker for personalized plates: $108
• Renewal sticker for a vanity plate: $114

Sources

Illinois Plate Sticker Renewal Online

1. Registration Renewal and ID Cards from CyberDriveIllinois.com
2. Title and Registration FAQ from CyberDriveIllinois.com