Illinois License Plates: Registration, Renewal & Replacement Guide
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If you live in Illinois and own a vehicle, you'll need a set of license plates to drive on the state's roads. The tags act as an identifier for local law enforcement and other entities. Officials use license plates to track vehicle ownership across the state.
Keeping your Illinois license plate current is part of your responsibility as a car owner. Plan on renewing your tags and Illinois car registration annually to stay compliant with local laws. If you're tagging your vehicle for the first time (or want to change out your current plates), you can pick from various designs and styles. Options include environmentally themed tags and Illinois disabled veteran license plates.
How To Get a New Illinois License Plate
To obtain a set of Illinois tags, you must title and register your vehicle in the state. You have two choices: begin the process online using the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system or visit your local Secretary of State (SoS) office. You'll fill out the Application for Vehicle Transaction form (VSD 190) to kickstart the transaction.
After completing the VSD 190 form, take it to a nearby SoS office along with supporting documents. Alternatively, you can mail the form, documents, and payment fees to the Illinois Secretary of State's mailing address.
Note that Illinois requires document originals, even for mailed documents. If you're concerned about losing important records, it may be worth an in-person trip instead.
The documents required for vehicle registration and titling include:
- Out-of-state title with a verified odometer reading
- Proof of insurance
- Illinois Tax Form (either RUT-50 or RUT-25)
Illinois requires residents who bring cars from out of state to pay the appropriate use tax. You can calculate how much you'll owe with Tax Form RUT-50 or RUT-25. The first form applies to private party sales, while the latter is for licensed dealer transactions.
Title and Registration Costs
The standard fee for a passenger vehicle title and registration is $316. That includes $165 for vehicle titling and $151 for registration and standard plates. If you drive a motorcycle or heavy-duty truck, or you want vanity plates, your fees may differ.
Any outstanding use tax is also due at the time of registration. Taxes vary depending on the vehicle's value.
Renewing Your Illinois License Plate
Residents who simply need to renew their tags should receive a renewal notice in the mail. The notice includes a registration ID and PIN to renew your plates online through the Illinois SoS website.
If you didn't receive a letter or lost it, you can request your registration ID and PIN by calling (800) 252-8980. Those outside Illinois may call (217) 785-3000.
Illinois supports mail-in and in-person renewals, too. Residents renewing via mail can detach the bottom portion of their renewal notice and mail it to the address provided. All SoS facilities handle in-person renewals, as do some banks and currency exchange offices.
Passenger car renewal fees are $151. Your cost may differ for personalized plates.
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates
Are your license plates damaged? Illinois makes it easy to replace your plates online, in person, or by mail.
Begin by completing the Application for Vehicle Transaction form. The standard fee for a replacement set of plates and a sticker is $29.
The Illinois SoS only processes replacement plates for stolen tags in person. So if you're a theft victim, plan to visit a local SoS office to request your plates.
Illinois Specialty and Personalized Plates
Want an upgrade from the standard passenger or Illinois disabled persons license plates? Consider other Illinois license plate options. You'll find various designs for sports fans, charitable organizations, the military, and more.
The cost for specialty plates varies. Some plates have eligibility requirements.
You can also personalize your license plate number so long as your chosen message follows Illinois guidelines. Personalization starts at $76 for standard plates and increases to $123 for vanity tags.
Transferring License Plates to a New Vehicle
If you recently purchased a new car, transferring your existing plates from a vehicle you sold or traded may save you money. Unfortunately, the SoS doesn't support online license plate transfers, so plan to visit your nearest office to start this process.
During your appointment, you'll complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction form and pay a fee. The cost for a full Title and Transfer is $190. SoS representatives will also request your current vehicle registration card for the license plate you're transferring.
Illinois License Plate Rules and Regulations
Illinois requires drivers to affix front and rear plates to passenger vehicles. You can't drive a car without valid tags — so it's critical to update them before their expiration. Fines for driving without current registration or license plates are steep, and violations may result in a misdemeanor.
Is Your Car Insurance Up to Date? Compare Quotes Now!
As a driver, in addition to registering your vehicle, you're responsible for carrying Illinois car insurance that complies with state laws. If registration is in your future, why not make sure you're getting the best rates on your auto insurance? EverQuote provides free, customized rate comparisons that take only a few minutes to complete. Get your quotes today!