What Is License Plate Renewal in Illinois?
License plate renewal in Illinois extends the vehicle’s registration for one calendar year. The license plate remains the same, and the owner receives a new registration card and renewal sticker from the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Registration occurs on an annual basis, distributed by months. Each registration ends at midnight on the last day of the designated expiration month (625 ILCS 5/3-414).
- Renewal is not a transfer of ownership. Purchasing a vehicle requires a separate title application; the annual renewal only extends the existing registration of the current owner.
- Passenger vehicles, trucks B (second division, 8,000 pounds or less), motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and recreational trailers are renewed annually under the same system. Electric vehicles follow the same cycle but have an additional annual fee of $100.
When Do You Need To Renew Your Illinois License Plate?
The Secretary of State sends a renewal notice approximately one month before the registration expires. Owners can also sign up for electronic renewal notices to receive email reminders starting the month before expiration.
- Renewals can be completed at any time before the expiration date. The online portal accepts renewals on the last day of the registration period.
- A one-month grace window applies after expiration. A late renewal registration fee of $20 is only applied if the application reaches the Secretary of State more than a month after expiration (625 ILCS 5/3-821.2).
- Vehicles registered in emissions areas of Chicago or Metro-East St. Louis must pass an OBD test before processing the renewal. Affected counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. Testing is free at Illinois Air Team stations, and the testing month coincides with the license plate expiration month.
- Illinois does not require a safety inspection for renewal.
How To Renew Your License Plate in Illinois
Before choosing a channel, ensure any required emissions test is completed (if applicable) and that there are no registration holds. Have your renewal notice or your Registration ID and PIN ready.
- Four channels are available: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The Secretary of State publishes all four as equivalent options for renewals without information changes (ILSOS Registration Renewal).
- In person bring the renewal notice to any Secretary of State DMV office, currency exchange participant, or cooperating bank. Payment by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). ILSOS Facility Finder locates the nearest office.
- By mail, sign the bottom of the renewal notice, enclose a check made out to the Illinois Secretary of State, and send it to the address listed on the notice. Allow 30 days for sticker receipt.
- By phone, call 866-545-9609 with Registration ID and PIN. Credit card only.
- The online channel at ILSOS License Plates Renewal requires Registration ID and PIN and confirms emissions compliance before issuing the renewal.
How Much Is License Plate Renewal in Illinois?
The total renewal amount consists of the base registration fee plus legislative surcharges. The base fee for a passenger vehicle already includes surcharges included in the published figure, so the sticker cost is what the owner pays unless an electric vehicle fee or late fee is added.
- Passenger vehicles and trucks B (8,000 pounds or less): $151 per year. The base fee of $148 according to 625 ILCS 5/3-806 plus a $1 surcharge to the State Police Vehicle Fund and a $2 surcharge to the Parks and Conservation Fund make up the total of $151.
- Motorcycles renew for 41(38 base plus the same $3 in surcharges).
- Electric vehicles add $100 annually to the appropriate registration fee, according to 625 ILCS 5/3-805, bringing the cost of a passenger electric vehicle to $251.
- Late fee, mentioned in the timing section, is $20 flat, charged when the renewal arrives more than a month after expiration.
- Personalized plates add 7perrenewal(158 for passenger). Vanity plates add 13(164 for passenger). Special plate fees vary by program; ILSOS License Plates Guide lists the annual surcharge for each plate.
Can I Renew My License Plate Online in Illinois?
Online renewal is available for most passenger vehicles, trucks B, and motorcycles through the ILSOS License Plates Renewal portal on ilsos.gov. The portal requires Registration ID and PIN (found on the renewal notice or current registration card) and accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and electronic checks. A payment processing fee applies to credit card transactions; the electronic check fee is currently waived. Renewal stickers are mailed within 5 to 10 business days, and the printed online receipt serves as valid proof of registration for 30 days from the expiration date according to 625 ILCS 5/3-701.
Vehicles that have not passed emissions compliance or have incorrect information on file cannot be renewed online. For these cases, visit any Secretary of State DMV office or currency exchange participant.
To renew by mail:
- Sign the bottom of the renewal notice.
- Enclose a check made out to the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Send to the address listed on the notice. Allow 30 days for delivery.
If Illinois can process your renewal online, it is the fastest route; the DMV office and currency exchanges handle what the portal declines.