Frequently Asked Questions

Not complying with Illinois traffic laws might prevent you from being allowed to renew your car registration in Illinois. Actions that may hinder your ability to apply for a car registration renewal include:

• Failure to provide adequate car insurance
• Failure to clear driving record
• Traffic fines and tickets
• Unclear tax record

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Drivers in Illinois can request someone else s car registration renewal online by processing the required forms and paying the applicable fee.Drivers can also mail-in car registration renewals for another person.

To inquire about any limitations connected to personal presence at time of renewalvisit a local Secretary of State Facility.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

All boats and watercrafts in Illinois need to be registered. Boat registration regulations vary and are not as simple as the ones for car registration.

New boats and old boats, as well as boats that are locally purchased and boats purchased out of state, need to satisfy different criteria. Below are the documents that need to be submitted for each of the categories:

• New watercraft purchased in Illinois:
  • Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
  • Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
  • Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
  • Tax form is required only for Class 1 boats purchased from a dealer
  • Check or money order for the tax amount due

• New watercraft purchased out of state:
  • Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
  • Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
  • Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
  • Tax form
  • Copy of Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement
  • Check or money order for the tax amount due

• Used watercraft obtained from an individual:
  • Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
  • Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
  • Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
  • Tax form only for Class 1 boats
  • Copy of Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement
  • Check or money order for the tax amount due

Boat registration is completed at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources offices. Registration fees are divided into the following classes:

• Class 1 fee is $28
• Class 2 fee is $60
• Class 3 fee is $160
• Class 4 fee is $210

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Illinois

Filing a police report for a lost car registration is not a mandatory requirement in Illinois, but drivers are highly advised to do so in order to prevent identity theft.

In some cases, filing a report for a lost or stolen car registration absolves the applicant of fee payment. Applicants will also be protected from potential fraud or other law violations that can come out of misusing of the missing car registration copy.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

There is no specific requirement for drivers movingout of state to return their license plates to the IL DMV.

When you intend to move elsewhere, it is advisable that you check the vehicle registration regulations of the new country to confirm what is needed and avoid being without personal transport.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

No, in the state of Illinois it is not required to submit a damaged car registration copy to the Secretary of State Facility.

When you get a new car registration, the old copy is declared invalid and will no longer be usable. It is advisable that you keep an eye on the damaged copy in order to avoid having it lost or stolen.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Motor-driven cycles and motorcycles are required to have a proper car registration and car title in order to be legally operated on the roads of Illinois.

Motorized scooters need to be registered if they fall under the category of carriers of a federal safety certification label, in addition to having a vehicle identification number (VIN). The motorized scooter will get a specificlicense plateas well. If you make a switch to another grade of two-wheel vehicle, you must return the old license plate to the Secretary of State.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

All standard motor vehicles in Illinois qualify for smog inspection unless considered exempt. The smog inspection is done by using a standardized emissions test and is regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Drivers who own vehicles included in the list below are exempt from smog inspections when they register vehicles:

• Vehicles that run on Diesel or on electricity
• Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
• Antique vehicles and custom vehicles
• Vehicles for ceremonial purposes
• Non-profit vehicles
• Vehicles older than 1995
• Farm vehicles and implements of husbandry
• Vehicles with smog inspection certificate from another state
• Vehicles with Junking Certificate
• Vehicles for sporting activities
• Implements of warfare

Smog inspections are done at Test Stations using the On-Board-Diagnostics System.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

In order to renew your car registration in Illinois, you can use four different methods:

• Online License Plate Renewal
• Touch Tone Phone System renewal at 866-545-9609
• Mail renewal to:Illinois Secretary of StateVehicle Services Department501 S. 2nd. St., Rm. 011Springfield, IL 62756-6666

• In person at Secretary of State Facilities

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

When you are moving to another state, you will need to follow the local rules of the new state you reside in.Out of state car registration almost always has specific rules with localized license plates, registration renewal fees and expiry dates.

For more information:How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

There are three options you can choose from when applying for a disabled person parking placard or plate, including:

• Online
• In person at the Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
• In person at a Secretary of State Facility

To prove qualification for a disabled parking placard or plate, follow these steps:

1. Provide medical proof of one of the six medical conditions
2. Submit Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates form
3. Present a copy of the old car registration
4. Present ID card or drivers license
5. Bring car title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for new vehicles
6. Pay $29 fee

Illinois also operates on an electronic Pick-a-Plate system, which you can use to complete the car registration for the disability placards faster.

For more information:How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

Although you are not required to file a police report in Illinoisby law, in the eventthat your car registration has been stolen, it is highly recommended that you do so.

Filing a report at an Illinois police station will save you from potential violators who can misuse your car registration, stickers or plates for illegal action. Timely report will keep your driving record impeccable and your car registration history safe.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

If your registration has been stolen, damaged, or lost, you can apply for a car registration replacement to get new stickers and a new registration card. To complete the application procedure, drivers are required to submit certain documents and applicable fee payments to the Secretary of State Facility using one of the following methods:

• In person at a local Secretary of State Facility
• Mail to:
  • Office of the Secretary of StateVehicle Records Processing Division501 S. 2nd St., Room 424Springfield, IL 62756-6666
• Online

Incomplete applications are returned to the sender. Make sure to include extra fees for replacement plates if you apply for them.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Getting a car registration in Illinois can be done using one of the following methods:

• In person at a nearby Secretary of State Facility
• Online via the Electronic Registration and Title System (ERT)
• Call toll free 1-800-252-8980

You can submit the application and the accompanying documents either in person or online.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

Make sure to renew your car registration as close as possible to the date when you receive your reminder notice in order to avoid any delays or fines you may suffer due to late renewals.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Vanity and personalized plates in Illinois are multi-year plates and can be displayed on the following vehicles:

• Passenger vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Recreational vehicles
• Recreational trailers
• B-trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or less

In the event that you have lost your personalized plates, you can request a standard vanity or personalized plates by submitting the Vanity & Personalized License Plates Request Form to a local Secretary of State Facility.

Availability of plate combinations cannot be given over the phone. If your plate request is available, you will receive an application to be completedand returned along with the appropriate fees within 45 days.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

In Illinois, your vehicle registration must be kept in your car at all times to prove that your vehicle complies with all road and traffic regulations in the event that a police officer requests it.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

The most common reasons for having to request a car registration replacement in Illinois include:

• Lost registration card
• Damaged registration card
• Mutilated/destroyed registration card
• Stolen registration card

Additionally, do note that changes in car title must be reflected on the car registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

In Illinois, drivers are required to pay certain fees in order to apply for acar registration. There are two date-related registration categories available in Illinois:

• Calendar car registration fees
• Fiscal year car registration fees

Both of these refer to specific vehicle categories including:

• $101 fee for passenger vehicles
• $41 fee for motorcycles
• Pro-rated fees for commercial and farm vehicles

Exact rates for all of the above according to weight are stipulated in the Registration Fees. License plates cost extra.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

Driversreplacing a car registration in Illinois, must be prepared to pay certain fees, along with submitting the required documentation. The fees that are required for car registration replacement in Illinois include:

• Replacement stickers: $20
• Replacement car registration card: $3
• Replacement license plates:
  • $6 for one plate
  • $9 for two plates

Drivers who are interested in getting personalized or vanity platescan calla Secretary of State Facility and inquire about the applicable fees. Fees for personalized or vanity plates are usually higher and may require presenting additional documents.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Basic fees forvehicle registration renewalare the same as for new registrations; however, you will also need to bear costs for license plates renewal.

License plates fees depend on the vehicle category:

• B-Trucks:
  • Standard $101
  • Personalized $108
  • Vanity $114

• Motorcycles:
  • Standard $41
  • Personalized $48
  • Vanity $54

• Passenger vehicles:
  • Standard $101
  • Personalized $108
  • Vanity $114

• Persons with disabilities:
  • Standard $101
  • Personalized $108
  • Vanity $114

• RT (Recreational Trailers):
  • 3,000 lbs or less $18
  • 3,001 lbs – 8,000lbs $30
  • 8,001 lbs – 10,000 lbs $38
  • 10,001 lbs and over $50

• RV (Recreational Vehicles):
  • 8,000 lbs or less $78
  • 8,001 lbs – 10,000 lbs $90
  • 10,001 lbs and over $102

Specialty personalized and vanity plates have specific costs, which can be checked if you get in touch with Secretary of State Facilities.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

To obtain aduplicate car registration in Illinois,drivers are required to submit the following documents in person at a local Secretary of State Facility, by mail, or online:

• Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
• Electronic Registration and Title (ERT)
• $20 replacement fee for stickers
• $3 for registration card
• Relevant fees for duplicate license plates
• Proof of identity
• Drivers license

Depending on the type of plates you wish to get, license plate fees may vary.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Drivers applying for a newcar registrationin Illinois are required to submit certain documents, which may include:

• Application for Vehicle Transactions form (VSD 190)
• Proof of identity
• Car title with correct buyer’s name, odometer reading and VIN number
• Tax Form RUT-50
• Bill of Sale if purchased from a dealer
• Sales tax Transaction Return Form if purchased from a dealer
• Check or money order for tax payment
• Pay relevant title and registration fee in amount of $101

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

In order torenew an expired car registration, drivers are required to collect and submit the following documents:

• Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
• Electronic Registration and Title (ERT)
• Payment for $101 renewal fee
• Old car registration copy
• Renewal notice

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

In Illinois, an auto registration renewal noticebegins processing approximately 30 days after an application is submitted.

Registration renewals that have been applied for later, but need to be issued earlier, will be given priority. The usual date for sending out the registration stickers for the next month is 22nd of the current month.

If you have yet to receive your registrationstickers a week before your old sticker expires, call 800-252-8980 for more information.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Thecar registration system in Illinois is established on an annual basis. The dates from which you will need to calculate the annual period depend on the type of vehicle being registered and on the calendar/fiscal year system discernment. The different car registration expiration dates are as follows:

• Multi-year plate registrations:For categories with staggered expiration dates, registration expires at midnight one year after the last day of the month of purchase. Passenger vehicles and B trucks expire in December. Company owned B trucks expire in June.

• Two-year plate registrations: Registration period begins on Jan. 1 of everyeven-numbered year and ends on Dec. 31 of every odd-numbered year.

• One-year plate registrations: Registration expires at midnight onDec. 30 or at midnight on June 30.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

To fulfill certain criteria for obtaining car registration copies, you may need to get in touch with tax offices.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is responsible for tax collection issues and serves to help individuals and companies to file their taxes in compliance with local and federal regulations. The department has a well-developed E-Services online system on which citizens can manage their accounts, file returns and make payments.

Apart from a Taxpayer Answer Center available on 800 732-8866 or 217 782-3336, there are six bigger regional offices in the following cities:

• Chicago
• Des Plaines
• Marion
• Fairview Heights
• Rockford
• Springfield

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

To replace a car registration in Illinois, drivers are required to fill out the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190). This application is used for car registration, titling changes, and transfers.

Applicants can download the application online and are required to submit a completed copy to a Secretary of State Facility.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Illinois

The Secretary of State of Illinois will send you a renewal notice usually about 60 to 90 days prior to the registration expiration date. A renewal code and a personal identification number (PIN) code is provided on the back of the notice.

You are still urged to keep track of the expiration date yourself in the event that you do not receive a renewal notice.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Expiry dates depends on the type of vehicle registration and is connected to calendar dates which are usually as follows:

• Midnight on Dec. 30 for calendar year registrations
• Midnight on June 30 for fiscal year registrations

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois