What you need to get a Chicago license plate
A Chicago license plate comes from the Illinois Secretary of State, not from the city itself. You'll need to register your vehicle with the state, and the plate is part of that registration. The process differs depending on whether you're registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership, or renewing an existing registration.
For a new vehicle purchase, you'll need the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed process (Form VSD 190). If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle the initial paperwork. For a used vehicle, you need the title from the previous owner, proof of insurance, and the same process form.
Illinois requires proof of a valid driver's license and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pay the registration fee, which varies by vehicle type and weight. The Secretary of State's office processes the registration and mails the plate to your address within two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois Secretary of State issues Chicago license plates as part of vehicle registration, not through the city government.
- You need a title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and Form VSD 190 to register a vehicle and receive a plate.
- Registration fees depend on your vehicle's type and weight, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office.
- Standard plates arrive by mail in two to three weeks; vanity plates take longer and cost extra.
- Renewal happens every two years in Illinois, and you can renew online if your vehicle hasn't changed and your address is current.
Where to register and get your plate
You can register your vehicle and order a Chicago license plate through three main routes: online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. The online method is fastest if you have all documents ready and your vehicle meets standard registration requirements.
For in-person registration, the Secretary of State maintains multiple locations across Chicago and Cook County. You can find the nearest office and current hours on their website. Bring your title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, your driver's license, and the completed VSD 190 form. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you register by mail, send your documents to the address listed on Form VSD 190. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Mail processing takes longer than in-person or online—typically three to four weeks before your plate ships.
Registration fees and what affects the cost
Illinois registration fees are based on your vehicle's type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A standard passenger car typically costs between $95 and $135 for a two-year registration. Trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles have different rates. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the Secretary of State's website by entering your vehicle type and weight.
Vanity plates—custom plates with letters or numbers you choose—cost an additional $50 on top of the standard registration fee. Specialty plates (such as those supporting specific causes or organizations) may have different pricing. Personalized plates take four to six weeks to arrive instead of the standard two to three weeks.
If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Illinois, you pay the full two-year fee upfront. When you renew, you pay the same amount for another two-year period. Some vehicles may may have access to for reduced fees—for example, electric vehicles have lower registration costs in Illinois.
Renewing your Chicago license plate
Illinois registration lasts two years. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee and instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal is the simplest option if nothing has changed—your vehicle, address, and insurance are the same. You can renew at cyberdriveillinois.com using your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Payment is by credit or debit card. Your new plate arrives within two to three weeks.
If you've moved, changed your vehicle, or your insurance lapsed, you'll need to renew in person or by mail with updated documentation. Bring proof of current insurance and your renewal notice. If your address changed, bring proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Special plates and customization options
Beyond standard plates, Illinois offers several options. Vanity plates let you choose up to six characters (letters, numbers, or a combination). Specialty plates support causes like wildlife conservation, military service, or specific universities. Each specialty plate has its own design and may direct a portion of the fee to the associated organization.
Disabled person plates and disabled veteran plates are available if you meet state requirements. These plates allow parking in accessible spaces and are issued at no extra cost beyond standard registration. You'll need documentation from your physician or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Temporary plates are issued when you buy a vehicle and are waiting for your permanent plate to arrive. Dealers provide these at the time of sale, and they're valid for 30 days. If your permanent plate hasn't arrived within that window, contact the Secretary of State to request an extension.
What to do if your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your Chicago plate is lost or stolen, report it to the Chicago Police Department and get a case number. Then contact the Secretary of State with your case number, vehicle information, and driver's license number. You can report it online, by mail, or in person.
Replacement plates cost between $20 and $30, depending on whether you're replacing one or both plates. You can order a replacement online at cyberdriveillinois.com or in person at a Secretary of State office. A replacement plate arrives within two to three weeks.
If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement at any time. Bring your current plate and proof of vehicle ownership to a Secretary of State office, or mail the plate with a written request and your vehicle information.
Address changes and updating your registration
If you move to a new address in Illinois, you must update your vehicle registration within 30 days. You can update your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com without paying a fee. You'll need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number, and the new address.
If you move out of Illinois, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state. Contact that state's motor vehicle department for their specific requirements. Your Illinois registration remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it once you've established residency elsewhere.
Updating your address does not change your plate. Your current plate remains valid and you keep it. The address change is recorded in the state system and affects where renewal notices are mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Chicago license plate after I register?
Standard plates arrive within two to three weeks of registration. Vanity plates take four to six weeks. If you register in person at a Secretary of State office, you receive a temporary plate when ready and the permanent plate arrives by mail.
Can I transfer my old plate to a new vehicle?
No. Each vehicle registration receives a new plate. If you want to keep a vanity plate you've had, you can request it for your new vehicle during registration, but it's treated as a new vanity plate order and costs the additional vanity plate fee.
What happens if I don't renew my registration on time?
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Illinois. You can face fines and your vehicle can be impounded. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready online, by mail, or in person. Late renewal fees may explore depending on how long it's been expired.
Do I need to get new plates if I move within Chicago?
No. Your plate stays the same when you move within Illinois. Update your address with the Secretary of State, but your plate number and registration remain unchanged until your registration expires.
Where can I find the Secretary of State office nearest to me?
Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code to find nearby locations, hours, and services available at each office. Some offices handle vehicle registration while others handle only driver's licenses, so check before you visit.