What Illinois license plates look like and what they cost

Illinois license plates are the white rectangular plates with blue lettering and the state name across the top. Standard passenger plates display a combination of letters and numbers — usually three letters followed by four numbers, though the exact format depends on when the plate was issued. The state seal appears on the left side of the plate.

A new Illinois license plate costs $98 for a standard passenger vehicle when you first register your car with the state. If you need to replace a damaged, lost, or stolen plate, the replacement fee is $28 per plate. These fees are separate from your vehicle registration renewal, which happens every two years.

Illinois also offers specialty plates — such as environmental plates, military veteran plates, and collegiate plates — that cost more than the standard plate but support specific causes or organizations. The additional cost varies depending on which specialty plate you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • New Illinois license plates cost $98 and are issued when you first register a vehicle; replacements cost $28 each.
  • You can order a replacement plate online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a driver services facility.
  • A replacement plate typically arrives within two to three weeks if ordered online or by mail.
  • If your plate is stolen, you should report it to local police and get a police report number before ordering a replacement.
  • Personalized plates with custom letters and numbers are available but require a separate process and additional fees.

How to order a replacement plate online

The fastest way to replace a plate is through the Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. Go to the "Vehicle Services" section and select "Order Replacement License Plates." You will need your vehicle's current registration number, your driver's license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).

After you submit your order and payment, the Secretary of State will mail your new plate to the address on file with your registration. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. You can use your vehicle during this time — there is no requirement to stop driving while you wait for the replacement.

Keep your order confirmation number. If your plate does not arrive within four weeks, you can use this number to check the status on the same website or contact the Secretary of State's office directly.

Replacing a plate in person or by mail

If you prefer not to order online, you can visit any Illinois driver services facility in person. Bring your vehicle registration, a valid photo ID, and payment (cash, check, or card). The staff will process your replacement plate order on the spot, and you will receive a receipt with an estimated delivery date.

You can also mail a completed Form DSD 254 (process for Duplicate License Plate) to the Secretary of State along with a check or money order for $28. Include a copy of your vehicle registration and your driver's license. Mail it to the address listed on the form, which you can read from the Secretary of State website. This method takes longer — typically four to six weeks — because of mail processing time.

What to do if your plate was stolen

If your plate was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department first. Get the report number and keep a copy — you will need this when you order your replacement. Thieves sometimes use stolen plates on other vehicles, so reporting it protects you from liability if the plate is used in a traffic violation or crime.

After you have the police report, order your replacement plate using any of the methods above (online, by mail, or in person). Mention in your process that the plate was stolen and include your police report number. This creates an official record that the plate was reported missing before it was used elsewhere.

Personalized and specialty plates

Illinois allows personalized plates with custom letters and numbers instead of the standard format. You can request a specific combination — such as your initials or a meaningful phrase — as long as it is not already taken and does not violate content rules (no profanity, hate speech, or content that mimics official plates).

Personalized plates cost more than standard plates: $98 for a new personalized plate and $28 for a replacement. You explore for a personalized plate through the Secretary of State website or at a driver services facility. The state will check whether your requested combination is available before you pay.

Specialty plates — such as environmental, military, collegiate, or organizational plates — also cost more and support specific causes. Each specialty plate has its own process process and additional fee. You can browse available specialty plates on the Secretary of State website to see which ones interest you and what the extra cost is.

Damaged plates and when to replace them

If your plate is bent, cracked, faded, or otherwise damaged but still readable, you are not required to replace it when ready. However, if the plate is so damaged that the letters and numbers are hard to read, a police officer can cite you for an illegible plate during a traffic stop. If you are concerned about readability, ordering a replacement is safer than waiting.

Plates that are straightforward dirty or dusty do not need replacement — cleaning them is enough. But if the lettering itself is worn away or the plate is physically broken, order a replacement to avoid a potential citation.

Transferring a plate to a new vehicle

If you are buying a new vehicle and want to keep your current plate, you can transfer it during your new vehicle registration. You will need your current plate, the title and registration for your new vehicle, and a valid ID. Visit a driver services facility or complete the transfer online through the Secretary of State website.

There is no additional fee to transfer a plate to a new vehicle — the transfer is included in your new vehicle registration. However, if your plate is damaged or you do not want to keep it, you can request a new plate for your new vehicle instead. The new plate will cost $98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

Online and mail orders typically take two to three weeks for delivery. In-person orders at a driver services facility may take slightly longer — usually three to four weeks — because the facility must process and mail the plate. You can drive your vehicle during this time.

Can I use a temporary plate while I wait for my replacement?

Illinois does not issue temporary plates for replacements. You can continue to drive with your current plate (if it is still on your vehicle) or without a plate if it was stolen. If a police officer stops you, show your registration and explain that you have ordered a replacement.

What if I ordered a replacement but my plate arrives damaged?

Contact the Secretary of State's office with your order confirmation number and a photo of the damaged plate. They will send you a replacement at no additional cost. Keep the damaged plate until the new one arrives in case you need to show both.

Do I need to remove my old plate before the new one arrives?

No. You can leave your old plate on your vehicle until the new one arrives and you are ready to install it. Once the new plate arrives, remove the old one and install the new one, then dispose of the old plate or keep it as a record.

Can I order a plate for someone else's vehicle?

No. Only the registered owner or an authorized agent can order a replacement plate. If you are ordering on behalf of someone else, you will need written permission and a power of attorney document, which you can get notarized at most banks or through a notary public.