Illinois renews your license plate every two years through the Secretary of State

Illinois sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 to 45 days before your plate expires. The notice tells you the exact expiration date, how much you owe, and which office or online method to use. You can renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website — the online method is fastest and requires no trip.

Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle type and whether you have any special plate designation (standard passenger vehicle, truck, motorcycle, disabled person plate, and so on). The base renewal cost for a standard passenger vehicle is set by state law, but the exact amount varies slightly depending on your county and whether you owe any back fees or penalties. Check your renewal notice for your specific amount.

The expiration date on your current plate tells you when you must renew. Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket. You do not have to wait until the expiration date to renew — you can renew up to six months early if you want to.

Key Takeaways

  • The Secretary of State mails you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your plate expires, and that notice includes your fee and renewal important date.
  • You can renew online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice, or in person at any Secretary of State facility.
  • Online renewal is the fastest method and does not require a visit to an office, though you will need your renewal notice and a valid payment method.
  • Your new plate arrives by mail after you renew, so plan ahead if your current plate expires soon.
  • You can renew up to six months before your expiration date if you want to avoid the rush closer to the important date.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and select the license plate renewal option. You will need your renewal notice (the document mailed to you), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The online system will ask you to enter information from your notice and confirm your vehicle details.

After you submit your payment, you receive a confirmation number. Your new plate is printed and mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. Standard mail delivery takes about one to two weeks, though timing varies. You can continue driving on your current plate until it expires, even while your new one is in the mail.

If you move before your new plate arrives, update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as possible so the plate reaches you. You can update your address online or at a Secretary of State facility.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice itself. Include your payment and sign the notice where indicated. Mail it at least two weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery of your new plate.

You can also renew in person at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID, and your payment method. A staff member will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive a temporary plate or receipt that allows you to drive legally while your permanent plate is mailed to you. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Secretary of State facilities have different hours depending on location. Some are open evenings or Saturdays, but many are open only during standard business hours. Check the office locator on the Illinois Secretary of State website to find hours near you.

What happens if your plate expires before you renew

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a ticket, which carries a fine. The fine amount depends on how long your plate has been expired and your driving record, but it is typically between $100 and $300.

If you miss your renewal important date, you can still renew at any time. The Secretary of State does not cancel your registration for being late — you straightforward renew whenever you get around to it. However, you should not drive on an expired plate while waiting to renew. If you cannot renew when ready, park the vehicle and do not operate it on public roads.

If you receive a ticket for an expired plate, you can renew before your court date and bring proof of renewal to show the judge. Many judges will reduce or dismiss the fine if you renew before the hearing.

Special plates and renewal considerations

If you have a special plate — disabled person, veteran, environmental, collegiate, or organizational — the renewal process is the same, but your fee may differ. Your renewal notice will show the correct fee for your plate type. Some special plates require additional documentation or renewal through a different office; your notice will tell you if that applies.

If you want to change your plate type during renewal (for example, switching to a disabled person plate), you cannot do that through the standard renewal process. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person or contact them directly to request a plate type change. Bring documentation of your may be able to access for the new plate type.

Keeping your registration current between renewals

Your license plate renewal is tied to your vehicle registration. If your registration lapses or is suspended for any reason — unpaid tickets, unpaid vehicle taxes, or other violations — your plate renewal may be held up. Check your registration status on the Illinois Secretary of State website before you renew to make sure there are no blocks.

If you sell your vehicle, transfer it to someone else, or change your address, notify the Secretary of State within a certain timeframe. These changes do not affect your current renewal, but they affect future renewals and may support you receive notices at the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if I have unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations?

Unpaid parking tickets typically do not block plate renewal. However, unpaid moving violations, vehicle taxes, or registration suspensions can prevent renewal. Check your registration status on the Illinois Secretary of State website, or contact a Secretary of State facility to learn about there are any blocks on your account.

What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?

Contact the Secretary of State to confirm your address on file. You can renew without the notice if you have your vehicle information and can pay online or in person, but the notice makes the process easier because it includes your renewal fee. If your address changed recently, update it first so future notices reach you.

How long does it take to get my new plate after I renew?

Standard mail delivery takes about one to two weeks after you renew. If you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, you receive a temporary plate or receipt when ready and can drive legally while your permanent plate is mailed. Online and mail renewals do not include a temporary plate, so plan ahead if your current plate is expiring soon.

Do I have to renew my plate on the exact expiration date?

No. You can renew anytime from six months before the expiration date until after it expires. However, driving on an expired plate is illegal, so renew before the date on your current plate. If you miss the important date, renew as soon as possible and do not drive the vehicle until you do.

Can I renew my plate if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere with internet access, or by mail from any location. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Secretary of State facility in Illinois, or contact the Secretary of State office to ask about options if you are permanently out of state.