Chicago car stickers renew every year, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office

Chicago requires a vehicle sticker (also called a city vehicle sticker or municipal sticker) separate from your state registration. The sticker costs $75 per year for most passenger vehicles and is due by the last day of February. You can renew starting January 1 each year. The City of Chicago processes these stickers, not the Illinois Secretary of State, so renewal happens through a different system than your state registration.

The fastest route is online through the City of Chicago's vehicle sticker portal at chicitystickers.com. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, VIN, and current registration. If you renew online before the important date, you can print a temporary sticker when ready and receive the physical sticker by mail within two weeks. If you miss the February important date, you can still renew, but you'll owe a late fee on top of the $75 base cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago vehicle stickers cost $75 per year and must be renewed by February 28 (or 29 in leap years).
  • Online renewal at chicitystickers.com is the fastest method and lets you print a temporary sticker the same day.
  • You need your license plate number, VIN, and current vehicle registration to renew.
  • Renewing after the February important date adds a late fee to your bill.
  • If you sell your vehicle or move out of Chicago, you can request a refund for unused months of your sticker.

Renewing online through the City of Chicago

Go to chicitystickers.com and enter your license plate number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal cost. You'll need to verify your address and provide a payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check). After payment processes, you can when ready read and print a temporary sticker that is valid for 30 days.

Your permanent sticker will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. The temporary sticker must be displayed on your vehicle during this waiting period. Once the physical sticker arrives, remove the temporary one and place the new sticker on your windshield in the lower driver's side corner, where the old one was.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail a check or money order to the City of Chicago Department of Finance, along with a completed renewal form. read the form from the city's website or call 311 to request one by mail. Mail your payment and form to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes three to four weeks, so send it early if you want your sticker before the important date.

You can also renew in person at any Secretary of State office in Illinois. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. You'll pay the $75 fee and receive your sticker on the spot. This is useful if you need the sticker when ready or if you're renewing late and want to avoid additional processing delays.

What happens if you miss the February important date

If your sticker expires on February 28 and you renew after that date, the City of Chicago adds a late fee. The late fee is typically $10 for renewals submitted in March, and increases further for later months. You can still renew at any time during the year, but the longer you wait, the higher the penalty.

Driving without a valid sticker is a violation. Chicago police can issue a ticket, which carries a fine. If you're pulled over, show proof that you've renewed (such as a confirmation email from chicitystickers.com or a receipt from the Secretary of State) to help demonstrate good faith, though this does not may provide the officer will not issue a citation.

Sticker cost and vehicle type

Most passenger vehicles pay $75 per year. The cost is the same whether you renew in January or February. Some vehicle types have different rates: vehicles registered as commercial or for-hire may have higher fees, and vehicles registered as non-profit or government-owned may have reduced fees or exemptions. Check chicitystickers.com or call 311 to confirm the cost for your specific vehicle type before paying.

The sticker is tied to your license plate, not to you as a person. If you buy a new vehicle, you'll need a new sticker for the new plate. If you keep the same plate on a different vehicle, you can transfer the sticker to the new vehicle by notifying the city.

Transferring or refunding your sticker

If you sell your vehicle or move out of Chicago during the sticker year, you may be able to request a refund for the unused portion. Contact the City of Chicago Department of Finance through chicitystickers.com or by calling 311. You'll need to provide proof of sale (a bill of sale) or proof of relocation (such as a lease or utility bill showing your new address outside Chicago). Refunds are prorated by month and typically take four to six weeks to process.

If you move within Chicago but change your address, you don't need a new sticker. Update your address with the city through the sticker portal or by calling 311, and your current sticker remains valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Chicago sticker before January 1?

No. The city only accepts renewals starting January 1 each year. If you try to renew before that date, the system will reject your request. Plan to renew in January or early February to avoid the rush and may support your sticker arrives before the important date.

What if I don't receive my sticker in the mail?

Contact the City of Chicago Department of Finance through chicitystickers.com or call 311. Provide your license plate number and the date you renewed. The city can check the status of your sticker and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. In the meantime, keep your temporary sticker or renewal confirmation visible in your vehicle.

Do I need to renew my Chicago sticker if I move to the suburbs?

No. Chicago stickers are only required for vehicles registered to a Chicago address. If you move outside the city limits, you no longer need the sticker. Request a refund for any unused months by providing proof of your new address to the city.

What if my vehicle registration is expired?

You must renew your Illinois vehicle registration with the Secretary of State before you can renew your Chicago sticker. The city's system checks your state registration status. Renew your state registration first, then renew your Chicago sticker.

Can I pay for multiple years of stickers at once?

No. Chicago stickers are sold one year at a time. You must renew each February for the upcoming year. The city does not offer multi-year sticker purchases.