Chicago requires a city sticker on every vehicle registered to a Chicago address, and you renew it annually by mail, online, or in person

The Chicago city sticker is a windshield decal that proves you have paid the city's vehicle tax. It is separate from your Illinois registration and expires on the last day of February each year. You can renew starting January 1st. The city sends renewal notices by mail to the address on your vehicle registration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process as soon as the calendar turns to January.

Renewal costs $75 for most passenger vehicles in 2024, though the amount can change year to year. The city offers three ways to renew: by mail, through the city's online portal at chicago.gov/citysticker, or in person at a Chicago Department of Finance office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about five minutes if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration handy.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago city stickers expire on February 28 each year and must be renewed before that date to avoid a $100 penalty.
  • You can renew online at chicago.gov/citysticker starting January 1, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a Department of Finance office.
  • Online renewal requires your VIN, vehicle registration number, and a payment method, and takes about five minutes.
  • If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you will owe the $75 renewal fee plus a $100 late penalty.
  • Moving out of Chicago or selling your vehicle means you do not need to renew, but you should notify the city to avoid receiving future notices.

Renewing online through the city portal

The fastest way to renew is through chicago.gov/citysticker. You will need your vehicle's VIN (found on your registration or dashboard), your current Illinois registration number, and a credit or debit card. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee. You pay online and receive a confirmation email with a link to print your new sticker or have it mailed to you.

If you choose to print the sticker yourself, you can do so when ready after payment. If you request it by mail, the city typically sends it within one to two weeks. Either way, you must display the new sticker on your windshield by March 1st to avoid the late penalty. The online system is available 24 hours a day, and you can renew from any device with internet access.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with a check or money order. Include the payment with the notice in the envelope provided and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so renewing by mail in early February gives you a buffer before the February 28 important date.

To renew in person, visit any Chicago Department of Finance office. The main office is located at 121 North LaSalle Street, but the city operates satellite offices in multiple neighborhoods. You can bring your current registration and pay with cash, check, or card. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you receive your sticker on the spot. Check the city's website for office hours and locations before you go, as hours vary by location.

What happens if you miss the important date

If your city sticker expires on February 28 and you have not renewed by that date, you owe a $100 late penalty in addition to the $75 renewal fee. You can still renew after the important date, but you must pay both amounts. The city does not automatically forgive the penalty if you renew a few days late.

Driving without a valid city sticker can result in a parking ticket. The fine for expired or missing stickers varies but typically ranges from $50 to $100 per ticket. If you are stopped by police, you may also receive a citation. The safest approach is to renew before February 28, even if you are only a few days early.

Situations where you do not need to renew

If you have moved out of Chicago or no longer own the vehicle, you do not need to renew the city sticker. However, if you are still registered at a Chicago address, the city will continue to send you renewal notices. To stop receiving notices, contact the Chicago Department of Finance to update your registration address or report that the vehicle is no longer in your possession.

If you sell your vehicle to someone else, the new owner is responsible for renewing the sticker if they register it in Chicago. The sticker is tied to the vehicle, not the owner, so the new owner will need to renew it under their name. If you are buying a used vehicle in Chicago, check the sticker's expiration date before completing the purchase — you may inherit a renewal obligation if the previous owner did not renew.

Replacing a lost, damaged, or illegible sticker

If your sticker is damaged, faded, or missing, you can request a replacement through the same channels as renewal. Online, you can select "replacement sticker" instead of "renewal" and pay a replacement fee (typically lower than the full renewal fee). By mail or in person, explain that you need a replacement rather than a renewal, and the city will process it accordingly.

A replacement sticker is not the same as renewing early. If your current sticker is still valid and you only need a replacement because it is damaged, you should not have to pay the full renewal fee. Keep your confirmation email or receipt to prove you paid for a replacement if there is any confusion later.

Keeping track of your renewal date

Mark February 28 on your calendar or set a phone reminder for mid-February to give yourself time to renew before the important date. If you renew online, you can do it in minutes, so there is no reason to wait until the last week. Renewing in January or early February means you avoid the rush and the risk of missing the important date.

If you move within Chicago, update your address with the Illinois Secretary of State so the city's renewal notices reach you at your new address. If you do not update your address, you may not receive the renewal notice and could accidentally let your sticker expire. The renewal notice is a helpful reminder, even though you can renew without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my city sticker before January 1?

No, the city's system does not accept renewals before January 1. You can renew starting January 1 for the upcoming year. If your sticker expires February 28, 2024, you can renew for the 2024 sticker starting January 1, 2024.

What if I just moved to Chicago and need a city sticker?

New residents must register their vehicle with Illinois and then obtain a Chicago city sticker. You can purchase a new sticker (not a renewal) through chicago.gov/citysticker or in person at a Department of Finance office. The fee is the same as renewal, and you must display it within 30 days of registering your vehicle in Chicago.

Do I need the renewal notice to renew online?

No, you do not need the notice to renew online. You only need your VIN and current registration number. The online system will pull up your vehicle information automatically. The renewal notice is helpful as a reminder, but it is not required.

What if I pay for renewal but do not receive my sticker by March 1?

If you paid online and chose to print the sticker, print it when ready from your confirmation email. If you requested it by mail and it has not arrived by late February, contact the Department of Finance with your confirmation number. They can reissue the sticker or provide a temporary proof of payment to avoid a late penalty.

Can someone else renew my city sticker for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or in person, someone else can handle it on your behalf. They will need the renewal notice (for mail) or your vehicle registration (in person). For online renewal, you will need to do it yourself or give someone access to your vehicle information and payment method.