What Illinois custom plates are and how to order one
An Illinois custom license plate lets you choose your own combination of letters and numbers instead of accepting the random sequence the state assigns. You order through the Illinois Secretary of State's office, either online or by mail, and the state checks whether your chosen combination is already taken. If it is available, you pay a one-time personalization fee on top of your regular registration renewal cost, and the plate arrives in the mail within a few weeks.
Custom plates in Illinois come in several varieties. The standard custom plate is called a "Vanity" plate and works with any vehicle type. Illinois also offers specialty custom plates tied to specific causes or interests—military service, college alumni, professional organizations, and charitable causes among them. Each specialty plate has its own design and may have different fees or renewal rules.
The process is straightforward if you know where to start, but the fees, availability rules, and renewal timing can trip up first-time orderers. Understanding what happens at each step—and what to do if your first choice is already taken—saves frustration and money.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois custom plates are ordered through the Secretary of State's website or by mail, and the state checks availability before you pay.
- The personalization fee is a one-time charge added to your registration renewal, and it does not change if you renew your registration later.
- You can request up to three character combinations in order of preference, and the state will issue whichever one is available first.
- Custom plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration, and you do not need to reorder or repay the personalization fee at renewal.
- If your chosen combination is unavailable, you can request a different one without losing your process or paying again.
How to order online through the Secretary of State
The fastest way to order a custom plate is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online system at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your vehicle's current registration number and your driver's license number. The site will ask you to enter up to three character combinations in order of preference—the state will issue the first one that is available.
Character limits depend on the plate type. A standard vanity plate allows up to seven characters total, which can be letters, numbers, or a mix. Spaces and hyphens count as characters. The state will not issue plates with offensive language, plates that mimic official government plates, or combinations already assigned to another vehicle.
Once you submit your request online, you will see when ready whether your first choice is available. If it is not, the system moves to your second choice, then your third. You pay the personalization fee only if at least one of your three choices is available. The fee varies by plate type but typically ranges from $25 to $50 for a standard vanity plate. You will also pay your regular registration renewal fee at the same time.
Ordering by mail if you cannot use the online system
If you do not have internet access or prefer to order by mail, you can request a custom plate process form from the Secretary of State's office. Call the vehicle registration section at 217-782-6900 to request the form, or visit a local Secretary of State facility in person to pick one up.
On the form, you will write your three character choices in order of preference, along with your vehicle information and driver's license number. Mail the completed form to the address provided on the form, along with a check or money order for the personalization fee plus your registration renewal fee. Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering—typically four to six weeks from the time the office receives your form.
If your first choice is unavailable, the Secretary of State will contact you by mail to let you know and ask which of your remaining choices you prefer. This back-and-forth adds time to the process, so ordering online is faster if you have the option.
What happens after you order and when your plate arrives
Once your order is processed and approved, the Secretary of State's office will mail your custom plate to the address on your registration. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks from approval. You should not receive your plate before your current registration expires, but if you do, you can install it when ready—it becomes valid on your registration renewal date.
When your plate arrives, check that the characters match what you ordered. If there is an error, contact the Secretary of State's office right away with your order number and a photo of the plate. The office will issue a replacement at no charge.
Your custom plate is tied to your vehicle, not to you personally. If you sell the vehicle, the plate stays with it unless you request to keep it. If you want to keep your custom plate and transfer it to a new vehicle, you must request a transfer through the Secretary of State before you sell the old vehicle. There is usually a small fee for the transfer.
Renewal and what changes when your registration expires
Your custom plate renews automatically on the same schedule as your vehicle registration. You do not need to reorder it or pay the personalization fee again. When you renew your registration—whether online, by mail, or in person—your custom plate comes with it at no extra charge.
If you want to change your custom plate to a different combination at renewal time, you can do so by placing a new custom plate order. You will pay the personalization fee again for the new plate. Your old custom plate will be retired once the new one is issued.
If you let your registration lapse and then renew it later, your custom plate is still yours. The state holds custom plates for the vehicle owner even if registration lapses. When you renew, you can keep the same plate or order a new one.
Specialty custom plates and their specific rules
Illinois offers custom plates tied to military service, college alumni associations, professional groups, and charitable causes. These plates have their own designs and sometimes their own fees. For example, military service plates may have a lower personalization fee or waived fee, while some charity plates direct a portion of the fee to the organization.
To order a specialty custom plate, you typically start on the Secretary of State's website and select the specialty category. You will then follow the same process as a standard vanity plate—choosing your character combination and paying the applicable fee. Some specialty plates have additional requirements, such as proof of military service or membership in the organization, so check the specific plate's requirements before you order.
Specialty plates renew the same way standard custom plates do: automatically at your registration renewal with no additional personalization fee. If the specialty plate program is discontinued, the state will notify you and give you the option to switch to a standard custom plate or a different specialty plate.
What to do if your character combination is already taken
If all three of your character choices are unavailable, your order will not be processed and you will not be charged. The Secretary of State will contact you by mail (if you ordered by mail) or you will see a message on the website (if you ordered online) explaining that none of your choices are available.
You can then submit a new request with three different character combinations. There is no penalty for resubmitting, and you do not lose your place in any queue. Think creatively about variations: if "MYNAME" is taken, try "MYNAME1", "MY NAME" (with a space), or "MYNME" (dropping a vowel). Numbers and special characters like hyphens can help you get closer to your ideal plate.
If you are having trouble finding an available combination, you can call the Secretary of State's office for suggestions. Staff can sometimes tell you which similar combinations are available, though they cannot reserve a plate for you over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my custom plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Before you sell or trade in your current vehicle, contact the Secretary of State to request a plate transfer. The transfer fee is typically $10 to $15. Once approved, you can install the plate on your new vehicle. If you do not request a transfer before selling the vehicle, the plate stays with it and you lose it.
What if I make a mistake when I order and want to cancel?
If you ordered online and have not yet been charged, you can cancel when ready through the website. If you have been charged or ordered by mail, contact the Secretary of State's office as soon as possible. Cancellations within a short window (usually 10 days) may result in a refund, but policies vary.
Do I have to use my custom plate, or can I keep my regular plate?
Once your custom plate arrives, you must use it on your vehicle. You cannot keep your old registration plate. If you change your mind about the custom plate after it arrives, you can request a standard registration plate, but you will not receive a refund of the personalization fee.
How much does a custom plate cost in Illinois?
The personalization fee for a standard vanity plate is typically $25 to $50, depending on the plate type. Specialty plates may have different fees. This is a one-time charge added to your registration renewal fee. At renewal, you pay only your regular registration fee—the personalization fee does not repeat.
Can I order a custom plate if my registration is expired?
No. You must have a current, valid registration to order a custom plate. If your registration has expired, renew it first through the Secretary of State, then place your custom plate order. You can do both at the same time online or by mail.