What the Illinois Secretary of State actually rejects
The Illinois Secretary of State's office rejects license plate requests when the text violates state rules, not because of a random list of forbidden words. The office publishes rejected requests periodically to show what crossed the line — usually plates that are obscene, impersonate government agencies, reference illegal activity, or are straightforward too similar to existing plates already issued in Illinois.
These rejections are public record. The Secretary of State's office does not keep a master list you can search before you submit, but they do publish examples of what they turned down and why. Understanding what gets rejected helps you avoid wasting the submission fee and waiting time on a plate that will not clear.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State rejects vanity plates that are obscene, impersonate government or law enforcement, reference illegal drugs or activity, or are too similar to plates already in use.
- Rejected requests are published periodically by the Secretary of State's office, showing real examples of what was denied and the reason why.
- You cannot search the rejection list before submitting your own request, but you can review past rejections to understand the standards.
- If your plate is rejected, you can resubmit with different text, but you will pay the vanity plate fee again.
How to find the list of rejected plates
The Illinois Secretary of State publishes rejected vanity plate requests on its official website under the vehicle services section. The list is updated periodically and shows the text that was requested, the reason for rejection, and sometimes the date it was denied. You can view this list for free without creating an account or paying any fee.
The easiest route is to visit the Secretary of State's main website, navigate to the vehicle services or driver services area, and look for a link labeled something like "Rejected Vanity Plate Requests" or "Vanity Plate Guidelines." If you cannot find it through browsing, call the Secretary of State's vehicle services line — the phone number is on their website — and ask them to direct you to the current list or email it to you.
Common reasons plates get rejected
Obscenity is the most common rejection reason. The Secretary of State applies a standard that includes obvious profanity but also phrases that are crude or sexually suggestive, even if they use numbers or abbreviations to disguise the meaning. A plate that reads as a slur or hate speech will be rejected when ready.
Impersonation of government or law enforcement is an automatic rejection. This includes plates that look like official state or federal plates, law enforcement plates, or government agency plates. Plates that mimic the format or appearance of a real government plate — even as a joke — will not be issued.
References to illegal drugs or controlled substances are rejected, whether spelled out or abbreviated. This includes slang terms, chemical names, and references to drug use or distribution. The same rule applies to plates that reference illegal activity, violence, or criminal behavior.
Similarity to existing plates is a less obvious reason for rejection. If your requested text is too close to a plate already issued in Illinois — same letters in a different order, or a slight variation of an existing plate — the Secretary of State will deny it to avoid confusion. You cannot see which plates are already in use, so this reason sometimes comes as a surprise.
What happens if your plate request is rejected
When the Secretary of State rejects your request, you will receive written notice explaining the reason. The notice will tell you whether you can resubmit with different text or whether the issue is something that cannot be fixed (for example, if the text is too similar to an existing plate, no variation of that text may be available).
If you want to try again, you submit a new request with different text and pay the vanity plate fee again. There is no appeal process for a rejected vanity plate request — the Secretary of State's decision is final. Your best move is to review the published rejection list, understand the standards, and choose text that clearly avoids those categories before you submit.
How to submit a vanity plate request that will not be rejected
Start by reviewing the published list of rejections. Look for patterns in what was denied and why. If your idea falls into any of those categories — obscene, impersonating government, referencing drugs or illegal activity — choose something else.
Keep your text straightforward and straightforward. Vanity plates that are clever wordplay or inside jokes are less likely to trigger rejection than plates that are edgy or push boundaries. If you are unsure whether your idea crosses a line, it probably does — choose something safer.
Check that your text does not look like an existing plate format. You cannot search the database of issued plates, but you can avoid text that mimics official state or federal plate designs. Stick to text that is clearly personal and not an attempt to look official.
Remember that the Secretary of State applies these rules consistently. What was rejected for one person will be rejected for the next. The published rejection list is your best guide to what will and will not work.
The cost and timeline for vanity plates in Illinois
Vanity plates in Illinois cost more than standard plates. The exact fee varies depending on the plate type and whether you are renewing or explore for the first time, but expect to pay a premium above the standard registration fee. Check the Secretary of State's website for the current vanity plate fee.
Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. If your request is rejected, that timeline resets when you resubmit with new text. If you need a plate by a specific date, submit your request well in advance and have a backup text choice ready in case the first one is rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see which vanity plates are already issued in Illinois?
No, the Secretary of State does not publish a searchable database of issued vanity plates. You cannot check before submitting whether your requested text is already in use. If it is, your request will be rejected with a notice that the plate is too similar to an existing one.
What if my plate is rejected for being too similar to an existing plate?
You can resubmit with different text, but you will pay the fee again. The Secretary of State will not tell you which specific plate is too similar to yours, so you will need to choose text that is clearly different from what you originally requested.
Can I appeal a rejected vanity plate request?
No, the Secretary of State's decision on a vanity plate rejection is final. There is no formal appeal process. Your only option is to submit a new request with different text.
How often does the Secretary of State publish the list of rejected plates?
The frequency varies. The Secretary of State publishes rejections periodically, but there is no set schedule. Check their website regularly or call their vehicle services line to find out when the most recent list was updated.
Do rejected vanity plate requests get published with my name?
The published list shows the text that was rejected and the reason why, but not the name of the person who requested it. Your personal information is not made public.