How to renew your Illinois license plate
Illinois sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your plate expires. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice they sent you, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration handy.
The renewal fee varies depending on your vehicle type and whether you're renewing a standard plate or a specialty plate. You'll pay the base registration fee plus any applicable county tax. If you renew online or by mail before your plate expires, you can continue driving legally while you wait for the new plate to arrive in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail with your renewal notice, or in person at any Driver Services facility.
- Online renewal requires your VIN, current registration number, and a payment method, and takes about 10 minutes.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration and includes the exact fee you owe plus instructions for each renewal method.
- If you renew before your plate expires, you can drive legally until your new plate arrives, which typically takes two to three weeks.
- If you miss the renewal important date, you'll owe a late fee in addition to the standard registration fee.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You'll need your VIN (found on your registration or vehicle), your current registration number, and a valid payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system will confirm your vehicle information and show you the exact amount due before you complete the transaction.
After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks. You can continue driving your current plate legally during this time as long as you renewed before the expiration date. If you need to check the status of your renewal, you can return to the website and enter your confirmation number.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Your renewal notice includes a payment stub and instructions for mailing. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, include the payment stub, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration if possible, though the notice itself contains enough information for processing.
Mail renewal takes longer than online—typically three to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Send your renewal at least six weeks before your plate expires to avoid driving with an expired plate. If you're close to the expiration date, renewing online or in person is safer.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
You can walk into any Illinois Driver Services facility with your renewal notice, current registration, and payment. Bring a valid ID and proof of residency if your address has changed. The staff will process your renewal when ready, and you'll leave with a receipt showing your new registration is active. Your physical plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
In-person renewal is useful if you've lost your renewal notice, need to update your address or vehicle information, or want the fastest confirmation that your renewal went through. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Secretary of State website for facility hours and locations near you, and consider going early in the week or mid-morning to avoid peak traffic.
What happens if you miss the renewal important date
If your plate expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You'll owe a late fee in addition to your standard registration fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on how long past the expiration date you renew, but you should confirm the current amount when you renew.
If you're pulled over with an expired plate, you can be cited. Renew as soon as possible using any of the three methods above. You can renew online or by mail even after expiration, and you'll be legal to drive once the Secretary of State processes your renewal—not when the new plate arrives. In person is fastest if you need to be legal when ready.
Specialty plates and vanity plates
If you have a specialty plate (such as a military, collegiate, or environmental plate) or a vanity plate, renewal works the same way, but the fee may be different. Your renewal notice will show the correct amount. If you want to change to a different specialty plate or get a vanity plate during renewal, you'll need to do that in person or contact the Secretary of State before renewing, because the online system renews your current plate type.
Vanity plate renewals sometimes require additional steps if your chosen letters or numbers are no longer available or if they've been flagged for review. Check your renewal notice for any special instructions, or call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 if you have questions about your specific plate type.
What to do if you didn't receive your renewal notice
If your renewal notice didn't arrive and your plate is expiring soon, you can still renew online or in person without it. You'll need your VIN and current registration number. If you can't locate your registration, you can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before renewing, or go in person to a Driver Services facility with your ID and proof of residency.
If your address recently changed and the notice went to an old address, update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as possible. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Once your address is updated, you can renew using any method. If you're unsure whether your address is current, call 217-782-6900 to confirm before renewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my plate if it's already expired?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even after expiration. However, you cannot legally drive until the Secretary of State processes your renewal. You'll also owe a late fee. In-person renewal is fastest if you need to drive when ready.
How long does it take to get my new plate after I renew?
New plates typically arrive within two to three weeks of renewal. If you renewed before expiration, you can drive your current plate legally during this time. If you renewed after expiration, you should not drive until you receive confirmation that your renewal was processed.
What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?
If you changed your address, the vehicle's title changed hands, or you made other updates, you may need to update your registration before renewing. Go in person to a Driver Services facility or call 217-782-6900 to confirm what documents you need before renewing online or by mail.
Do I need to renew my plate every year in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois plates expire annually on the date shown on your registration sticker. Your renewal notice will arrive about 30 days before that date. Some vehicles may have different renewal schedules, so check your current registration for your specific expiration date.
What payment methods does the Secretary of State accept?
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.