You can transfer your current license plates to a different vehicle in Illinois, but the process and rules depend on whether you own both vehicles and what type of plates you have

Illinois lets you move standard license plates from one vehicle to another without buying new plates, which saves you the plate fee. The vehicle you're moving the plates to must pass inspection, and you'll need to update your registration with the Secretary of State. The process takes a few days to a week if you handle it by mail, or same-day if you visit a Driver Services facility in person.

Personalized plates, vanity plates, and specialty plates (like environmental or military plates) follow different rules. Some can move with you; others are tied to the vehicle and stay behind. Understanding which type you have before you start matters, because the wrong move can cost you extra fees or delay your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Illinois license plates can transfer to a new vehicle without paying a plate fee, but you must update your vehicle registration with the Secretary of State.
  • Your new vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can legally use transferred plates on it.
  • Personalized and vanity plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle, so you can move them; specialty plates like environmental or military plates are vehicle-specific and do not transfer.
  • You can transfer plates in person at any Driver Services facility for same-day processing, or by mail using the appropriate form, which takes five to seven business days.
  • If your plates are damaged, lost, or expired, you cannot transfer them; you'll need to order replacement plates instead.

What happens to your plates when you buy or sell a vehicle

When you sell a vehicle in Illinois, the license plates stay with you, not with the car. You remove them before the sale closes. This is different from some states where plates stay with the vehicle. Because Illinois plates belong to the owner, you can move them to any other vehicle you own, as long as that vehicle is registered in your name and has passed inspection.

If you buy a used vehicle from a dealer or private seller, it may come with temporary transit plates or no plates at all. You'll need to either transfer your own plates to it or order new ones. If you're buying from a dealer, they sometimes handle the paperwork, but you're responsible for confirming the plates are legal and current before you drive the car home.

Standard plates versus specialty plates: which ones you can move

Standard white-and-blue Illinois plates transfer freely between vehicles you own. Personalized plates (custom letter and number combinations) and vanity plates also transfer, because they're registered to you as the owner, not to a specific vehicle. If you have a personalized plate, you keep it when you sell the car and can put it on your new one.

Specialty plates—including environmental plates, military veteran plates, disabled veteran plates, and organizational plates—are vehicle-specific. They do not transfer. If you have a disabled veteran plate on your current car and buy a new one, you'll need to order a new disabled veteran plate for the new vehicle. The same applies to environmental plates and other specialty designations. Check your current plate to see if it has a special designation; if it does, contact the Secretary of State's office before assuming you can move it.

Steps to transfer plates to a new vehicle

First, make sure your new vehicle has passed the Illinois safety inspection. You cannot legally register plates on a vehicle that hasn't been inspected. Once it passes, you have two options: transfer in person or by mail.

In person: Visit any Driver Services facility with your current registration, proof of insurance for the new vehicle, the vehicle's title, and your identification. Bring the license plates you're transferring. Staff will process the transfer same-day, update your registration to show the new vehicle identification number (VIN), and you can drive home with your plates on the new car.

By mail: Complete Form DSD A-131 (process for Illinois Vehicle Registration), include a copy of your current registration, proof of insurance for the new vehicle, a copy of the vehicle's title, and your identification. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes five to seven business days. Do not put the plates on the new vehicle until you receive confirmation from the Secretary of State that the transfer is complete.

Inspection requirements before you transfer plates

Illinois requires all vehicles to pass a safety inspection before you can legally register them. The inspection checks brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, suspension, and emissions (for vehicles subject to emissions testing). You cannot transfer plates to a vehicle that hasn't been inspected, and you cannot legally drive an unregistered vehicle to get it inspected.

If you're buying a used car from a dealer, ask whether it has already passed inspection. Many dealer vehicles come with a current inspection sticker. If you're buying from a private seller, you'll need to take the car to an inspection station before you register it. Inspection stations are independent facilities licensed by the state; you can find them through the Secretary of State's website. The inspection costs vary but typically run $15 to $30.

Fees and what you'll pay

Transferring standard plates to a new vehicle costs nothing if your plates are current and undamaged. You pay only the registration fee for the new vehicle, which is based on its age and type. Registration fees in Illinois vary: a standard passenger vehicle typically costs $151 for two years, but trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle types have different rates.

If your plates are damaged, lost, or expired, you cannot transfer them. You'll order replacement plates instead, which costs $30 for standard plates. If you're transferring personalized or vanity plates, there's no additional fee beyond the registration fee for the new vehicle. Specialty plates that don't transfer require you to order new specialty plates for the new vehicle, which may have their own fees depending on the plate type.

What to do if your plates are damaged, lost, or expired

Damaged plates with faded numbers, cracks, or rust cannot be transferred. If your plates are in poor condition, order replacements through the Secretary of State before attempting a transfer. You can order replacement plates online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail using Form DSD A-133, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Replacement plates cost $30 and take about two weeks by mail.

Expired plates cannot transfer either. If your registration has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before you can move the plates. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person. Once your registration is current, the plates are may be able to access to transfer. If your plates were lost or stolen, report the loss to local police and get a case number, then order replacements through the Secretary of State with the police report number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer plates to a vehicle registered in someone else's name?

No. Plates must transfer to a vehicle registered in your name. If you co-own the vehicle with someone else, both owners' names must appear on the registration. You cannot move your plates to a vehicle owned solely by another person.

What if I'm transferring plates between a car and a motorcycle?

Standard passenger vehicle plates cannot be used on motorcycles, and motorcycle plates cannot be used on cars. Each vehicle type requires its own plate designation. If you're switching vehicle types, you'll need to order new plates for the motorcycle or car, not transfer your existing ones.

Do I need to remove my old plates before the transfer is complete?

Yes. Remove your plates from the old vehicle before you submit your transfer paperwork. Once the transfer is processed, those plates are no longer registered to any vehicle. If you're transferring in person, bring the plates with you to the Driver Services facility.

How long can I drive without plates while waiting for my transfer to process?

You cannot legally drive without plates. If you're transferring by mail, do not put your plates on the new vehicle until you receive written confirmation from the Secretary of State that the transfer is complete. If you need to drive the vehicle before then, you'll need temporary transit plates, which the dealer or a Driver Services facility can issue.

Can I transfer plates if I still owe money on my old vehicle?

Yes. The lender's lien on the old vehicle doesn't affect your ability to transfer plates. The plates belong to you as the registered owner. However, if you're selling the vehicle to pay off the loan, make sure the title transfer and lien release are handled separately from the plate transfer.