What you need to renew your Illinois vehicle sticker
Illinois vehicle stickers (also called registration stickers or license plate decals) expire on the last day of the month printed on them. You renew through the Secretary of State's office, either online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The process itself is straightforward: you pay the renewal fee, provide proof your vehicle passed emissions testing if required in your county, and the Secretary of State mails you a new sticker to affix to your license plate.
You do not need to visit a facility unless you are renewing for the first time, changing vehicle information, or your online or mail renewal is rejected. Most people renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail because there is no processing fee.
Key Takeaways
- Renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com using your vehicle's license plate number and PIN from your current sticker — this is the fastest and cheapest route.
- If your vehicle is registered in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will County, you must show proof of a passing emissions test before renewal, even if you renew online.
- The sticker expires on the last day of the month shown on it; renewing before that date keeps your registration current and avoids a lapsed registration violation.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your payment, so submit it at least two weeks before your sticker expires.
- If you cannot find your PIN or your online renewal is rejected, call the Secretary of State's automated line at 217-782-6900 or visit a Driver Services facility in person.
Renewing online: the fastest method
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will need your current license plate number and the four-digit PIN printed on the back of your current sticker. Enter your vehicle information, confirm the address on file, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal went through.
If you live in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will County, the online system will ask you to upload proof of a passing emissions test before you can complete payment. You can take a photo of your emissions test certificate with your phone and upload it directly. Once approved, the Secretary of State mails your new sticker within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot find your PIN, the online system has a "Forgot PIN" option that will email it to the address on file. If that does not work or you do not have access to email, call the Secretary of State's automated phone line at 217-782-6900 and follow the prompts to retrieve it.
Renewing by mail when online is not an option
Request a renewal notice by mail by calling 217-782-6900 or visiting a Driver Services facility. The notice will include a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the notice. Do not send cash.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your payment, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you live in an emissions-testing county, include a copy of your passing emissions test certificate with your payment. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your sticker expires to avoid a lapsed registration.
Emissions testing requirements by county
Six Illinois counties require an emissions test before you can renew: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Your vehicle must pass within the 12 months before you renew. If you renew online, upload the test certificate. If you renew by mail, include a copy with your payment.
You can take your vehicle to any state-certified emissions testing station in your county. The test costs between $25 and $50 depending on the station. Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles registered as antiques are exempt from emissions testing. If your vehicle fails, you have time to repair it and retest before your sticker expires, but you cannot renew registration until you have a passing test.
What happens if your sticker expires
Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies by municipality but typically ranges from $100 to $300 for a first offense. More importantly, an expired registration can complicate an insurance claim if you are in an accident, because your policy may not cover damage if your vehicle was not legally registered at the time.
If your sticker expired recently and you have already renewed, keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt in your vehicle until the new sticker arrives. If you are pulled over, show the officer the confirmation. If your sticker expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready online or by mail, and do not drive the vehicle until the new sticker arrives or you have proof of renewal.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility
You can renew in person at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your current license plate number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a valid photo ID. If you live in an emissions-testing county, bring your passing emissions test certificate. Payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal is useful if your online renewal was rejected, if you cannot locate your PIN, or if you need to update your address or vehicle information at the same time. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Secretary of State's website for your nearest facility and current hours before you go.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The base renewal fee for a standard passenger vehicle is $151 per year in Illinois. Vehicles registered for two years pay $302. Vehicles registered for three years pay $453. These fees cover your registration with the Secretary of State and the sticker itself. Vanity plates, disabled person plates, and specialty plates may have different fees.
The fee does not include emissions testing, which is a separate charge at the testing station if required. Online renewal has no additional processing fee. Mail renewal has a $5 processing fee added to the base fee. If you renew in person, you pay only the base fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my sticker before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one month before your sticker expires. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new sticker — it still expires 12 months from the month you renew. There is no penalty for renewing early, and it can be useful if you want to avoid a last-minute rush.
What if I lost my PIN or cannot find my current sticker?
Call 217-782-6900 and use the automated system to retrieve your PIN, or visit a Driver Services facility with your license plate number and photo ID. The facility can print a replacement sticker or help you renew. You do not need the physical sticker to renew — the PIN is just a security measure.
Do I need to renew my sticker if I sold my vehicle?
No. Once you transfer the title to the new owner, your registration ends. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name and receive their own sticker. If you kept the same license plate, you may be able to transfer it to a new vehicle, but that is a separate process through the Secretary of State.
What if I moved to a different county in Illinois?
Update your address with the Secretary of State before you renew. If you moved to an emissions-testing county and your old county did not require testing, you will need to pass an emissions test before your next renewal. Call 217-782-6900 or visit a Driver Services facility to update your address.
How long does it take to get my sticker after I renew online?
The Secretary of State mails stickers within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Delivery by mail takes an additional 3 to 7 days depending on your location. If your sticker has not arrived within three weeks, call 217-782-6900 to check the status.