Illinois license plates renew every two years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office
Your Illinois license plate expires on the date printed on your registration card, usually two years from when you last renewed. You do not have to visit an office — the Secretary of State's website lets you renew online if your vehicle passes emissions testing (where required) and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid tickets. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice or go to a local Secretary of State facility.
The process takes about 10 minutes online, a few days by mail, or 30 to 45 minutes in person depending on how busy the office is. Your new plate arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval. Driving on an expired plate is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com if your vehicle has passed its emissions test and you have no unpaid violations or tickets.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
- If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice with payment to the address printed on it; do not mail cash.
- If your vehicle requires an emissions test and you have not completed one, you must do that before you can renew online or by mail.
- Your new plate is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within two to three weeks.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Renew Your Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will need your current registration card (the paper document that came with your plate), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle information, your address, and whether you want to keep the same plate or request a new one.
The renewal fee varies by vehicle type and weight. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200, but trucks, motorcycles, and specialty plates have different rates. The website shows the exact amount before you pay. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new registration card and plate are mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you renew. If you do not receive your plate within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's office at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
When you must renew by mail or in person
You cannot renew online if your vehicle has not passed its emissions test (in counties that require testing), if you have unpaid parking or traffic tickets, or if there are outstanding violations on your driving record. The Secretary of State's system will tell you why you cannot renew online and what you need to do next.
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with your payment and a check or money order. Do not mail cash. Include your current registration card or a copy of it. Mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and your new plate arrives afterward.
If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Secretary of State facility. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will issue you a temporary registration sticker on the spot, and your new plate is mailed within two to three weeks.
Emissions testing requirements in Illinois
If your vehicle is registered in Cook County or the collar counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will), it must pass an emissions test before you can renew your registration. Vehicles registered in other Illinois counties do not require emissions testing. The test checks whether your vehicle's exhaust meets state pollution standards.
You can take your vehicle to any state-certified emissions testing station. A list of stations is available at cyberdriveillinois.com under "Emissions Testing Stations." The test costs about $30 to $40 and takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once your vehicle passes, the testing station sends the results electronically to the Secretary of State's system, and you can renew online when ready.
If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have 30 days to repair it and retest. Some repairs are covered by your vehicle's warranty if it is still under the manufacturer's coverage period. After repairs, return to any testing station for a retest.
What to do if your plate has already expired
If your registration has already expired, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until your new plate arrives. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal confirmation number as proof that you have renewed, but this does not may provide you will not receive a ticket.
To avoid driving on an expired plate, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date. The Secretary of State typically mails renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your plate expires. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew online or contact the Secretary of State's office to request one.
If you have already received a ticket for an expired plate, you can contest it in traffic court or pay the fine according to the ticket's instructions. Renewing your plate does not automatically dismiss the ticket.
Changing your plate or address during renewal
When you renew online, you can request a new plate design if you want one. Illinois offers several specialty plates, including environmental, military, collegiate, and personalized options. Each type has a different fee, shown on the website before you pay. Your new plate arrives with your registration card.
If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Your new registration card and plate will be mailed to your new address. If you renew before updating your address, your materials go to your old address, and you will need to contact the Secretary of State to have them reissued.
If you are renewing a vehicle that is registered to a business or has multiple owners, the renewal process is the same, but all owners must agree to the renewal. If ownership has changed, you will need to transfer the title before you can renew the registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license plate before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during the 60 days before your plate expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new plate will expire two years from your current expiration date, not two years from the renewal date.
What happens if I lose my registration card?
You can still renew online if you have your VIN and current address. If you cannot renew online, visit a Secretary of State office with your vehicle title and photo ID, and they will issue a replacement registration card and allow you to renew at the same time.
Do I need to renew my plate if I sell my vehicle?
No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not renew a plate for a vehicle you no longer own. If you keep the same plate for a different vehicle, you will need to transfer the registration at a Secretary of State office.
How long does it take to get my new plate after I renew online?
Your new registration card and plate are mailed within two to three weeks of approval. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary registration sticker issued at renewal is valid for 30 days. If your plate does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900.
Can I renew if my vehicle has a lien on it?
Yes. A lien does not prevent you from renewing your registration. You renew the same way whether or not the vehicle is financed. The lienholder does not need to approve the renewal.