Illinois sends you a renewal notice in the mail two months before your sticker expires
When your Illinois license plate sticker is about to expire, the Secretary of State mails you a renewal notice to the address on file with your vehicle registration. This notice arrives roughly 60 days before the expiration date printed on your current sticker. The notice includes your renewal fee amount, which varies based on your vehicle type and weight, and instructions for how to renew.
You do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew your sticker starting four months before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee whether you renew at four months out or at the last minute.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice you received, or in person at a Secretary of State facility or currency exchange.
- Online renewal takes minutes and you receive your new sticker by mail within one to two weeks; mail-in renewal takes longer.
- Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type and weight, and Illinois charges a separate $1 fee if you renew online.
- Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation that can result in a ticket and fine.
- If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online or call the Secretary of State to request a duplicate.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to renew is through the Illinois Secretary of State online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification Number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal costs your base fee plus a $1 online transaction fee. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation number. Your new sticker arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with your old sticker until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice the Secretary of State sent you. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, place it in the envelope with the notice itself, and mail it to the address printed on the envelope.
Mail-in renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your payment. During this time, you should not drive with an expired sticker. If your renewal notice is damaged or lost, you can request a duplicate by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or by visiting their website.
Renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility or currency exchange
You can renew your sticker in person at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Bring your vehicle registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. You will pay your renewal fee on the spot, and in most cases you receive your new sticker when ready or within a few days.
Many Illinois currency exchanges also renew license plate stickers. Not all currency exchanges offer this service, so call ahead to confirm. The fee and process are the same as at a Secretary of State facility. This option is useful if a Secretary of State office is not convenient or has long wait times.
Understanding your renewal fee
Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) and its gross vehicle weight rating. Passenger cars typically cost between $98 and $148 per year, depending on the vehicle's age and weight. Trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules. The exact amount appears on your renewal notice or in the online system before you pay.
Illinois also charges a $1 online transaction fee if you renew through the website. There is no additional fee for renewing by mail or in person. Some vehicles may may have access to for a reduced fee — for example, disabled veterans and certain low-income vehicle owners — but these discounts are handled separately and are not part of the standard renewal process.
What happens if your sticker expires
Driving with an expired license plate sticker is a traffic violation in Illinois. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for an expired sticker is typically $100 to $200, though the exact amount can vary by jurisdiction. The violation does not add points to your driving record, but it does create a record that could affect your insurance rates.
If you are pulled over with an expired sticker, you can show the officer your renewal confirmation number or receipt if you have recently renewed. This may help, but it does not may provide the officer will not issue a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before your current sticker expires.
Renewing a vehicle you recently purchased or transferred
If you recently bought a used vehicle in Illinois, the previous owner's sticker remains valid until its expiration date. You do not need to renew it when ready. However, you must update the vehicle registration in your name at a Secretary of State facility or online. Once your registration is updated, you will receive renewal notices under your name and address.
If you transfer a vehicle to someone else, notify the Secretary of State so renewal notices go to the new owner. The sticker itself does not transfer — the new owner will renew on their own schedule once they receive their first renewal notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my sticker before I receive the renewal notice in the mail?
Yes. You can renew online or in person starting four months before your current sticker expires. You do not need the renewal notice to renew online — you just need your license plate number, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
What if I move and my renewal notice goes to my old address?
Update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as possible. You can do this online at cyberdriveillinois.com or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Once your address is updated, future notices will go to your new address. If you have already missed a notice, you can still renew online without it.
How long does it take to get my new sticker after I renew online?
Stickers ordered online typically arrive within one to two weeks. You can continue driving with your old sticker until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Secretary of State to check the status of your order.
Do I need proof of insurance to renew my sticker?
You do not need proof of insurance to renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, bring your proof of insurance and a valid ID. Currency exchanges may have different requirements, so call ahead to confirm what they need.
Can someone else renew my sticker for me?
Yes. Someone else can renew your sticker in person at a Secretary of State facility or currency exchange if they bring your vehicle registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. For online or mail renewal, you can handle it yourself from anywhere — no one else needs to be involved.