Renew your Chicago city sticker online, by mail, or in person before the expiration date on your current sticker

Chicago requires all vehicles registered in the city to display a current city sticker on the windshield. The sticker costs $108 for most passenger vehicles and expires on July 31 each year. You can renew starting June 1 through the city's online portal, by mail, or at one of the city's service centers. The renewal process takes about 10 minutes online and the new sticker arrives by mail within two weeks if you renew before the important date.

Renewal notices are mailed to the address on file with the city, but you do not need to wait for the notice to renew. You can start the process as soon as June 1. If you miss the July 31 important date, you can still renew, but you will owe a late fee of $50 on top of the sticker cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chicago city sticker costs $108 for standard passenger vehicles and expires July 31 each year.
  • You can renew online at chicityclerk.com starting June 1, or by mail using the renewal notice sent to your address on file.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and the sticker arrives by mail within two weeks if you renew before July 31.
  • If you renew after the July 31 important date, you will owe a $50 late fee in addition to the $108 sticker cost.
  • You need your vehicle's license plate number and the current city sticker number to renew online.

Renewing online through the city clerk's website

The fastest way to renew is through the City Clerk's online portal at chicityclerk.com. Go to the city sticker section and select "Renew a City Sticker." You will need your vehicle's license plate number and the sticker number from your current sticker (a six-digit number printed on the sticker itself). Enter your vehicle information, confirm your address, and choose your payment method.

The city accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-check payments online. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new sticker will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks, so renewing by June 15 gives you a buffer before the July 31 important date. If you do not receive your sticker by mid-July, contact the City Clerk's office at 312-744-4444 to check the status.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The city mails renewal notices to vehicle owners in May. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $108, and mail it back in the provided envelope. Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the city receives it, so send your payment by early July to may support arrival before the important date.

Write your license plate number on the check or money order so the city can match your payment to your vehicle. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online or call the City Clerk's office to request a duplicate notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Renewing in person at a city service center

You can renew at any of the city's service centers during business hours. The main office is located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 107, in downtown Chicago. Bring your current city sticker, vehicle registration, and a valid ID. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card. The process takes about 15 minutes and you will receive your new sticker on the spot.

Service centers have variable hours depending on location. Call 311 or visit chicityclerk.com to find the center nearest you and confirm hours before you go. In-person renewal is useful if you are renewing late or need the sticker when ready, since you do not have to wait for mail delivery.

What happens if you miss the July 31 important date

If your city sticker expires on July 31 and you have not renewed by that date, you can still renew, but a $50 late fee applies on top of the $108 sticker cost, bringing the total to $158. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process. The late fee is non-refundable even if you renew just one day after the important date.

Driving without a current city sticker can result in a parking ticket or moving violation. Chicago police and parking enforcement officers check stickers during traffic stops and when issuing citations. If you are cited for an expired sticker, the fine is separate from the renewal cost and late fee.

City sticker costs for different vehicle types

Most passenger vehicles pay $108 per year. The cost varies based on vehicle type and fuel source. Electric vehicles registered in Chicago are exempt from the city sticker requirement. Hybrid vehicles pay the same $108 as gasoline vehicles. Motorcycles cost $18 per year. Trucks and commercial vehicles have different rates depending on weight and use.

When you renew online or in person, the system will calculate the correct fee based on your vehicle's registration information. If you are unsure of your vehicle's category, the City Clerk's office can confirm the cost before you pay.

Changing your address or vehicle information

If you have moved or changed your vehicle registration since your last sticker, update your address with the city before renewing. You can update your address online at chicityclerk.com or by calling 311. The city uses the address on file to mail your renewal notice and new sticker, so an outdated address means your sticker may not arrive on time.

If you have sold your vehicle or changed your license plate, you do not need to renew the old sticker. When you register your new vehicle in Chicago, you will receive a new city sticker as part of that registration. If you have questions about whether you need to renew, call the City Clerk's office at 312-744-4444.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my city sticker before June 1?

No, the city does not open the renewal portal until June 1 each year. You can renew anytime from June 1 through July 31 without a late fee. If you renew after July 31, a $50 late fee applies.

What if I lost my current city sticker number?

You can renew online using just your license plate number if you do not have the sticker number. The city system will look up your vehicle. If you cannot remember your plate number, bring your vehicle registration or call 311 for help.

How long does it take to receive a sticker by mail?

Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks from the time the city processes your renewal. If you renew online or by mail before mid-July, you should receive your sticker before the July 31 important date. If you do not receive it by late July, contact the City Clerk's office when ready.

Do I need to remove my old sticker before putting on the new one?

Yes, remove the old sticker completely before explore the new one. The new sticker should be placed on the lower driver's side of the windshield. Use a plastic scraper or credit card to remove the old sticker without damaging the glass.

What if my vehicle is registered outside Chicago but I park it here?

If your vehicle is registered in another state or county, you do not need a Chicago city sticker. The sticker is required only for vehicles registered in Chicago. If you move to Chicago and register your vehicle here, you will need to purchase a city sticker as part of the registration process.