You can transfer Illinois license plates to a different vehicle, but the process depends on whether you own both vehicles and whether the plates are standard or specialty plates.

Illinois allows you to move your current license plates from one vehicle to another without getting new plates, as long as the registration is current and both vehicles belong to you. You'll need to notify the Secretary of State's office and complete a form, but you don't have to visit an office in person for most transfers. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how you submit your request.

If you're selling a vehicle and want to keep the plates for a new one, or if you're transferring plates between two cars you own, the steps are straightforward. However, specialty plates—like personalized vanity plates, environmental plates, or organizational plates—have different rules and may require additional paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You can transfer plates between vehicles you own by completing Form DSD 235 and submitting it to the Secretary of State with your vehicle title and registration.
  • Standard plates transfer without extra cost, but specialty plates may require you to reorder them or pay a separate fee depending on the plate type.
  • You can mail your request or use the Secretary of State's online services, and the transfer typically takes five to ten business days.
  • If you're transferring plates to a vehicle with a different body type or class, the Secretary of State may deny the transfer and require new plates instead.
  • Temporary plates and dealer plates cannot be transferred; only permanent registration plates can move between vehicles.

What you need to transfer standard license plates

To transfer standard Illinois plates, you'll need your current vehicle registration, the title to the new vehicle, and Form DSD 235 (process for Duplicate Registration Certificate and/or License Plates). You can read this form from the Secretary of State's website or pick one up at a local Secretary of State office.

You'll also need proof of ownership for both vehicles. If the new vehicle's title is in a different name than the registration for the plates you're transferring, the Secretary of State may ask for additional documentation showing the ownership change. Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.

The registration on the plates you're moving must be current—not expired. If your registration has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before you can transfer the plates. You cannot transfer plates from a vehicle that is registered to someone else, even if you have permission from the owner.

How to submit your transfer request by mail or online

The fastest way to transfer plates is through the Secretary of State's online services portal. You can log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then complete the transfer request without leaving home. Online requests typically process within five to seven business days.

If you prefer to mail your request, send the completed Form DSD 235 along with your current registration and the new vehicle's title to the Secretary of State's office. Include a check or money order for any applicable fees—standard plate transfers usually have no fee, but some specialty plates require a reorder fee. Mail requests take longer, typically ten to fourteen business days, because of processing time.

You can also visit a Secretary of State office in person to request the transfer. Bring all the same documents, and the staff can process it while you wait. Processing times at the office are usually the same as mail requests, though you'll receive a receipt confirming your submission.

Transferring specialty and personalized plates

Specialty plates—such as environmental plates, organizational plates, or personalized vanity plates—follow different rules. If you're transferring a personalized vanity plate, you can keep the same plate number on the new vehicle. However, if the new vehicle is a different class (for example, moving from a sedan to a motorcycle), the Secretary of State may not allow the transfer and may require you to order new plates.

Environmental plates and organizational plates can usually transfer between vehicles you own, but you should contact the Secretary of State's office before submitting your request to confirm. Some specialty plates have annual fees that follow the registration, while others require you to reorder the plates at a new cost.

If you're unsure whether your specialty plate can transfer, call the Secretary of State's office or check the plate type on your registration document. The office can tell you whether a transfer is possible and what fees or paperwork you'll need.

What happens after you submit your transfer request

Once the Secretary of State processes your request, you'll receive new registration documents in the mail showing the plates attached to the new vehicle. The old vehicle's registration becomes void. You should not drive the old vehicle on public roads after the transfer is complete unless you have obtained new plates for it.

If you're selling the old vehicle, the new owner will need to register it with new plates. You are responsible for notifying the Secretary of State that you no longer own the vehicle, which happens automatically when the plates are transferred to your new vehicle.

Keep your new registration documents in the vehicle at all times. If you're stopped by police, you must show proof that the plates are registered to that vehicle. Driving with plates registered to a different vehicle is a violation and can result in a citation.

When the Secretary of State may deny your transfer request

The Secretary of State can deny a plate transfer if the new vehicle is a significantly different class or type than the original vehicle. For example, if you're moving plates from a passenger car to a commercial truck, the office may require new plates because the registration class has changed. Similarly, transferring plates from a standard vehicle to a motorcycle or trailer may not be allowed.

Transfers are also denied if there are outstanding violations, unpaid parking tickets, or registration holds on either vehicle. If your request is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can contact the office to ask about your options, which may include paying outstanding fees or ordering new plates instead.

If the registration on the plates you're transferring has expired, you cannot transfer them until you renew the registration. Renew first, then submit your transfer request.

Transferring plates when you sell or trade in a vehicle

If you're selling your vehicle to a private buyer, you can transfer the plates to your new vehicle before the sale is final. Complete the transfer request, and once it's processed, the old vehicle's registration ends. The buyer will need to register the vehicle with new plates.

If you're trading in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealership handles the registration and plates for the trade-in. You cannot transfer your old plates to the new vehicle in this case—the dealership will register the trade-in with new plates, and you'll receive new plates for your purchase. Ask the dealership about this process when you're negotiating the trade-in.

If you're buying a used vehicle from a private seller, you can transfer your current plates to it when ready after purchase. Have the seller sign over the title, then submit your transfer request to the Secretary of State. You can drive the vehicle with your current plates while the transfer is being processed, as long as your registration is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Both vehicles must be registered to the same person or entity. If the new vehicle is registered to a different owner, you'll need to have the title transferred to your name first, then complete the plate transfer.

Do I have to pay a fee to transfer standard plates?

Standard Illinois license plate transfers typically have no fee. However, some specialty plates or personalized plates may require a reorder fee. Check with the Secretary of State's office if you're unsure about your plate type.

How long can I drive with my old plates while waiting for the transfer to process?

You should not drive the old vehicle after submitting your transfer request. Once processed, the old registration is void. If you need to drive the old vehicle during the transfer period, keep your current registration documents with you and contact the Secretary of State if you're stopped.

What if I want to keep my plates but sell the vehicle?

You can keep your plates by transferring them to a new vehicle you own. Submit your transfer request before or when ready after the sale. The new owner of the old vehicle will need to register it with new plates.

Can I transfer plates between a car and a motorcycle?

Probably not. Plates registered to a passenger vehicle usually cannot transfer to a motorcycle because they are different registration classes. Contact the Secretary of State's office before attempting this transfer, as the request will likely be denied and you'll need to order new plates for the motorcycle instead.