Illinois license plate renewal is the process required by law to renew the registration for your vehicle plates in the state of Illinois on an annual or biennial basis. Vehicle owners must renew their license plates before the expiration date printed on the registration card to avoid penalties.
Getting pulled over for an expired Illinois license plate renewal would not be a fun experience. Many people forget when it’s time to renew their plates and end up paying more in penalties than if they had simply remembered to renew on time. It’s important to keep track of your plate expiration date.
The Illinois license plate renewal process can be completed online, by mail, or in person. Simply provide your vehicle information and payment by the due date and you’ll receive a new registration card and stickers in the mail. Be sure to affix the new expiration stickers to your plates clearly so police can easily see you are up to date.
How To Renew Your Illinois License Plates
Renewing your Illinois license plates is easy. First, check the expiration date on your registration card. This will tell you when you need to renew. Then gather your vehicle information like VIN and license plate numbers. You can renew your plates online, by mail, or in person.
Pay with your preferred payment method and your new registration and stickers will be mailed to you. Be sure to apply the new stickers to your plates clearly before the expiration date.
The renewal process only takes a few minutes and can help you avoid penalties for driving with expired plates. Look up renewal options on the Illinois Secretary of State website for step-by-step instructions. Read the requirements and find locations near you. With the right information in hand, renewing your license plates is quick and hassle-free.
When Do You Need To Renew Your License Plates?
| Question | Answer |
| When do my plates expire? | Illinois plates expire on March 31 of each year. |
| How far in advance can I renew? | You can renew up to 90 days before your expiration date. |
| What if I miss the renewal deadline? | You’ll need to pay a $100 late fee if you renew up to 3 months late. After 3 months, new plates are required. |
| Can I renew online or by mail? | Plates can be renewed online, by the mail, or at a Secretary of State facility. |
| How much does renewal typically cost? | The standard renewal fee is $148 for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. |
What Is The Renewal Timeline For Illinois Plates?
Passenger vehicles in Illinois must renew each year by the expiration month on the registration card. For example, if your plates expire in March, License Plate Covers Legal in MA? A Comprehensive Guide renew by the last day of March. Trucks over 8,000 pounds renew every two years with stickers that last for that full two year cycle.
Farm truck plates also renew every other year. Farm trucks display the month of expiration with stickers that cover two years. When the expiration month arrives, renew by the last day of that month. Following the timeline keeps your registration status active without the risk of penalties for delay.
How Often Do Plates Need To Be Renewed?
Cars, SUVs, and other passenger vehicles require annual renewal in Illinois. You must renew before the expiration date printed on the registration card every year. Heavy trucks over 8,000 pounds and farm trucks renew every two years instead of annually like passenger vehicles.
The renewal cycle is determined based on vehicle type. Motorcycles, trailers and mopeds also must renew annually. Be aware of your vehicle’s renewal requirements to stay on schedule. Set up renewal reminders to make sure you complete the process by the deadline each time. Contact the Secretary of State if you have questions about your specific renewal timeline.
What Happens If You Miss The Renewal Deadline?
If you fail to renew on time, penalties will be assessed in addition to renewal fees. For passenger vehicles, there is a $70 late fee for up to three months past expiration. After three months, plates can be suspended and vehicles are not legal to drive until resolved. Reinstatement fees may apply too.
It is best to renew timely to avoid these extra costs. Late trucks face $100 late fees. Once penalties are incurred, get plates renewed promptly before facing potential tickets from law enforcement. Procrastination can become expensive, so mark your calendar and take care of renewal ahead of deadlines.
Can I Renew My Plates Early?
Yes, Illinois allows you to renew your license plates up to 60 days prior to the expiration date printed on your registration card. This provides flexibility if you know well ahead of time when the deadline will be.
Renewing early helps ensure you won’t forget if issues come up closer to the due date. The new registration and stickers will still list the same expiration period as if you renewed on time. Any fees are the same whether renewing early or on the date. Getting paperwork processed in advance removes expiration stress and keeps everything legally up to date.
Where Can You Renew Your License Plates?
Illinois offers several options for license plate renewal based on your preferences. You can complete it online through the Secretary of State website with your account. Renewals are also possible by mail by sending in forms with payment.
Many people choose to go into a Secretary of State facility in person to renew. License offices are located across Illinois for in-person service during business hours. A few other select locations like auto parts stores can also assist with license plate renewals. Choosing a renewal method thats works best for your situation is easy.
Can I Renew My License Plates Online?
Renewing license plates online through the Illinois Secretary of State website is a convenient method many people use. You can access your account securely and provide the necessary vehicle and payment information.
Renewing electronically means you do not have to take a trip to a facility. Upon approval, your new registration card and stickers are mailed to you. Online access makes the process extremely simple by allowing renewal from any smartphone, tablet or computer at your schedule. Your current plate number and VIN are all you need to complete it within minutes.
Is It Possible To Renew By Mail?
Yes, license plate renewals can also be handled by mail for those preferring a non-electronic option. Visit the Secretary of State website to download the correct renewal form for your vehicle type.
Carefully fill out the form with your information, sign it, and send along with applicable fees in a check or money order. Mail to the address provided well in advance of deadlines. Within about a week your updated paperwork is mailed back. Mail-in is a practical option when an online or in-person method is not available.
What About Renewing In Person?
For those wishing to complete renewal directly with an agent, in-person is an available choice. Secretary of State licenses and facilities are spread out regionally across Illinois.
Visit one during posted hours with your registration card, proper ID and funds. An employee can process your renewal on the spot while you wait. Same day plates stickers are provided before you leave. In-person is a guaranteed option albeit requiring a trip for the convenience. Other select auto part shops also offer in-office renewals too.
Are There Special Renewal Locations?
Beyond Secretary of State offices and select shops, Illinois plate renewals may also be processed at some specialty locations at times. For example, a mobile bus sometimes tours areas providing renewal assistance.
Renewal events are occasionally held at auto shows, fairs or festivals too for extra access. Post offices are another alternative renewal site partner. Checking the Secretary of State web or social pages can help you spot any special renewal opportunities happening near your area if needed. Non-standard sites expand options.
Understanding The Illinois License Plate Renewal Process
Renewing license plates in Illinois is straightforward when you know what to expect. The process remains largely the same no matter your renewal method. Provide essential details like your license plate number, VIN and personal information. Payment finalizes each renewal transaction. Follow directions and you’ll be set for another period on the road.
Understanding the basic renewal process empowers you to complete it easily and legally drive after. Each renewal gets new registration and stickers mailed in return for keeping accurate vehicle records. With the right approach, each registration is no problem to maintain properly.
What Information Will I Need For Plate Renewal?
Have your current registration card ready as it shows your plate number and VIN. You also need your driver’s license for ID purposes. Provide your complete name, address and contact details on each renewal. Payment is the last essential piece to wrap up your submission.
Gathering these core details ahead is key. Double check you have the right vehicle’s documentation before starting. Proper info means smooth sailing through the renewal channels without delays.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted For Plate Renewal?
Popular payment options include major credit/debit cards, electronic checks and cash at select Secretary of State facilities. Check or money order can also be mailed in. Additional convenience fees may apply to credit cards but not other methods.
Always confirm acceptable forms of payment on the Secretary of State site or with renewal locations. Bringing or selecting the best payment streamlines completions. Factor in costs to cover fees accurately too.
How Long Does The Renewal Process Take?
Online or mailed renewals typically process within a week, then registration and stickers follow by mail. In-person can provide on-the-spot results before leaving. Overall time remains minimal regardless of channel used.
Give standard mailing durations when planning. But renewal only spans a brief login or visit, keeping the requirement fast and easy to handle ahead of deadlines each period.
How Do I Know If My Renewal Was Successful?
Look for arrival of your new registration card and stickers in the mail within a few days or week after submitting. This confirms completion into the next validity time. You may also sign in to check your records online.
Verification gives comfort your renewal passed properly. Contact the Secretary if mail arrives late to ensure your plates stay covered without gaps too.
Getting New License Plate Stickers
Upon process approval, the Secretary mails your renewal documented and validation stickers. Confirm your name and address are correct for mailing. Stickers must then be applied clearly to the license plate to prove renewal before the prior expiration date.
Doing this makes your vehicle plates legally recognized immediately. Just peel and stick like instructed for fully updated registration status.
When Will I Receive My Renewal Stickers?
For mail renewals allow around one week after approval for the renewal packet to arrive by postal service. Occasionally there are delays so watch for it within 10 days. Online processing usually mails faster within a few days.
Mark your calendar with expected arrival to watch for registration cards and new stickers being delivered. Carefully attach in time to stay driving compliant.
Where Do The Stickers Need To Be Placed?
Follow the diagram or instructions showing exactly where the month and year stickers renewing your registration go on your license plate. Usually position them centered and parallel to the plate edges in the top right and left corners.
Place stickers neatly everytime to be plainly visible for law enforcement if stopped. Crooked or hidden stickers risk tickets.
What Happens If I Lose My Stickers?
If stickers are lost after being placed, contact the Secretary of State. There may be a fee for replacements depending on timing. Otherwise your vehicle status remains intact and you can continue driving as renewed.
Use care not to lose important validating stickers after applying each renewal. Keep extras in a safe place when possible too.
Customize Or Change My License Plates
5 short questions about customizing or changing license plates in Illinois
Can I customize my license plates?
Illinois offers many design options to customize your plates for an additional fee when renewing.
How do I order customized plates?
You can select a design online or at the Secretary of State office and pay the additional cost during your renewal transaction.
Is there a fee to change plate numbers?
There is a $95 fee to replace your current plate number with a new one at renewal or during the year.
When will my new plates arrive?
Customized or replacement plates are usually mailed within 4-6 weeks after your order is processed.
Are vanity plates available?
Yes, you can request up to 7 characters for a personalized vanity plate number for an extra $101 fee each year
Common License Plate Renewal Mistakes To Avoid
Little errors can cause bigger problems, so stay alert. Forgetting plates expire places you at risk for late penalties. Read renewal documents thoroughly too to avoid sticker placement mix-ups. Also have ID and payment together before starting to prevent delays.
Worst is jamming renewal close to deadlines leaving no time for complications. Mark calendars early and relax knowing you prepped appropriately. Steer clear of pitfalls for smooth sailing yearly or biennially.
Forgetting To Renew Your Plates On Time
Set calendar reminders well before your renewal month to always remember due dates. Late fees significantly inflate costs, so avoid them. Sign up for renewal email or mail reminders too if extra precautions help.
Procrastination provides openings for slip ups. Take five minutes in time to spare headaches later.
Putting Stickers On Incorrectly
Placement directly impacts a sticker’s legibility and ability to prove renewal status. Center and position evenly as shown for a neat, recognizable display that’s readable at a glance if needed.
Precise sticker jobs mean one less thing to worry about down the road should you ever need to validate registration promptly.
Not Having Required Documents Ready
Assemble vital info like your driver’s license, registration card and payment method before starting the process. Online and mail renewals both require data readily available.
Prepared renewal simplifies completion without frustration hunting documents mid-transaction. Efficient planning makes the process a cinch.
Waiting Until The Last Minute To Renew
Leave adequate time for unexpected delays or errors when contacting the Secretary close to deadlines. Mailing times, computer issues or longer customer service waits all increase pressure.
Schedule renewals with a cushion so you never face cutting it too close. Stress-free results come from foresight.
Renewing The Wrong Vehicle’s Plates
Double check you have the right plate or VIN details before submitting any renewal. Renewing plates for the incorrect vehicle leads to waste and incorrect records requiring extra work later to fix.
Take an extra minute to confirm vehicle identity and renewal matches what’s in hand. Attentiveness prevents mistaken transactions.
Frequently Asked Question
When Does My License Plate Expire?
Illinois plates expire on March 31 of each year.
How Do I Renew My License Plates?
You can renew your plates online, by mail, or in person at your local Secretary of State facility.
How Much Does It Cost To Renew?
The standard renewal fee is $148 for passenger vehicles and motorcycle plates.
What If I Missed The Renewal Deadline?
If you renew up to three months late, you’ll pay a $100 late fee in addition to the renewal fee. After three months, you’ll need to get new plates.
Can I Renew My Plates Early?
Yes, you can renew your plates up to 90 days before the expiration date listed on your current registration card.
Conclusion
Completing the Illinois License Plate Renewal process helps ensure safe and legal driving throughout the state. By renewing on time, drivers avoid late fees and having to purchase new plates. The renewal period also provides an opportunity to verify your vehicle and contact information is up to date with the Secretary of State.
Whether you handle Illinois License Plate Renewal online, by mail, or at an office, it only takes a short amount of time. Be sure to mark your calendar with the expiration date from your registration card so you don’t forget. Following the renewal steps yearly is an important part of vehicle ownership in Illinois.
