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License Plates in Illinois

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

LOST OR STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

As soon as license plates are lost, stolen or illegible they must be replaced. In order to replace your plates you must:

  • Visit your local VSD office.
  • Present proper forms of ID.
  • Hand in any remaining license plates.
  • Fill in an application for replacement plates. The form is not available online.
  • Pay the license plate replacement fees of $6 for one and $9 for a pair.

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED PLATES

Regular Series

These are the different types of plates in the regular series: Amateur Radio, Antique Vehicle, B-truck, Hearing Impaired, Motorcycle, Passenger, Person's with Disabilities, Recreational Trailer and Recreational Vehicle. Please see the proper application forms for various license plates. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local VSD office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

Special Interest Plates

Special Interest Plates are divided into the following categories: Personalized, Special Event, Specialty, Truck and Trailer, and Vanity. The following is a list of some examples of special interest plates: Agriculture in the Classroom, Collegiate Series, Environmental, Fire Chief, Sporting Series and Wildlife Prairie Park. Click on these links to access more information and in some cases, applications forms for acquiring the different types of special interest plates - Personalized Plates, Special Event Plates, Specialty License Plates. Truck and Trailer Plates, and Vanity License Plates. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local VSD office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below). You can also choose a plate online by visiting Illinois' Pick a Plate Online webpage.

FEES

The fees for replacing a license plate or getting new plates vary depending on the type of plate you need. For more information on these fees please follow the link for Standard Plates Fees, Personalized Plates Fees[http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/fees/special.htm ] and Vanity Plates Fees. Note: For disabled drivers, please download the disability certification application or contact the Secretary of State office at: 
Secretary of State
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 539
Springfield, IL 62756

WHAT TO DO WITH PLATES WHEN BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

Under Illinois Law it is NOT mandatory to retain standard license plates from a vehicle when selling. The plates will remain with the buyer once the ownership of the vehicle has been transferred; however, if the plates are special interest or personalized then there are two options for the seller. He can keep the plates for another vehicle; or release the plate to the buyer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION