When dealing with a stolen, damaged or lost car registration in Illinois, vehicle owners need to obtain duplicates from the the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) in order to continue operating their motor vehicles legally. Prior to beginning the replacement process, drivers need to find out whether they need to complete certain requirements or satisfy some eligibility criteria.

Motorists are advised to obtain a copy of a vehicle registration because the IL law requires vehicle owners to carry one when operating vehicles that weigh more than 8,000 pounds. Therefore, the IL SOS recommends all drivers to carry their registration cards with them while driving. To discover more information about how to get a copy of car registration in Illinois, continue reading the sections below.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Illinois?

Vehicle owners are required to get a DMV copy of registration in Illinois in various situations. According to Illinois law, motorists are required to carry their registration ID cards in their second-division vehicles whose weight is higher than 8,000 pounds. Moreover, the IL SOS recommends all motorists to carry their registration ID cards in their vehicles, due to a similar requirement from some of the neighboring states. Therefore, an Illinois duplicate vehicle registration ID card is needed in the following situations:

  • When the information on the card is incorrect
  • If you have legally changed your name
  • When transferring from an individual to a sole proprietorship
  • When an individual forms a partnership or merges and changes the corporate name

In addition to the above-mentioned situations when a DMV registration replacement procedure must be performed, motorists may also be able to replace their credentials if they get lost, stolen or damaged.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Illinois

To replace car registration in Illinois, vehicle owners need to perform a corresponding procedure through the IL SOS. Motorists may obtain a copy of vehicle registration by completing an appropriate Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (form VSD 190). The application form is available online through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System of the IL SOS website. Drivers may choose to print the application form, visit a local IL SOS office and obtain it personally, or call the office phone numbers and inquire how to get the form.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

After getting the application form for a DMV registration replacement, motorists must do the following:

  • Complete the application form with the necessary information.
  • Prepare the required documentation.
  • Pay the applicable fees.

Motorists who want to replace car registration will have to send the paperwork and a check or money order for the fees to the IL SOS mailing address:

Illinois Secretary of State

Vehicle Services Department

ERT Section, Rm. 424

If Expedited Title, Rm. 629

501 S. Second St. Rm. 011

Springfield, IL. 62756-6666

Note: When preparing the mandatory documentation for a corrected registration ID card, drivers may have to provide a corrected title along with other documents.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

When getting a copy of vehicle registration in Illinois, vehicle owners may also perform the procedure in person at a local IL SOS office. Motorists will have to prepare the same documentation as for the mail-in method, but this time they will have to submit it at a nearby IL SOS branch within seven days. For more information about the application form or procedure, drivers may call the SOS phone numbers.

Illinois Stolen Car Registration Requirements

When dealing with a lost or stolen car registration in Illinois, motorists can report the loss or theft to the law enforcement agency. By filing a police report, vehicle owners are protecting themselves against possible identity theft and fraud before getting a DMV duplicate registration.

However, this is not mandatory and drivers are only encouraged to file a police report.

Illinois DMV Sticker Replacement

Vehicle owners may apply for a DMV sticker replacement in Illinois in a situation when their sticker was lost, stolen or damaged. Since the sticker is placed on the vehicle’s license plate, motorists will need to replace their stickers if they lose their license plates. The IL SOS offers in-person and mail-in methods for replacing stickers or license plates. Regardless of the method for replacing a stolen, damaged or lost car registration sticker in Illinois, motorists need to complete the same process and the same application form.

When applying for a DMV lost registration sticker, vehicle owners may choose to visit a local IL SOS branch in person and perform the procedure. Moreover, motorists may also replace their registration stickers via mail, as long as they complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(S) (form VSD 190) and send it to the IL SOS address:

Illinois Secretary of State

Vehicle Services Department

501 S. 2nd. St., Rm. 011

Springfield, IL 62756-6666

Illinois Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

When getting an Illinois DMV duplicate registration ID card, vehicle owners are mandated to pay certain fees.

The IL SOS requires motorists to pay a $3 fee for a DMV registration replacement in the following situations:

  • $3 for incorrect information on registration ID card
  • $3 for recent name change on registration ID card
  • $3 for replacing a registration ID card when transferring from an individual to a sole proprietorship
  • $3 for replacing a registration ID card when merging or changing the corporate name of a partnership
  • $20 for replacement sticker
  • $29 for both sticker and license plate replacement
Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.