Illinois license plate stickers cost between $148 and $298 per year, depending on your vehicle's age and emissions rating
The Illinois Secretary of State sets the sticker price based on your vehicle's model year and whether it meets current emissions standards. Newer vehicles and those that pass emissions testing pay the standard rate. Older vehicles or those that fail emissions may cost more. The exact amount you owe appears on your renewal notice in the mail — you do not calculate it yourself.
You pay the sticker fee when you renew your vehicle registration, not separately. The sticker itself is a small decal you place on your license plate to show your registration is current. Illinois requires this sticker to be visible and unobstructed.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois license plate stickers cost $148 to $298 per year depending on your vehicle's model year and emissions status.
- You pay the sticker fee as part of your vehicle registration renewal, which happens every two years for most drivers.
- Your renewal notice from the Secretary of State will show the exact amount you owe before you pay anything.
- The sticker must be placed on your license plate and kept visible — a missing or obscured sticker can result in a traffic stop.
How the sticker price is determined
The Secretary of State calculates your sticker cost based on two main factors: your vehicle's model year and its emissions classification. Vehicles manufactured more recently typically have lower sticker fees. Vehicles that are older or that fail to meet current emissions standards may have a higher fee.
You do not need to do anything to find out which category your vehicle falls into. The renewal notice you receive in the mail will list the exact fee. If you want to know the price before the notice arrives, you can contact the Secretary of State's office or check their website, but the notice itself is the official source.
When you pay the sticker fee
Illinois vehicle registrations renew every two years. Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The sticker fee is included in the total amount due — you cannot pay it separately or opt out of it.
You can renew by mail, online through the Secretary of State's website, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Whichever method you choose, the sticker fee is the same. Once you pay and your renewal is processed, you will receive your new sticker in the mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if you do not display the sticker
Illinois law requires the sticker to be visible on your license plate at all times. A police officer can stop you if the sticker is missing, expired, or obscured by dirt, damage, or anything else that blocks the view. You may receive a citation and a fine if you are stopped without a current sticker.
If your sticker arrives damaged or does not arrive at all, contact the Secretary of State when ready. They can issue a replacement or provide a temporary permit while you wait for the new one. Do not drive without proof of current registration.
Paying your sticker fee
When your renewal notice arrives, it will include payment instructions and the total amount due. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal typically accepts credit and debit cards. Mail-in renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, card, or money order.
Send payment with your renewal form if renewing by mail, or enter your payment information if renewing online. If you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, you can pay when ready and receive your sticker on the spot in some cases, though it is usually mailed to you.
If your vehicle is new or recently purchased
If you just bought a vehicle in Illinois, you will need to register it before you can legally drive it. The initial registration fee is different from the sticker renewal fee and is based on the vehicle's purchase price and model year. Once that initial registration is complete, your first sticker renewal will follow the standard two-year cycle.
If you moved to Illinois from another state, you will need to transfer your registration and obtain an Illinois sticker. Bring your out-of-state title and registration, proof of residency, and identification to a Secretary of State facility, or mail the documents with the appropriate forms. The sticker fee applies to the new Illinois registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I sell my vehicle before the sticker expires?
Illinois does not refund sticker fees for vehicles sold before the registration expires. If you sell the vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name and pay for a new sticker. The sticker you paid for stays with the old registration and cannot be transferred.
What if I lose my sticker after it arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State and request a replacement sticker. You will need to provide your vehicle information and proof of registration. There may be a small replacement fee, though some offices waive it. A replacement sticker typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Do I have to renew my sticker every year?
No. Illinois vehicle registrations and stickers renew every two years, not annually. Your renewal notice will tell you the exact expiration date. Mark it on your calendar so you do not miss the important date.
Is the sticker fee the same for all vehicle types?
The base sticker fee is the same for cars, trucks, and SUVs, but the amount varies by model year and emissions status. Motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different fee structures. Your renewal notice will show the correct fee for your specific vehicle type.
What if I cannot afford the sticker fee right now?
You must pay the fee to legally register and drive your vehicle in Illinois. If you are facing financial hardship, contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about payment plans or other options. Driving without a current sticker is illegal and can result in fines and citations.