Where to buy license plate stickers in Illinois
You can buy Illinois license plate stickers (also called renewal tabs or decals) at your local Secretary of State office, through the mail, or online at cyberdriveillinois.com. The Secretary of State's office is the only place that issues them — you cannot buy them at a DMV, a currency exchange, or a private vendor, even though some of those places handle other vehicle registration tasks.
The easiest route for most people is the online option at cyberdriveillinois.com, where you can order stickers without leaving home and they arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need them faster or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit any Secretary of State office during business hours — they have locations in most counties, and you walk out with your stickers the same day.
Mailing in a renewal form is also an option if you have your renewal notice in front of you, though it takes longer than online ordering. The form comes with your renewal notice, and you send it with payment to the address listed on the notice.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State is the only source for license plate stickers, and you can order them online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
- Online ordering through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option for home delivery and takes one to two weeks.
- Visiting a Secretary of State office in person lets you get stickers the same day without waiting for mail delivery.
- You will need your vehicle's registration number and renewal notice to order stickers through any method.
- Sticker prices vary based on your vehicle type and registration class, so check your renewal notice or the website for the exact amount.
What you need before you order
Before you buy stickers through any method, gather your vehicle registration number (found on your current registration card) and your renewal notice if you have one. The renewal notice arrives in the mail about a month before your stickers expire and includes the exact amount you owe, your vehicle information, and instructions for each ordering method.
If you have lost your renewal notice, you can still order online — the Secretary of State's website will ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number to pull up your account. You do not need the notice itself; it just makes the process faster because the amount is already printed on it.
Ordering stickers online
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select the option to renew your vehicle registration. You will enter your license plate number or VIN, verify your vehicle information, and pay by credit card or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After you complete the payment, the stickers are printed and mailed to the address on file with your registration. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need them sooner, some Secretary of State offices offer expedited in-person pickup, but this varies by location — call your local office to ask whether they have this option.
Keep your confirmation number from the online order. If your stickers do not arrive within three weeks, you can use this number to check the status or request a replacement.
Getting stickers in person at a Secretary of State office
Find your nearest Secretary of State office by searching "Secretary of State office near me" or visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and using their office locator. Bring your current registration card, a valid photo ID, and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, and card.
Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier on certain days — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip. You will receive your stickers before you leave, so you can put them on your license plate that day.
If you do not have your registration card with you, bring your VIN or license plate number and a photo ID. The office staff can look up your account and process the renewal.
Mailing in your renewal
If you prefer to mail in your renewal, use the form that came with your renewal notice. Fill in the required information, include payment (check or money order only — not cash), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.
Processing takes two to three weeks after the Secretary of State receives your form, plus mail delivery time on both ends. This method is slower than online ordering or in-person pickup, so use it only if the other options are not available to you.
Keep a copy of what you mail in case there is a question about your order. If your stickers do not arrive within four weeks of mailing, contact the Secretary of State's office with your registration number to check the status.
What happens if your stickers expire
Your license plate stickers expire on the date printed on them — usually the last day of a month. Driving with expired stickers is a violation and can result in a ticket. You do not have a grace period, so order or renew before the expiration date, not after.
If your stickers have already expired, you can still order new ones through any of the methods above. The new stickers will be valid from the date you receive them. Order as soon as you realize they have expired to avoid being stopped by police.
Sticker cost and what affects the price
The cost of license plate stickers depends on your vehicle's weight class and registration type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs less than a truck or commercial vehicle. Your renewal notice lists the exact amount you owe for your specific vehicle.
If you are unsure of the cost before you order, you can call your local Secretary of State office or check the fee schedule on cyberdriveillinois.com. The website breaks down fees by vehicle type so you can see what you will pay before you start the ordering process.
Some people are also required to pay additional fees for specialty plates or environmental registration programs. These are listed separately on your renewal notice and are included in the total amount due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy stickers at a currency exchange or auto parts store?
No. Only the Illinois Secretary of State issues license plate stickers. Currency exchanges and auto parts stores cannot sell them, even though they handle some other vehicle-related services. You must order through the Secretary of State's office, online, by mail, or in person.
What if I move to a new address before my stickers arrive?
Contact the Secretary of State's office with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your stickers to your new location or reissue them. If you ordered online, you may also be able to update your address through the website before the stickers ship.
Do I need new stickers if I buy a used car with current stickers on it?
No. The stickers stay with the license plate, not the owner. When you transfer the registration to your name, the existing stickers remain valid until their expiration date. You will renew them on that date using the same methods described here.
How long do stickers last once I put them on?
License plate stickers are valid for one year from the expiration date printed on them. Your renewal notice tells you the exact month and year they expire. You will receive a new renewal notice about a month before that date.
What if my stickers arrive damaged or do not stick to the plate?
Contact the Secretary of State's office with your confirmation number and explain the problem. They will send you a replacement set at no charge. Keep the damaged stickers until the replacements arrive in case you need to show proof of the issue.