You can buy Illinois license plate stickers at Secretary of State facilities, through the mail, or online at cyberdriveillinois.com

Illinois license plate stickers — also called renewal tabs or decals — show that your vehicle registration is current. You renew them every year or every two years, depending on your vehicle type. The Secretary of State runs the main renewal system, and you have three ways to get your stickers: in person at a Driver Services facility, by mail, or through the online portal.

The online option is fastest if you have a computer and a payment method. The mail option works if you prefer not to leave home. In-person renewal at a facility takes longer because of wait times, but it's the only choice if you need the stickers the same day or if you have a problem with your account that requires a staff member to fix.

Key Takeaways

  • The Secretary of State's online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com is the quickest way to renew and receive stickers by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal happens at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility, and you'll need your vehicle registration card and a payment method.
  • Mail-in renewal requires you to fill out the form that comes with your renewal notice and send it back with payment, taking 2 to 3 weeks total.
  • You cannot buy stickers at gas stations, auto parts stores, or other retail locations — only through the Secretary of State system.
  • If your registration has expired, you can still renew online or by mail, but driving with expired stickers is illegal and can result in a ticket.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. You'll need your vehicle registration card (the paper document that came with your plates) and your driver's license number. The system will ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or your Illinois driver's license number.

Once you enter your information, the system will show you the renewal fee for your vehicle type and let you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After payment goes through, the Secretary of State mails your stickers to the address on file. Stickers typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your order on the website using your confirmation number.

If you move before your stickers arrive, you can update your address on the website or call the Secretary of State's vehicle services line. Do not ignore mail from the Secretary of State about your renewal, because it contains information you may need if something goes wrong with your online order.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility

Secretary of State Driver Services facilities are located in most Illinois counties. You can find the one nearest you by searching "Secretary of State Driver Services" plus your city name, or by visiting cyberdriveillinois.com and using their facility locator. Bring your vehicle registration card, proof of insurance, and a payment method (cash, check, or card — policies vary by location).

Wait times at facilities vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. When you reach the counter, staff will verify your information, process your payment, and print your stickers on the spot. You leave with the stickers in hand and can put them on your plates when ready.

In-person renewal is useful if your registration has a problem that the online system flags, if you need the stickers the same day, or if you're uncomfortable using the online portal. It's slower than online renewal for most people because of facility wait times, but it gives you certainty that the transaction is complete.

Renewing by mail

When your registration is about to expire, the Secretary of State mails you a renewal notice. This notice includes a form you fill out, your vehicle information, and instructions for payment. You don't have to use this form — you can renew online instead — but if you prefer mail, fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back to the address shown on the notice.

Mail-in renewal takes longer than online because of postal delivery time both ways. Budget 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail the form to the time stickers arrive at your home. If your registration expires before the stickers arrive, you're technically driving illegally, so mail your renewal form as soon as you receive the notice rather than waiting.

Keep a copy of the form and note the date you mailed it. If stickers don't arrive within 3 weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check on your order. Have your confirmation information ready — the notice usually includes a reference number.

What to do if you can't find your registration card

Your vehicle registration card is the small paper document that came with your license plates. If you've lost it, you can still renew your stickers, but you'll need to get a replacement registration card first. You can order a duplicate registration card online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The replacement card costs a small fee and arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

If you're in a hurry, renewing in person at a facility is faster because you can handle both the replacement card and the sticker renewal in one visit. Staff can print a temporary registration document on the spot while your official card is mailed to you.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Renewal fees depend on your vehicle type and weight. A standard passenger car costs less to renew than a truck or commercial vehicle. The Secretary of State website shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you pay, so you'll know the cost before committing to the transaction. Fees do not vary based on where you renew — online, by mail, or in person — the cost is the same.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees or exemptions. Disabled veterans, for example, may pay a lower fee or renew for free depending on their service-connected disability rating. If you think you may have access to for a reduced fee, check the Secretary of State website or ask at a Driver Services facility. You may need to provide documentation of your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my stickers if my registration has already expired?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even after your registration expires. However, driving with expired stickers is illegal and can result in a ticket. Renew as soon as you realize your stickers have expired.

What if I just moved to Illinois and need stickers for an out-of-state vehicle?

You'll need to register your vehicle in Illinois first, which requires a title transfer and proof of residency. This is a separate process from sticker renewal. Contact a Driver Services facility or visit cyberdriveillinois.com for instructions on vehicle registration for new residents.

Do I have to renew every year?

Most passenger vehicles renew annually. Some vehicle types, like certain commercial or fleet vehicles, renew every two years. Your renewal notice will tell you when your next renewal is due. Check the notice carefully so you don't miss the important date.

What if my stickers don't arrive by the expiration date?

Contact the Secretary of State when ready with your confirmation number. If you renewed online or by mail and stickers haven't arrived within the expected timeframe, staff can check your order status and may be able to reprint them. In the meantime, keep proof of your renewal (confirmation email or mailed notice) in your vehicle in case you're stopped by police.

Can I buy stickers at an auto parts store or gas station?

No. License plate stickers can only be obtained through the Secretary of State — online, by mail, or at a Driver Services facility. No other retailer is authorized to sell them.