Illinois license plates renew every two years, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State office

Your Illinois license plates expire on the date printed on your registration card, usually two years from when you last renewed. You do not have to visit an office — most people renew online through the Secretary of State website or by mail. You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle type and any add-ons like personalized plates.

The process takes about five to ten minutes online, and your new plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If your plates expire soon and you have not yet renewed, you can renew up to six months before the expiration date on your card.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois license plates renew every two years, and the expiration date is printed on your registration card.
  • You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office without an appointment.
  • You will need your current registration card, proof of current auto insurance, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or check by mail).
  • Renewal fees vary by vehicle type and range from roughly $100 to $150 for standard plates, plus any specialty plate surcharges.
  • New plates arrive by mail in two to three weeks; you can legally drive with your old plates until the new ones arrive.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

The fastest route is the Secretary of State's online renewal system at cyberdriveillinois.com. Go to the "Vehicles" section, select "Renew a Vehicle Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle type.

You will need to upload or have ready a photo of your current proof of insurance. Illinois requires proof that your vehicle is insured at the time of renewal — a screenshot of your insurance card, a PDF from your insurer's website, or a photo of the physical card all work. Pay with a credit card or debit card, and you will receive a confirmation email when ready. Your new registration card and plates ship within five to seven business days.

If the system cannot find your vehicle record, it may be because your registration has lapsed more than a few months. In that case, you will need to renew in person or by mail so a Secretary of State clerk can manually look up your record.

Renewing by mail

If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail. The Secretary of State mails renewal notices to the address on your registration about 60 days before your plates expire. The notice includes a form, payment instructions, and an envelope. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of insurance, write a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back.

Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your plates expire to avoid driving with expired plates. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visiting a local office.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State office

You can walk into any Secretary of State office and renew your plates without an appointment. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, a valid ID, and payment. The clerk will process your renewal on the spot, and you will leave with a temporary registration receipt. Your new plates and registration card arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Secretary of State offices are located in most county seats and some larger towns. You can find the office nearest you and its hours at cyberdriveillinois.com under "Locations." Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Wait times vary — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

Understanding renewal fees and specialty plates

The base renewal fee for standard Illinois plates is set by state law and varies slightly by vehicle type. Passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles each have different rates. The fee covers two years of registration and is due at renewal time.

If you have specialty plates — such as personalized plates, environmental plates, or plates supporting a specific cause — there is an additional surcharge on top of the base fee. For example, personalized plates add roughly $50 to $100 depending on the design. If you want to change your plate type at renewal, you can do so through any of the three renewal methods, though online is the quickest way to see all available options and their costs.

What to do if your plates have already expired

If your registration card shows an expiration date that has already passed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You must renew before operating it on public roads. The process is the same as a regular renewal, but you should do it when ready rather than waiting.

If you are renewing a vehicle that has been off the road for several months or longer, the online system may not recognize your record. In that case, visit a Secretary of State office in person or call 217-782-6900 to have a clerk manually process your renewal. Bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. There may be a small late fee added to your renewal cost, depending on how long your registration has been expired.

Temporary registration and driving while you wait for new plates

Once you renew online or by mail, you receive a confirmation that serves as your temporary registration. You can legally drive with your old plates and this confirmation until your new plates arrive by mail. Keep the confirmation in your vehicle along with your old registration card.

If you renew in person at an office, the clerk gives you a temporary registration receipt on the spot. Again, you can drive with your old plates and this receipt until the new plates arrive. The new registration card and plates typically arrive within two to three weeks of renewal, though mail delivery times can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if my vehicle inspection sticker has expired?

No. Illinois requires a current vehicle inspection sticker to renew your registration. If your inspection has expired, you must get a new inspection at a licensed inspection station before you renew your plates. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly $20 to $30.

What if my proof of insurance is expired?

Your insurance must be current at the time you renew. If your policy has lapsed, contact your insurance company to renew it before you attempt to renew your plates. You cannot renew registration without proof of active coverage.

Do I need to renew my plates if I sold my vehicle?

No. When you sell a vehicle, you should notify the Secretary of State and return your plates. You can do this by mail or in person at a Secretary of State office. Do not renew plates for a vehicle you no longer own.

How much does it cost to renew Illinois license plates?

The base renewal fee varies by vehicle type and is set by state law. Standard passenger vehicle renewals typically range from $100 to $150 for two years. Specialty plates, personalized plates, and other add-ons increase the cost. The exact amount appears on your renewal notice or when you start the online renewal process.

What if I move to a different address before my plates expire?

Update your address with the Secretary of State before your renewal notice is mailed. You can do this online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. This ensures your renewal notice and new plates are sent to your correct address.