What happens when you transfer plates in Illinois
When you transfer license plates in Illinois, you're moving registration from one vehicle to another, or from one owner to another. The Secretary of State's office handles this, and the process depends on whether you're keeping the same plate number, moving plates between your own vehicles, or selling a car to someone else.
Illinois lets you transfer plates in a few different ways. You can move personalized or standard plates to a different vehicle you own, transfer them as part of a sale, or surrender them. Each path has different paperwork and fees. The key is knowing which situation matches yours before you go to a Secretary of State facility or mail in your request.
Key Takeaways
- You can transfer Illinois plates to another vehicle you own by visiting a Secretary of State facility with your current registration and proof of ownership for the new vehicle.
- When you sell a car, the buyer gets new plates unless you both agree in writing that they'll use your existing plates.
- Personalized plates cost extra to transfer and require a separate form, but standard plates transfer for a smaller fee.
- You can mail in a plate transfer request using Form VSD 190, but processing takes longer than an in-person visit.
- If you no longer want your plates, you can surrender them to any Secretary of State facility and may receive a refund for unused registration time.
Transferring plates between your own vehicles
If you own two vehicles and want to move your plates from one to the other, you'll need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person or mail in your request. Bring your current vehicle registration, the title or proof of ownership for the vehicle receiving the plates, and a valid photo ID. You'll also need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the new vehicle.
The fee for transferring standard plates is typically under $20, though this varies slightly by county. If you're transferring personalized plates, the fee is higher—usually $40 to $50—because personalized plates are treated as a separate product. You can also transfer plates by mail using Form VSD 190, available on the Secretary of State's website, but mail processing takes two to three weeks.
Transferring plates when selling your car
When you sell a vehicle in Illinois, the buyer normally receives new plates. However, you and the buyer can agree in writing to transfer your existing plates to their vehicle instead. This must be done at the time of sale and documented on the bill of sale or a separate written agreement that both of you sign.
If you choose this route, the buyer takes the plates and your current registration to a Secretary of State facility to complete the transfer into their name. You'll receive a refund for any unused registration time on your original plates. If the buyer does not want your plates, you can surrender them at any Secretary of State facility and receive a prorated refund based on how much registration time remains.
Personalized plates and vanity plate transfers
Personalized plates in Illinois stay with you as the owner, not with the vehicle. This means you can move a personalized plate to a different car you own without losing the custom number or letter combination. The transfer process is the same as moving standard plates—you'll need proof of ownership for both vehicles and the VIN of the new vehicle.
The transfer fee for personalized plates is higher than for standard plates because they're registered separately. If you want to keep a personalized plate but are selling the vehicle, you can transfer it to your new car, or you can keep it on file with the Secretary of State for up to one year without a vehicle attached. This costs an additional renewal fee but lets you use the plate again later.
Mailing in your transfer request
You don't have to visit a Secretary of State facility in person. You can mail Form VSD 190 (process for Duplicate Registration) along with your current registration, proof of ownership for the new vehicle, and the required fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form, which varies by region in Illinois.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You'll receive your new registration by mail once the transfer is complete. This method works well if you live far from a Secretary of State facility or prefer not to visit in person, but it takes longer than walking in with all your documents ready.
What to do if your plates are damaged or lost
If your plates are damaged, bent, or faded, you can request replacements at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your current registration and a valid ID. The replacement fee is usually $15 to $20. If your plates are lost or stolen, report the loss to your local police department first, then visit a Secretary of State facility with the police report number, your registration, and your ID.
Replacement plates arrive within a few business days if you request them in person. You can continue driving with your old registration until the new plates arrive. If you're concerned about the lost plates being misused, include that information when you report them—the Secretary of State can flag your account.
Surrendering plates and getting a refund
If you no longer want your plates—because you're selling the car and the buyer wants new plates, or you're no longer driving—you can surrender them at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your registration and the plates themselves. You'll receive a refund for any unused registration time, calculated from the date you surrender them to the date your registration would have expired.
The refund is mailed to you within four to six weeks. If you're selling a vehicle and the buyer is getting new plates, make sure you surrender your old plates promptly so you're not charged for registration on a vehicle you no longer own. Some people forget this step and end up paying for registration they don't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my license plate number if I buy a new car?
Yes, if it's a personalized plate or if you and the buyer of your old car agree in writing to transfer your standard plates. Standard plates can move between vehicles you own, or to a new owner if both parties agree. Personalized plates stay with you as the owner and can move to any vehicle you own.
How long does it take to transfer plates in person?
An in-person transfer at a Secretary of State facility usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive your new registration on the spot. Bring all required documents and the correct fee to avoid delays.
What if I'm transferring plates but the new vehicle isn't registered yet?
You'll need proof of ownership for the new vehicle—usually the title or a bill of sale—but the vehicle doesn't have to be registered yet. The Secretary of State will register it under your name as part of the plate transfer process. Bring the VIN and proof of ownership along with your current registration.
Do I have to transfer my plates, or can I just get new ones?
You can choose either option. Transferring keeps your current plate number and costs less. Getting new plates costs more but gives you a different number. If you're selling the car, the buyer typically gets new plates unless you both agree otherwise in writing.
What happens if I sell my car but forget to surrender my old plates?
You'll continue to be charged for registration on those plates even though you no longer own the vehicle. Surrender them as soon as possible to stop the charges and receive a refund for unused time. Contact the Secretary of State if you've already been charged and need to dispute it.