What happens to your license plate when you transfer a title
When you buy a used car in Illinois, the title transfer and the license plate transfer are two separate steps, even though they happen around the same time. The title goes to the Secretary of State; the license plate stays with you or transfers to your new vehicle depending on what you choose. Illinois lets you keep your old plate (if it's personalized or you straightforward prefer it) or get a new one issued with your new title.
Most people get a new plate automatically when they register their new vehicle. But if you own a vanity plate, a special plate (like a military or collegiate plate), or you just want to keep the plate you have, you can request to transfer it instead. The process takes a few extra steps, but it's straightforward once you know the order.
Key Takeaways
- You can keep your current Illinois license plate when you buy a new car, or request a new plate to be issued with your new title registration.
- Personalized and special plates (military, collegiate, disabled person) can be transferred to a new vehicle by submitting a form to the Secretary of State.
- A standard plate stays with the vehicle it's registered to, so you'll receive a new one when you register your new car unless you request otherwise.
- The plate transfer request must be submitted along with your title transfer documents, and both processes are handled by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- If you're trading in or selling your old vehicle, notify the Secretary of State so the plate can be removed from that vehicle's record.
Keeping a personalized or special plate
If your current plate is personalized (custom characters), a military plate, a collegiate plate, or a disabled person plate, you have the right to transfer it to your new vehicle. Standard white plates with random numbers and letters do not transfer — you'll get a new one.
To transfer a personalized or special plate, you'll need to submit Form VSD 190 (process for Personalized Registration Plate) or the appropriate form for your plate type to the Illinois Secretary of State. You can obtain this form from the Secretary of State website or at any driver services facility. Include your current plate number, your new vehicle's VIN, and proof that you own both vehicles (your old title and your new title or bill of sale).
Submit the form along with your title transfer paperwork. The Secretary of State will process both at the same time. You'll keep your plate number, and it will be registered to your new vehicle once the title transfer is complete.
Getting a new plate with your new title
If you're not transferring your old plate, a new license plate will be issued automatically when you complete your title transfer and vehicle registration. You don't need to request this separately — it happens as part of the standard registration process.
When you submit your title transfer documents to the Secretary of State (either in person at a driver services facility or by mail), include your new vehicle's VIN, proof of insurance, and the completed title process. The Secretary of State will assign a new plate number and mail it to you within two to three weeks. Your registration sticker will come with it.
If you're financing the vehicle, the lienholder's name will appear on your title and registration. Once the loan is paid off, you can request a corrected title showing you as the sole owner.
What to do with your old plate if you're not transferring it
If you're keeping your old vehicle, you keep the plate — it stays registered to that car. If you're selling or trading in your old vehicle, you should notify the Secretary of State that the plate is no longer in use on that vehicle, especially if it's a personalized plate.
You can surrender your old plate by visiting a driver services facility or by mail. Include a letter stating that the plate is no longer in use, your plate number, and your vehicle's VIN. This prevents confusion if the vehicle is sold and someone else tries to register it.
If you're trading the vehicle to a dealer, ask them to handle the plate surrender as part of the sale. Many dealers will do this automatically, but it's worth confirming so there's no gap in the record.
Where to submit your plate transfer request
You can handle your plate transfer in person or by mail. In person: Visit any Illinois driver services facility with your completed form, both titles (old and new), proof of insurance, and your ID. Bring your current license plate if you're surrendering it. Staff will process your transfer on the spot, though your new registration and plate will still be mailed to you.
By mail: Send your completed form, both titles, a copy of your insurance card, and a copy of your ID to the address listed on the Secretary of State website for title and registration services. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief note explaining that you're transferring your plate to a new vehicle. Mail it certified if possible so you have proof of delivery. Processing takes two to four weeks.
If you're unsure which form to use or have questions about your specific plate type, call the Secretary of State's vehicle services line or visit a driver services facility before submitting. This prevents delays if you send the wrong form.
Timeline and what to expect
If you're getting a new plate, expect your registration and plate to arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your title transfer being processed. If you're transferring an existing personalized or special plate, the timeline is similar — the Secretary of State processes both the title and plate transfer together, and your new registration will show your transferred plate number.
During this waiting period, you can drive your new vehicle with a temporary registration (usually valid for 30 days) while your permanent plate is in the mail. Your insurance company should have your new VIN on file before you drive the car off the lot.
Once your plate arrives, attach it to your vehicle and place the registration sticker on your windshield. Keep your old plate as a souvenir or recycle it — Illinois does not require you to return standard plates, though you can if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old plate on my new car before the title transfer is complete?
No. Your old plate is registered to your old vehicle's VIN. Using it on a different car is illegal, even temporarily. Drive with your temporary registration until your new plate arrives. Once your title transfer is processed and your new plate is mailed to you, you can install it.
What if I have a vanity plate and I'm financing my new car?
You can still transfer your vanity plate. Submit Form VSD 190 along with your title transfer documents, including the lienholder information. The plate will be registered to your new vehicle under the same financing arrangement. The lienholder's name on the title does not affect your ability to keep your personalized plate.
Do I need to transfer my plate if I'm buying from a private seller versus a dealer?
The plate transfer process is the same regardless of where you buy the car. If you want to keep your current plate, submit the transfer request with your title paperwork. If you want a new plate, it will be issued automatically. The seller's involvement ends once you have the signed title.
What happens if my new plate gets lost in the mail?
Contact the Secretary of State and provide your new vehicle's VIN and registration number. They can issue a replacement plate and mail it to you. You may be charged a small replacement fee. In the meantime, continue using your temporary registration.
Can I transfer a plate from an out-of-state vehicle to my new Illinois car?
No. You must first register your out-of-state vehicle in Illinois and obtain an Illinois plate. Once you have an Illinois plate and title, you can then transfer that plate to a new vehicle using the standard process. This requires a separate title transfer from your home state to Illinois first.