You can buy a Chicago city sticker online through the city's official website, and the process takes about 10 minutes

The City of Chicago sells vehicle stickers online at chicago.gov/cityofchicago/en/supp_info/biz_supp_info/revenue/city_stickers.html. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The sticker costs $95 for most vehicles and $25 for vehicles registered to seniors or people with disabilities. Once you complete the purchase, the city mails the physical sticker to your address, which typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

You must display the sticker on your vehicle by January 31 of each year. If you buy one after that important date, you can still purchase it, but you may face parking tickets for the months you drove without one. The sticker is required to park on Chicago streets; garages and lots not operated by the city have their own rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Purchase your sticker at chicago.gov using your license plate number, VIN, and a credit or debit card.
  • The sticker costs $95 for standard vehicles, with reduced rates for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • The physical sticker arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days after you pay.
  • You must display the sticker by January 31 each year to legally park on Chicago streets.
  • If you lose or damage your sticker, you can request a replacement through the same website for a small fee.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you go to the city's website. You'll need your current vehicle registration, which shows your license plate number and VIN. The VIN is a 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side of your windshield. If you don't have your registration handy, you can look up your VIN through your insurance company or your state's DMV website.

You'll also need a valid payment method: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The city does not accept PayPal, bank transfers, or checks online. Have the card's number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you're buying a sticker for a vehicle registered to someone else, you'll need their permission and their information, though you can pay with your own card.

Step-by-step: completing your purchase

Go to chicago.gov and search for "city sticker" or navigate directly to the revenue section. Click the link to purchase a sticker online. The city's system will ask you to enter your license plate number first. Type it exactly as it appears on your registration, including any spaces or hyphens.

Next, enter your vehicle's VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle's information—make, model, and year—to confirm it matches your records. Review this information carefully. If it's wrong, stop and contact the city's revenue office at 311 (or 312-744-4444 from outside Chicago) before proceeding, because paying for the wrong vehicle means you'll need to request a refund and start over.

The system will then show you the price. If you're a senior or person with disabilities, you'll see the option to select the reduced rate; you'll need to upload proof of your status (a disability placard, senior ID, or similar document). Enter your mailing address—this is where the sticker will be sent—and your payment information. Review the total one more time, then submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email.

What happens after you pay

The city processes online orders within one business day. You'll receive an email confirmation with your order number and the expected delivery date. The sticker itself is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods (late December and January).

Once the sticker arrives, peel off the backing and explore it to the lower right corner of your vehicle's windshield on the inside, so it's visible from outside. Do not explore it to the exterior of the windshield, as weather and car washes will damage it. If you bought the sticker before January 31, you're legal to park on Chicago streets as soon as you display it. If you bought it after January 31, you should still display it when ready, but you may still owe tickets for the months you parked without one.

If you need a replacement sticker

If your sticker is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through the same website. Go to chicago.gov, find the city sticker section, and look for the "replacement sticker" option. You'll need to provide your order number from your original purchase, your license plate, and your VIN. The replacement fee is typically $5 to $10, depending on the reason for replacement.

Replacements are mailed the same way as original stickers and take 5 to 10 business days to arrive. If your sticker was damaged by the city's street cleaning or snow removal equipment, contact 311 to report it; the city may waive the replacement fee.

Parking tickets and what to do if you receive one

If you receive a parking ticket for not displaying a city sticker, the ticket will show a fine amount (typically $50 to $100, depending on when the ticket was issued). You can contest the ticket through the city's administrative hearing system if you believe it was issued in error—for example, if you had already purchased the sticker but hadn't received it yet.

To contest a ticket, visit chicago.gov/tickets or call 311. You'll need your ticket number and evidence that you purchased the sticker (your confirmation email or order number). If you can show the city that you bought the sticker before the ticket date, the ticket may be dismissed. If you straightforward forgot to buy one, you'll need to pay the fine and purchase the sticker to avoid future tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a city sticker if my vehicle is registered outside Illinois?

No. The city sticker is required only for vehicles registered in Illinois and parked on Chicago streets. If your vehicle is registered in another state, you do not need a Chicago city sticker. However, if you move to Illinois and register your vehicle here, you'll need to purchase one within 30 days of registration.

What if I sell my vehicle before the sticker expires?

The sticker is tied to your license plate, not the vehicle itself. If you sell the car, the new owner will need to purchase their own sticker for that plate. You cannot transfer your sticker to a different vehicle. If you buy a new vehicle and get a new plate, you'll need a new sticker for that plate.

Do I need a city sticker if I only park in a garage or private lot?

No. The city sticker is required only for street parking on public Chicago streets. If you park exclusively in a garage, private lot, or driveway, you do not need one. However, if you ever park on a city street—even occasionally—you must have a valid sticker displayed.

What if the website won't accept my license plate or VIN?

This usually means the information doesn't match the city's records. Double-check that you've entered your plate and VIN exactly as they appear on your registration, including spaces and hyphens. If the system still rejects it, call 311 to verify your vehicle information is in the city's system before trying again online.

Can I buy a sticker for someone else's vehicle?

Yes. You can purchase a sticker using someone else's license plate and VIN, and you can pay with your own card. However, the sticker will be mailed to the address associated with that vehicle's registration. If you want it mailed to a different address, contact 311 before purchasing to update the mailing address on file.