Illinois Registration Renewal
Illinois requires that vehicle owners renew their registration each year. While the process may be an inconvenience, 4DMV.com ensures that you have all the information you need to know to make it the easiest and most convenient process saving you time and energy.Renew Your Illinois Registration
Before you are able to first drive your vehicle legally on the Illinois roadways you must have it registered for the first time. Each year after your initial registration you will then be required to renew your registration every 12 month. Registering your car also requires that your vehicle has the proper liability insurance coverage which is required by the state of Illinois, although you do not have to provide proof of insurance during the renewal process. If you are in need of insurance 4DMV.com Insurance Center provides you with all the information you need to know including where to go to get the best insurance coverage rates.
If you have recently moved to Illinois or purchased a new or used car you will be required to complete an initial vehicle registration that will be done at your local Secretary of State office. For more information on first-time registrations visit 4DMV.com’s Vehicle Registration Section.
Register a Non Operational Vehicle
Whether your vehicle is operational or non-operational you must ensure that it is properly registered and that you renew the registration yearly. This is mandatory in the state of Illinois.
Receiving Your Renewal Notice
A few months prior to the expiration date of your vehicle’s registration you will, provided the Secretary of State has your proper address on file, receive a renewal notification in the mil. The purpose of the renewal notice is not only to make you aware that your registration is due to expire, but to provide important information that will help to speed your renewal process. The renewal notice will include your personal identification number and your renewal code and whether you must renew in person or you are eligible to renew online or by phone.
If for some reason you fail to receive your renewal notice, you should call the Secretary of State at 800-252-8980.
To receive a personal identification number and your renewal code to renew online or by phone send an email to the Secretary of State to request your numbers. Visit Online Vehicle Registration Renewal Contact Form for more information.
Other important documentation that may be required is certificate of a smog test performed on your vehicle from a state approved garage.
Calculate Your Fees
Renewal fees are based on what type of plates your vehicle has and the method in which you renew your registration. For basic plates, the renewal fee is $99. Depending on how you renew will depend on whether there will be any additional charges.
Remember, that insurance must be maintained on your vehicle as well and payments will include monthly or annual payments. To find premium insurance providers providing lower rates, visit our Insurance Center Section.
Avoid Late Fees and Penalties
Vehicle owners in Illinois can expect to pay late fees and penalties if they do not renew their expired registration within 30 days. The late fee that they will be responsible for is $20 and they will lo. Remember, that any time after the vehicle’s registration expiration date, it will be illegal to drive the vehicle on the road.
Renew Online, By Phone, In Person or By Mail
You may be eligible to renew in a number of ways, which will be indicated on your renewal notice. If you did not receive your renewal notice in the mail, contact your Secretary of State office at:
Renew Online
To renew online you must first be eligible. To find out if you are eligible to renew online visit License Plate Renewal. Once you have verified that you are eligible to renew online you then can:
- Gather your PIN, renewal code and your insurance information to begin the process
- Have your renewal fee ready that will be payable in the form of American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, or Vis. There will be a surcharge of $1.75 that applies
- Go to the renewal site atLicense Plate Renewal and follow the instructions provided
By Phone
To renew by phone you must:
- Gather your PIN, renewal code and your insurance information
- Have your renewal fee ready that will be payable in the form of American Express, Discovery Card, MasterCard or Visa
- Use the automated, touch tone system to renew your registration at: 850-545-9609
To renew in person you must:
- Gather your renewal notice or current registration
- Have your renewal fee ready which will be payable cash, check, traveler’s check, or Discover Credit card
- Visit your local Secretary of State office, a currency exchange, or a participating bank branch and complete the renewal process. There may be a surcharge #2 which applies to credit card payments through the Secretary of State locations, currency exchanges and banks and a minimum surcharge of $3 at banks
To renew your vehicle registration by mail you must:
- Gather your renewal notification and sign the card at the bottom where your signature is required. If for some reason you have lost or did not receive your renewal notification card then write a letter with your name, address, your vehicle’s license plates number, the make, model and year of your vehicle and its VIN number
- Submit the renewal fee which will be made payable in the form of check to the Illinois Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd ST. Room 011
Springfield, IL 62756-6666
When you renew by mail you should allow one moth process into process your renewal.
Affix Your Stickers
Once you have completed the process you will either receive your stickers on the spot or you will receive them through the mail. Once you receive your stickers, you will then need to place them on your plates, making your vehicle legal on the roadways.
Keep Yourself Safe on the Illinois Roadways
Being legal on the road isn’t your only responsibility. It is your responsibility to make sure that you and other motorists on the road are safe as well and. This can be done with just a few responsible moves on your part.
First, it is important to have regular tune-ups and oil changes on your vehicle. Throughout the year rotate your tires a couple of time and if they are worn replace them. Have regular maintenance repairs performed from a local mechanic that will ensure that you are alert to any potential problems that may make driving a hazard.
A roadside assistance program is also recommended which will ensure that should you break down on the side of the road you are protected with service any time day or night. For those that like to lessen the expense of major repairs, an after market warranty is something to consider.
Also, always remember to have an emergency kit in the trunk of your car or cab of your truck.