Owning a vehicle comes with yearly duties: renew the registration, keep liability insurance in force, and in some counties pass an emissions test. Missing any of them can cost you your plates or your license.
Know the rule
About 60 days before your registration expires, you may receive a reminder postcard, email and/or renewal notice.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
Renew online at ilsos.gov, by mail, at a Secretary of State facility, by phone, or at certain banks, currency exchanges, credit unions and remittance agencies. Put the new sticker on the upper right of the rear plate right away.
Handbook p. 100 ↗Know the rule
If you bought your sticker online before expiration but it hasn't arrived, keep the printed receipt in the vehicle. It serves as proof of registration for 30 days from the expiration of your current sticker.
Handbook p. 100 ↗Know the rule
Service members on active duty or reservists who served in a combat mission can have the standard registration fee waived for the renewal right after their return. Illinois residents serving abroad in other roles get 45 days after return to register or renew.
Handbook p. 100 ↗Know the rule
Personalized and vanity plates are available for several vehicle types. Allow at least 45 days to receive them. Seniors and persons with disabilities who qualify for the Benefit Access Program get reduced plate fees (one discount per year).
Handbook p. 100 ↗Know the rule
All vehicles operated in Illinois must have liability insurance. By signing a registration or renewal application, the owner affirms the vehicle is properly insured.
Handbook p. 101 ↗Minimum liability limits
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Injury or death of more than one person | $50,000 |
| Damage to another person's property | $20,000 |
Know the rule
Carry proof of insurance in the vehicle or on you and show it to police on request. Insurers must provide an Illinois insurance card, which may be displayed on your phone.
Handbook p. 101 ↗Until a lost insurance card is replaced, carry other proof such as:
- An insurance binder
- The current policy declarations page
- A certificate of insurance
- The last insurance payment receipt
Driving without required insurance can bring:
- Fines
- Inability to renew your registration
- Suspension of your driving privileges
- Suspension of the registration until you prove insurance
Know the rule
The Secretary of State enforces insurance with random computer checks and traffic tickets. Giving false information to renew a registration may bring criminal charges and a fine.
Handbook p. 101 ↗Know the rule
Emissions tests are required in all of Cook, DuPage and Lake counties and parts of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair. Covered vehicles must pass to renew registration. Notify the SOS if you move out of the testing area.
Handbook p. 101 ↗Put it into practice
Your renewal sticker hasn't arrived and your current one just expired. If you bought it online before expiration, keep the printed receipt in the car. It proves registration for 30 days from that expiration.