How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Illinois in 2026
Illinois does not offer an online system for canceling vehicle registrations. Cancellation requests must be submitted by mail or in person at Illinois Secretary of State facilities. The Illinois Secretary of State administers all vehicle registration and titling services throughout the state, processing cancellation requests through designated driver services facilities.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Vehicle owners may need to cancel their Illinois registration under various circumstances:
- Transferring ownership by selling or gifting the vehicle
- Moving permanently to a different state
- Surrendering the vehicle for salvage or recycling
- Reporting a stolen vehicle that has not been recovered
- Receiving a total loss determination from an insurance company
- Placing the vehicle in extended storage with no intention to operate
- Terminating insurance without plans to use the vehicle on public roads
- Removing the vehicle from active use for an indefinite period
Mail and In-Person Cancellation Processing
Illinois requires completion of a revocation request form to cancel vehicle registration and surrender license plates.
Mail-In Cancellation
Vehicle owners may request registration cancellation by completing the Vehicle License Plates Revocation Request (Form VSD 851) and mailing it to the Secretary of State.
Required Information:
- Owner name(s) and complete address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number being revoked
- Year, make, and model of vehicle
- Reason for revocation request
- Signature(s) of all registered/titled owner(s)
Submission Address:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. Second Street, Room 408
Springfield, IL 62756
In-Person Processing
Registration cancellation may be completed at any Illinois Secretary of State DMV Facility. Bring the completed Form VSD 851 along with your license plates and current registration card.
Processing Requirements:
Present valid photo identification to facility staff. Surrender license plates and registration materials. Complete any additional documentation requested by the facility representative. Obtain a receipt confirming the cancellation transaction.
Facility Appointments: Some services require scheduled appointments. Contact your local facility or visit the Secretary of State website to determine appointment requirements for your specific transaction.
Request for Refund of Registration Fees
Illinois law provides for refunds of registration fees under specific circumstances. According to 625 ILCS 5/3-824, fees may be returned when applications are refused, fees were collected incorrectly, or in cases of cancellation after the applicant's death.
Eligibility Criteria
The Illinois Secretary of State considers refund requests for:
- Applications refused by the Secretary of State
- Fees collected that were not required under Illinois Vehicle Code provisions
- Vehicle sold by the estate after the registered owner's death
- Registration fees paid for duplicate registrations
- Excess fees paid beyond the required amount
Important Restriction: Refund requests must be submitted within 6 months of the transaction date. There are no refunds on title transactions, only on registration-related fees.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Refund Request Form
Download Consideration for Refund (Form AR-9.12) from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Step 2: Complete Required Documentation
Complete the refund request form with detailed information about the transaction and the reason for the refund. For cancellation-related refunds, return the vehicle registration sticker and provide a sworn statement explaining the circumstances.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Materials
Submit the completed form with:
- Original payment receipt or proof of transaction
- Vehicle registration sticker (for cancellation refunds)
- License plate number and previous year's registration documentation
- Any additional documentation supporting the refund request
Step 4: Processing Review
Mail all materials to the address listed on Form AR-9.12. The Accounting & Revenue Division reviews submitted requests and processes approved refunds according to established procedures. Refund checks are issued directly to the registered owner's address on file.
Processing Timeline: Refund requests typically require several weeks for processing and approval. The Secretary of State may request additional information before approving refund requests.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Illinois vehicle registration cancellation procedures operate under statutory authority established in the Illinois Vehicle Code:
- 625 ILCS 5/3-702 prohibits the operation of vehicles when registration is cancelled, suspended, or revoked
- 625 ILCS 5/3-704 grants the Secretary of State authority to suspend or revoke vehicle registrations
- 625 ILCS 5/3-824 establishes circumstances when registration fees are returnable to applicants
- 625 ILCS 5/ Article III contains comprehensive provisions regarding vehicle registration and certification
Government Agencies
Illinois Secretary of State - Vehicle Services
Illinois Secretary of State - Vehicle Services
501 S. Second St., Room 312, Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (800) 252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois) or (217) 785-3000
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State - Vehicle Services
Driver Services Facilities
Vehicle registration cancellation is processed through the Illinois Secretary of State DMV facilities located throughout the state. The following facilities serve major population centers:
Chicago Flagship Center
125 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 793-1010
Official Website: Chicago Flagship Center Facility
Chicago North
5401 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: (312) 793-1010
Official Website: Chicago North Facility
Naperville
1771 W. Diehl Rd. Unit 110, Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (312) 793-1010
Official Website: Naperville Facility
Joliet
201 S. Joyce Rd., Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (312) 793-1010
Official Website: Joliet Facility
Aurora DMV+
970 N. Lake St., Suite B, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (312) 793-1010
Official Website: Aurora DMV+ Facility
Rockford Central
3720 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 394-0179
Official Website: Rockford Central Facility
Peoria
Sterling Bazaar Shopping Plaza, 3311 N. Sterling Ave. #12, Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: (309) 686-6040
Official Website: Peoria Facility
Springfield Flagship Center
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone: (217) 782-6030
Official Website: Springfield Flagship Center
Bloomington
1510 W. Market Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 827-3531
Official Website: Bloomington Facility
Champaign
2012 Round Barn Road, Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: (217) 278-3344
Official Website: Champaign Facility
