Expired Registration in Illinois

Motor vehicle registration in Illinois must be maintained in accordance with state regulations governing vehicle operation on public roadways. The Illinois Secretary of State administers registration procedures and maintains vehicle records, while the Illinois State Police enforces compliance with registration statutes.

State Code Provisions in Illinois

Illinois vehicle registration requirements are established under the Illinois Vehicle Code or Chapter 625 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. The statutory provisions address registration procedures, expiration dates, display requirements, and penalties for improper registration. 625 ILCS 5/3-414 establishes registration expiration dates and renewal periods for all vehicle classes, 625 ILCS 5/3-413 governs display requirements for registration plates and stickers, prohibiting operation of vehicles displaying expired registration after the termination of the registration period, and 625 ILCS 5/3-701 prohibits operation of vehicles without current and valid registration evidence and establishes exceptions for temporary registration receipts.

These provisions establish the framework for vehicle registration within the state and authorize penalties for non-compliance.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Illinois

Registration Renewal System

Illinois operates a vehicle registration system based on either calendar year or birthday-based expiration dates, with the specific expiration structure varying according to vehicle type and the owner's preference.

Standard Passenger Vehicles:

• Vehicle registrations for first division vehicles (passenger vehicles) are issued on a calendar year basis, with registrations expiring on December 31 of each year
• The Secretary of State may permit vehicle owners to select the owner's birthday as the registration expiration date under 625 ILCS 5/3-414
• When a vehicle has multiple registered owners, the owners may select one registered owner's birthday as the date of registration expiration
• Example: An owner whose registration expires on December 31 must renew by that date. A vehicle registered under the birthday system with an owner born on March 15 would have registration expiring on March 15 of the applicable year
• Illinois does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires, whether on December 31 or on the owner's birthday, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed

Second Division Vehicles:

• Vehicles of the second division (trucks and commercial vehicles weighing over 8,000 pounds) are registered on a fiscal year basis commencing July 1, with registrations expiring on June 30 of each year
• Recreational vehicles and camping trailers used exclusively for recreational purposes are registered on a calendar year basis

Multi-Year Registrations:

• Illinois permits registration of vehicles for periods of 2, 3, or 5 calendar years, depending on vehicle type
• Multi-year registrations expire on the designated expiration date in the final year of the registration period

Penalties for Expired Registration in Illinois

Administrative Penalties

Illinois assesses a $20 administrative late fee for renewal of vehicle registration more than 30 days after the expiration date. This late fee is collected by the Secretary of State at the time of renewal and is added to the standard registration fee.

This administrative penalty is separate from any traffic violations issued for operating a vehicle with expired registration

Traffic Violations

Operating a Vehicle with Expired Registration:

Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/3-701, no person shall operate a vehicle upon any highway unless there is attached and displayed proper evidence of registration in Illinois, consisting of a current and valid Illinois registration sticker and license plate.

Operating a vehicle displaying an expired registration sticker constitutes a traffic violation under 625 ILCS 5/3-413(f). This violation is classified as a petty offense with a fine of $90. The fine is imposed regardless of whether the vehicle owner has purchased a renewal, but has not yet received the new registration sticker. Law enforcement officers may issue citations for this violation upon observing expired registration displayed on a vehicle.

Temporary Registration Receipt:

Under 625 ILCS 5/3-701(b), a person may operate a vehicle that has been properly registered but does not display a current registration sticker if the person has proof in the form of a printed receipt from the Secretary of State showing that registration was renewed. This printed proof of registration is valid for 30 days from the expiration of the previous registration sticker's date or 30 days from the purchase date of the new registration sticker, whichever occurs later.

Summary of Penalties

Government Agencies

Illinois Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 800-252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois); 217-785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State

Illinois State Police
801 South Seventh Street, Suite 100-M
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-786-7107
Official Website: Illinois State Police