How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Illinois?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Illinois residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Illinois Secretary of State oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while Secretary of State facilities, currency exchanges, and participating banks handle registration services throughout the state.
Illinois Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Illinois vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Registration ID and PIN: Located on renewal notice or current registration card issued by the Secretary of State
- Current Illinois Registration Card: Must be carried in vehicle and presented during renewal process
- Emissions Testing Compliance: Required for vehicles in Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas only
- Valid Payment Method: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), electronic check, cash, or personal check
- Updated Vehicle Information: Any changes to vehicle details must be corrected prior to renewal
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Birthday-Based Expiration: Illinois vehicle registrations expire on the registered owner's birthday month, not at the end of the month
- Multiple Owners: When a vehicle has multiple registered owners, owners may select one registered owner's birthday as the registration expiration date
- Renewal Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing during their designated month, regardless of whether renewal notices are received by mail
- New Vehicle Registration: Vehicles must be registered within the timeframe specified by Illinois Vehicle Code requirements
- Stored Vehicles: Vehicles stored for one year or more receive expiration stickers for the month the vehicle was registered
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Illinois in 2025
2025 Illinois Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The table shows the registration renewal fees established by the Illinois Secretary of State:
Standard Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle | $151 |
| B-Truck (light truck/van) | $151 |
| C-Truck (commercial truck) | $218 |
| Motorcycle | $41 |
| Persons with disabilities | $151 |
Personalized License Plate Fees
| Plate Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger personalized | $158 |
| B-Truck personalized | $158 |
| Motorcycle personalized | $48 |
| Persons with disabilities personalized | $158 |
Vanity License Plate Fees
| Plate Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vanity | $164 |
| B-Truck vanity | $164 |
| Motorcycle vanity | $54 |
| Persons with disabilities vanity | $164 |
Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Fees
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational trailer (RT) | 3,000 lbs or less | $18 |
| Recreational trailer (RT) | 3,001 - 8,000 lbs | $30 |
| Recreational trailer (RT) | 8,001 - 10,000 lbs | $38 |
| Recreational trailer (RT) | 10,001 lbs and over | $50 |
| Recreational vehicle (RV) | 8,000 lbs or less | $78 |
| Recreational vehicle (RV) | 8,001 - 10,000 lbs | $90 |
| Recreational vehicle (RV) | 10,001 lbs and over | $102 |
Vehicle Title Fees
| Title Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original title | $165 |
| Duplicate or corrected title | $50 |
| Salvage title | $20 |
| Junk title | $0 |
| Recreational vehicle title | $250 |
| ATV or off-highway motorcycle title (original, duplicate, or corrected) | $30 |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Illinois
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State online renewal system. The online platform operates 24/7 and provides immediate confirmation of renewal transactions.
Illinois Online Renewal System
Primary Online Portal: Illinois Secretary of State License Plate Renewal
The official online renewal system serves all Illinois counties and provides comprehensive renewal services including address changes and electronic payment processing.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm online renewal eligibility by ensuring:
- Vehicle registration information is current and accurate
- Vehicle has passed required emissions testing (Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas only)
- Renewal sticker delivery address is within Illinois
- Registration ID and PIN are available
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following documentation and information:
- Registration ID and PIN from current registration card or renewal notice
- Valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic checking account information
- Current vehicle information for verification
- Updated address information if applicable
Step 3: Complete Application
Access the online renewal portal and follow these steps:
- Enter Registration ID and PIN from renewal notice or current registration card
- Verify all vehicle and owner information displayed
- Update address information if necessary (no additional fee when renewing registration)
- Review renewal fees and payment processing charges
- Submit payment using approved electronic payment methods
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful completion:
- Print temporary registration receipt for immediate use
- Temporary receipt valid for 30 days from previous registration expiration date
- New registration sticker mailed within 5-10 business days
- New license plates included if vehicle is in replating cycle (indicated by "T" on sticker)
Alternative Renewal Methods
Touch-Tone Phone Renewal
Contact the automated renewal system at (866) 545-9609:
- Registration ID and PIN required from renewal notice or registration card
- Credit card payment only (American Express, Discover, MasterCard)
- Processing fee applies to all credit card transactions
- Renewal sticker mailed within standard timeframe
Mail-In Renewal
Submit renewal documentation to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd Street, Room 055
Springfield, IL 62756-6666
Required documentation:
- Signed renewal notice with payment
- Check payable to "Illinois Secretary of State"
- Address change information if applicable
- Vehicle information corrections if necessary
- Allow 30 days for delivery of renewal sticker
In-Person Renewal
Visit authorized renewal locations including:
- Secretary of State facilities statewide
- Participating currency exchanges
- Authorized banks and financial institutions
Required items:
- Renewal notice or current registration card
- Payment (cash, check, credit card, or traveler's check)
- Photo identification for verification
- Updated vehicle documentation if applicable
Renewal Without Notice
If renewal notice is lost or not received:
By Mail: Submit letter including:
- Full name and current address
- License plate number and vehicle identification number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Copy of current registration card (if available)
- Payment for renewal fees
In-Person: Visit Secretary of State facility with:
- Photo identification
- License plate number or previous registration documentation
- Payment for renewal fees
- Vehicle information for verification
Contact Information
Illinois Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (800) 252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois)
Phone: (217) 785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd Street, Room 055
Springfield, IL 62756-6666
Phone: (800) 252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois)
Phone: (217) 785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State
Secretary of State facilities throughout Illinois handle vehicle registration services. Locate your nearest facility using the Illinois Secretary of State Facility Finder or contact the Public Inquiry Division for assistance with Registration ID and PIN retrieval.
