Illinois Vehicle Registration Renewal
Everything you need to renew your Illinois vehicle registration — fee, deadline, online options, and what happens if you miss the due date.
Renewal Quick Facts
How to Renew in Illinois
Illinois Secretary of State mails renewal notices 30–90 days before your expiration date. Your renewal notice includes your current registration details and payment instructions.
Illinois offers online registration renewal through the Secretary of State's website at cyberdriveillinois.com.
Payment methods vary by renewal channel. Online renewals typically accept credit/debit cards. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order.
Once renewed, display your new registration sticker on your license plate or windshield as directed by state law.
Late renewal adds a fee of $25–$100. Illinois charges late renewal fees starting at $25. Fees increase to $100 for renewals more than 1 year past expiration. Driving with an expired registration sticker is also subject to a separate traffic citation in most cases.
Illinois registration month is assigned based on the first letter of your last name (A-G = September, H-P = October, Q-Z = November). This staggers renewals across the year to reduce DMV congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vehicle registration renewal cost in Illinois?
$151. Illinois flat annual registration fee is $151 for standard passenger vehicles. Electric vehicles pay $251. Motorcycles pay $41.
Can I renew my vehicle registration online in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois offers online registration renewal through the Secretary of State's website at cyberdriveillinois.com.
Does Illinois require a vehicle inspection to renew registration?
No. Illinois does not require a safety inspection for renewal. However, vehicles registered in the greater Chicago area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Kendall, and Madison counties) require an emissions test every 2 years.
What is the late fee for expired registration in Illinois?
$25–$100. Illinois charges late renewal fees starting at $25. Fees increase to $100 for renewals more than 1 year past expiration.
How long is a Illinois vehicle registration valid?
1 year. Illinois vehicle registrations expire annually on the last day of your registration month (based on your last name).
What happens if I miss my registration renewal deadline in Illinois?
A late fee of $25–$100 applies. Illinois charges late renewal fees starting at $25. Fees increase to $100 for renewals more than 1 year past expiration. Additionally, driving with expired registration may result in a traffic citation and fine separate from the late renewal fee.