If you want to check your Illinois license plate replacement status, you’ve come to the right place. Knowing where your plates are in the replacement process is essential if you are damaged, lost, or need updating.
Moreover, Understanding Illinois license plate replacement status may help you avoid possible delays and drive legally. We will walk you through the whole process, from making your request to tracking your purchase.
In this post, we’ll review how to verify the status of your new plates, including the necessary actions and what to expect on the road.
What exactly is an Illinois license plate?
An Illinois license plate is a metal or plastic plate placed on a motor vehicle or truck for official identification. The Illinois Department of Motor Cars (DMV) supplies these plates required for most cars operating on public roadways. The vehicle’s owner is identified in the state’s registration system by a unique combination of letters and numbers on each plate.
How Much Is an Illinois License Plate?
In Illinois, the price of a license plate depends on the type of plate and the type of car. In addition to the registration fee for regular passenger car plates, there are extra fees for special or custom plates. The Illinois Secretary of State’s website lists current costs and different pay methods.
Importance Of License Plate Replacement
It’s important to take care of your vehicle’s license plate! License plates help you identify your car while driving around. Your license plate replacement status in Illinois can affect your daily drive! Knowing why replacing your license plate is important can help you avoid fines and keep your car safe.
Ensuring Road Safety
It is important to maintain clear and legible license plates for road safety. Damaged or faded plates may result in significant problems. I want to present a few reasons for your consideration:
- Law enforcement can more easily detect cars with clear license plates.
- If there’s an accident, those present can help by sharing the correct license plate number.
- Visible plates help first responders find vehicles more quickly.
Keeping your license plate in good condition may help avoid accidents and aid in situations. Always replace damaged plates right away.
Compliance With State Laws
Illinois state laws require vehicle owners to maintain their license plates. Compliance with these laws avoids fines and legal issues. Here’s what you need to know:
- It is essential to ensure that the license plate is visible.
- Not complying can lead to fines and penalties.
- If the license plate is broken, you may have to get a new one when you renew your car’s registration.
Here’s a quick overview of potential fines for non-compliance:
| Violation | Fine |
| Obscured plate | $75 |
| Faded Plate | $50 |
Making sure your license plate is in proper condition is the right thing to do to avoid fines and follow state laws. Check your plates often and change them if they need it.
Process Of Illinois License Plate Replacement
In Illinois, there are several steps needed to replace a license plate. Knowing these steps will make the process simpler and faster. The most important steps are applying, paying the replacement fee, and getting the new license plate. Let’s get into the specifics of each step to make things easier for you.
Application Submission
The first step in the license plate replacement process is applying. The application can be completed online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or in person at a local DMV office.
To start, gather the required information, including your vehicle’s make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Additionally, you will need your current license plate number and personal identification details.
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
- Navigate to the license plate replacement section.
- Fill out the required fields in the application form.
- Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
- Please submit the form online or print it for in-person submission.
After you apply, a confirmation email will be sent if you apply online. This email includes a reference number that you can use to track the status of your application. Please remember to keep the receipt provided by the DMV staff for in-person submissions. The application process typically requires just a few minutes to complete.
Payment Of Replacement Fee
Once you have submitted the application, the next step will be to proceed with the payment of the replacement fee. The fee varies by the type of vehicle and the reason for the replacement. The cost for an average license plate replacement is generally approximately $29. Personalized or vanity plates may be included with extra fees.
The payment can be made through various methods:
- Credit or debit card for online payments.
- Cash, check, or money order for in-person payments.
For online payments, follow these steps:
- Log in to your account on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
- Navigate to the payment section.
- Enter your payment details and confirm the amount.
- Submit the payment and save the confirmation receipt.
Present your application form and payment at the DMV office for in-person payments. Ensure you receive a receipt as proof of payment. This receipt is essential for tracking your application status.
Receipt Of New License Plate
You will receive your new license plate once the application and payment are processed. The delivery method depends on how you submit your application. The new plates are typically mailed to your address within 7-10 business days for online applications. The plates may be available for pick-up at the DMV office for in-person applications.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Check your mail regularly for the new license plate.
- Inspect the new plates for any damage or errors upon receipt.
- Follow the installation instructions for the new plates.
- Dispose of your old plates according to local regulations.
If you do not receive your new plates within the expected time frame, use the reference number from your confirmation email or DMV receipt to track the status of your replacement. You can contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for assistance.
Receiving your new license plate marks the final step in the replacement process. Ensure your vehicle’s new plates are properly installed to comply with Illinois state laws.
Reasons For Illinois License Plate Replacement
Illinois vehicle owners may need to replace their license plates for various reasons. Understanding these reasons helps ensure compliance with state laws and keeps your vehicle roadworthy.
Here are the primary reasons for license plate replacement in Illinois.
Current Plate Damage
License plates can take damage as time goes by. Weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and extreme heat may lead to considerable wear and tear. Plates may also be affected by physical impacts, such as minor accidents or junk coming into contact with the car. Damaged plates can cause issues with legibility, possibly leading to fines or penalties.
Common types of damage include:
- The paint on the plate can fade, making it hard to read.
- Plates can bend due to impact or improper attachment.
- Metal plates are prone to rust, especially in humid conditions.
In such cases, Illinois law requires you to replace the damaged plates. Ensure the new plates are properly attached and legible to avoid legal issues.
Theft Or Loss Of Plate
It is possible that the license plates were just stolen or lost. Theft can happen if somebody takes your plate for illegal reasons. There is a possibility of loss occurring if the plate disconnects due to insufficient attachment or damage. It is important to address both situations quickly to prevent fines and potential plate misuse.
Steps to take if your plate is stolen or lost:
- Notify local law enforcement to file a report.
- Go to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a replacement.
- Bring your ID, vehicle registration, and police report if applicable.
Replacing a stolen or lost plate helps protect your identity and ensures your vehicle complies with state laws.
Change In Vehicle Ownership
When the ownership of a vehicle changes, it is often necessary to replace the license plates. That is a common incident when purchasing or selling a car. The new owner is kindly requested to register the vehicle under their name, which normally requires getting new plates.
Steps for changing plates due to ownership transfer:
- Ensure all necessary paperwork is done.
- The new owner should go to the DMV to transfer the title.
- Provide the bill of sale, title transfer form, and ID.
- There are fees for title transfer and new plates.
Changing the license plates ensures the vehicle’s registration reflects the current owner, keeping records accurate and up-to-date.
Are license plates considered public records in Illinois?
It is true that in Illinois, car plates are public records. Despite this, strict privacy laws and rules protect the information in these records. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is in charge of keeping these records and ensuring that private information about citizens is kept safe while making particular information visible to the public for legal reasons.
What is the process for locating the owner of a license plate in Illinois?
Due to privacy laws, only police officers and approved groups in Illinois are allowed to find out who owns a license plate. The person who wants this information must have a good reason for having it. They may be required to request permission from the local police or the courts for an inquiry to ensure a good reason for it.
Are Illinois license plates available for searching?
In Illinois, you may search license plates for specific purposes, such as learning more about a vehicle’s history or as part of a police investigation. However, without the proper authorization, anyone cannot see the plate’s personal information due to privacy restrictions.
How Do I Find a Free Illinois License Plate Lookup?
A free Illinois license plate check and details on the history and registration of a vehicle may be found through various internet resources and websites. These services often provide information on the car’s make, model, year, and safety records but never expose the owner’s personal information.
How Can I Check the Status of My Illinois License Plate?
People who own cars can check the status of an Illinois license plate by going to the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or calling the office immediately. Through these methods, people can find out when their vehicle’s registration is due to be renewed, how much it costs, and if there are any problems that still need to be fixed with their registration.
Are License Plates With VIN Available in Illinois?
Yes, you may use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find information about Illinois license plates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or other approved databases, which include information on recalls, service records, and other vehicle-specific features, may be used for this.
Is it possible for someone to find your address in Illinois using your license plate?
Illinois has strict laws controlling who may see private data, such as an address based on a license plate number. Usually, this information is only visible to police enforcement and other authorized parties. Legally, this information is only available with an agreement or a valid cause.
Where Can I Get a License Plate in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State offices are where you can get license plates. Regarding license plates, these offices offer a range of services, such as renewing stickers, the Pick-A-Plate choice, and replacing plates with others. The License Plate Guide on the Illinois SOS website can help you find the closest DMV office and see what services it offers. Online, the Office of the Secretary of State has a lot of information and steps for getting or changing license plates.
In Illinois, how long does it take to get a license plate?
In Illinois, getting license plates can take a while. How long it takes depends on the type of plates you want and how quickly they deal with them. If you bought random-number plates, your new ones should arrive in two to four weeks. If you want vanity or custom plates, know that the process generally takes a little longer—around 60 to 90 days—after you apply and pay the proper fees. Just so you know, these times can change based on things like the number of forms being processed and so on.
FAQs:
How long does it take to receive new Illinois license plates?
- If you are replacing plates and have asked for random-number plates, you will get them in two to four weeks.
Is it possible for me to verify the status of my registration plate in Illinois?
- Vehicle owners may verify the status of their Illinois license plate by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or contacting the office directly.
What happens if my new plates from Illinois haven’t arrived yet?
- Please visit your local Secretary of State location to get an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) if your special plate has not been received before 90 days.Â
Is it necessary for Illinois to have two license plates?
- Vehicles registered in Illinois must have registration plates on both their front and rear. Â
Final View
Finally, keeping track of your Illinois License Plate Replacement Status is important for a hassle-free experience. When you’re replacing plates because of damage, theft, or just for a fresh start, keeping an eye on their status can help you keep clear of any delays. You can easily check the status of your request by using the Illinois Secretary of State’s online portal or by reaching out to customer support directly.
Don’t let unknowns slow down your registration process—stay proactive and keep an eye on your Illinois license replacement status! With this information, you can keep your vehicle registered and in line with state laws, helping you keep clear of any fines or complications.
