How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

Illinois Vehicle Renewal

The Illinois Secretary of State requires drivers to renew their registration in a timely manner. Forgoing renewal may cause license suspension, late fees, and/or penalties.

Vehicle registration renewal is available through:

  • Online
  • In-Person
  • Mail
  • Phone

Illinois does not send a renewal notice by mail. Instead, you may sign up for renewal alerts through the SOS website. Or, you can find vehicle information by calling the Public Inquiry Division (800-252-8980).

You will provide your Registration ID and PIN located on your registration card.

You cannot renew if:

Vehicle registration does not apply to out-of-state drivers. OOS drivers will need to complete the formal vehicle registration process if they plan to continue driving in the state of Illinois as a resident.

What’s Needed to Renew a Vehicle

Collect the following before visiting a local IL DMV office:

  1. Vehicle renewal notice
    1. Registration ID
    2. PIN
  2. Vehicle insurance
    1. Company name
    2. Policy number
    3. Date of the vehicle
  3. Vehicle emission certificate
    1. Varies by vehicle, IL SOS will alert you
  4. Valid payment method

Renewal fees are paid at the time of renewal and vary by county and vehicle type. You will need a valid debit or credit card to process these payments. Or, a check/money order when renewing by mail.

How to Renew Your Illinois Car Registration

Vehicle re-registration carries mostly similar processes as the initial registration.

Typical fees for registration renewal are $101 not including taxes and fees. This varies by your vehicle and driver’s license.

Renewing Online

Renewing online is the easiest option:

  1. Visit the IL SOS website
  2. Fill in your personal information
  3. Enter your renewal information
    1. Registration ID
    2. PIN
  4. Share proof of car insurance
  5. Emission inspection certificate (where valid)
  6. Confirm the details and pay the renewal fee

Renewing In-Person

Take a trip to the local DMV with these items:

  1. Renewal information
    1. Registration ID
    2. PIN
  2. Proof of auto insurance
  3. Emission inspection certificate (where valid)
  4. Funds for the registration renewal fee

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available but slower so it’s best to send early – you’ll include:

  1. Personal information
  2. Registration renewal info
    1. Registration ID
    2. PIN
    3. Registration card (copy)
  3. Copy of auto insurance
  4. The inspection certificate(s)
  5. Payment method (check or money order)

Send the documents to:

Illinois Secretary of State

Vehicle Services Department

501 S. 2nd St

RM 055

Springfield, IL 62756

It may take up to a month to receive your renewed tag.

By Phone

Phone renewals are available, too:

  1. Call the SOS (866-545-9609)
  2. Share registration details
    1. Renewal ID
    2. PIN
  3. Pay the renewal fee

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Title and Tags

Did something happen to your vehicle’s title and/or tags? See our Title Replacement Guide for more details if you need these when renewing your vehicle.