How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Illinois

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
- 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:
- License suspended or revoked
- Vehicle info is incorrect or not current
- Plan to switch license plates
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:
- Vehicle renewal notice
- Registration ID
- PIN
- Vehicle insurance
- Company name
- Policy number
- Date of the vehicle
- Vehicle emission certificate
- Varies by vehicle, IL SOS will alert you
- 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:
- Visit the IL SOS website
- Fill in your personal information
- Enter your renewal information
- Registration ID
- PIN
- Share proof of car insurance
- Emission inspection certificate (where valid)
- Confirm the details and pay the renewal fee
Renewing In-Person
Take a trip to the local DMV with these items:
- Renewal information
- Registration ID
- PIN
- Proof of auto insurance
- Emission inspection certificate (where valid)
- 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:
- Personal information
- Registration renewal info
- Registration ID
- PIN
- Registration card (copy)
- Copy of auto insurance
- The inspection certificate(s)
- 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:
- Call the SOS (866-545-9609)
- Share registration details
- Renewal ID
- PIN
- 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.