Illinois License Plates: Process for Transferring Plates

Illinois allows several types of plate transfers depending on your specific situation.

Transfer Between Vehicles You Own

The most common type of transfer occurs when you're moving plates from one vehicle you own to another vehicle you also own. This typically happens when you purchase a new or different vehicle and want to transfer your existing registration rather than keep both vehicles registered simultaneously or start new registration for the replacement vehicle.

Transfer from Individual to Individual

In some limited circumstances, plates can be transferred between different individuals, such as transfers between family members in specific situations. However, most transfers between different owners are more complex and may require different procedures than simple vehicle-to-vehicle transfers within your ownership.

Transfer of Personalized or Vanity Plates

If you have personalized plates with a custom letter and number combination, you can transfer these to a different vehicle you purchase or acquire. This ensures you maintain your customized plate number, which would otherwise be released back to the pool of available combinations if you didn't transfer it.

Transfer of Specialty Plates

Specialty plates supporting various organizations, causes, universities, or military branches can also be transferred from one vehicle to another you own. The specialty plate design and any associated annual fees continue with the transferred plates.

Transfer Upon Vehicle Sale or Trade-In

When you sell or trade in a vehicle, Illinois law allows you to remove your license plates before completing the transaction. You can then transfer these plates to another vehicle you own or purchase, or surrender them to the Secretary of State if you're not keeping them active.

Before initiating a plate transfer, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Ownership Requirements

You must be the registered owner of both the vehicle you're transferring plates from and the vehicle you're transferring plates to. Both vehicles should be titled in your name or jointly titled if you share ownership with a spouse or co-owner. If there are lienholders on either vehicle, this doesn't prevent transfer, but the lienholder information must be properly documented. You cannot transfer plates to a vehicle owned by someone else, even a family member, without completing additional procedures that may constitute a title transfer rather than a simple plate transfer.

Vehicle Eligibility

Both vehicles involved in the transfer must meet certain criteria. The vehicle you're transferring plates to must be of a compatible type with the plates. For example, passenger vehicle plates transfer to other passenger vehicles, but you typically cannot transfer passenger plates to commercial vehicles or motorcycles. The vehicles should be in similar registration classes, with some exceptions based on weight or vehicle purpose. The new vehicle must meet Illinois registration requirements, including passing emissions testing if required based on your county of residence and vehicle age. If the new vehicle is coming from out of state, additional requirements like VIN inspection may apply before transfer can be completed.

Registration Status Requirements

Your current registration from the vehicle you're transferring from must be valid and in good standing. You cannot transfer expired registration or registration with holds, suspensions, or unresolved issues. Outstanding violations, unpaid tickets in certain jurisdictions, unresolved toll violations, or insurance lapses that created administrative holds must be cleared before transfer is permitted. The registration period remaining on the plates you're transferring will carry over to the new vehicle.

Geographic Considerations

Both vehicles should be registered at the same Illinois address. If you've moved since registering the original vehicle, you'll need to update your address either before the transfer or as part of the transfer process. Cross-county transfers are possible but may affect your renewal cycle or emissions testing requirements, depending on the counties involved.

Gathering all necessary documentation before beginning the transfer process streamlines the transaction and prevents delays.

Proof of Identity

You'll need to verify your identity with a valid Illinois driver's license or state identification card, passport, or other government-issued photo identification, or documents showing your legal name if different from what appears on vehicle documents due to recent name changes.

Current Vehicle Title

For the vehicle you're transferring plates from, bring the current title if you have it available, though this isn't always required if the vehicle is already registered in your name. For the vehicle you're transferring plates to, you must have the title properly signed over to you with all required information completed accurately, lienholder documentation if applicable, and out-of-state title if the vehicle is coming from another state. Ensure all title signatures are complete and correct.

Current Registration

Bring the registration card from the vehicle you're transferring plates from. This proves your current registration status and remaining registration period. If you don't have the physical card, your license plate number and vehicle identification number can allow staff to look up your registration information.

Proof of Insurance

Illinois requires all registered vehicles to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. You'll need proof of insurance for the vehicle you're transferring plates to, showing coverage meeting Illinois minimum requirements of twenty-five thousand dollars per person for bodily injury or death, fifty thousand dollars per accident for bodily injury or death, and twenty thousand dollars per accident for property damage. The insurance must be in effect at the time of transfer and list the correct vehicle information for the new vehicle.

Emissions Testing Certificate

If you live in an emissions-tested county and the vehicle you're transferring plates to requires testing based on its age and type, you must complete and pass an emissions test before the transfer can be processed. The test must be completed within 90 days of the transfer date, and results are transmitted electronically to the Secretary of State. Affected counties include Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, Monroe, St. Clair, and Will, plus portions of several other counties.

VIN Inspection Form

If the vehicle you're transferring plates to is new to Illinois registration, having come from out of state or never been registered before, you'll need a completed VIN inspection by law enforcement or an authorized inspection facility. VIN inspections are typically not required if you're transferring plates to a vehicle already registered in Illinois.

Application Form

You'll need to complete a vehicle transaction application form, typically the Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190), available from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Now let’s get it down by a step-by-step process of how to transfer your plates in Illinois.

Step 1: Prepare Your New Vehicle

Before initiating the plate transfer, ensure your new vehicle is ready for registration transfer. Complete any required emissions testing early to avoid delays. Schedule testing at an authorized facility in your county if required. If the vehicle is from out of state, arrange for a VIN inspection by visiting your local police department or authorized inspection station with the vehicle and title. Contact your insurance company to add the new vehicle to your policy or establish new coverage if necessary.

Step 2: Remove Plates from Your Old Vehicle

Once you're ready to transfer, remove the license plates from your previous vehicle. Illinois law allows you to retain your plates when selling or trading a vehicle, so removal is your responsibility before completing any sale or trade transaction. Use appropriate tools, typically a screwdriver or wrench, to remove mounting hardware. Keep the plates clean and in good condition for transfer. If you're selling or trading the vehicle, complete the removal before finalizing the transaction with the buyer or dealer.

Step 3: Choose Your Transfer Method

Illinois offers several options for processing license plate transfers.

In-Person at Secretary of State Facilities: Visiting a Secretary of State Driver Services facility is the most common and often fastest method. You can complete all paperwork on site with staff assistance, submit original documents for immediate verification, pay transfer fees, and typically complete the entire process in one visit.

Through Currency Exchanges and Private License Services: Many currency exchanges and private services throughout Illinois can process plate transfers with convenient locations and extended hours, though they charge additional service fees ($15 to $35).

Online Transfer: Available in some straightforward cases for simple transfers between vehicles you own with no complications, current address on file, and completed emissions testing if required.

Step 4: Complete the Transfer Application

Whether completing the transfer in person or through another method, you'll need to fill out the appropriate application form accurately and completely. The Application for Vehicle Transaction form requires information about both vehicles, your personal information, and the type of transaction being completed. Review the form carefully before submission.

Step 5: Pay Transfer Fees

License plate transfers require payment of applicable fees, which are generally lower than new registration costs.

• Standard Transfer Fee: Typically around $25 to cover administrative processing.
• Title Fee: Typically $95 for a standard title transfer if transferring to a newly purchased vehicle.
• Sales Tax: Based on the purchase price if transferring to a newly purchased vehicle (state rate is 6.25% plus local taxes).
• Registration Fee Differences: Paid if the new vehicle has a higher registration fee classification.
• Personalized Plate Continuation Fee: Continuation of the $47 annual vanity plate fee upon renewal.
• Payment Methods: Secretary of State facilities accept cash, checks, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit or debit cards. Make checks payable to the "Illinois Secretary of State."

Step 6: Receive Updated Registration Materials

After your transfer is processed and approved, you'll receive a new registration card showing your vehicle information, registration stickers to apply to your transferred plates, and documentation confirming the plate transfer was completed. Keep the registration card in the new vehicle at all times.

Step 7: Install Plates on Your New Vehicle

Install your transferred license plates on your new vehicle according to Illinois requirements. Mount rear plates horizontally, clearly visible, properly illuminated, and secured firmly. Mount front plates horizontally on the front bumper or grille area where required. Apply the new registration sticker to the upper right corner of the rear license plate.

Step 8: Update Related Records

Update your insurance company to reflect the new vehicle information with your existing plate number. Notify lienholders if applicable, and update automatic toll payment systems (like I-PASS) and parking apps with your new vehicle details.

Personalized vanity plates and specialty organizational plates can be successfully transferred to new vehicles while maintaining their custom designs and fee structures. When trading in a vehicle at a dealership or selling privately, always remove your plates before finalizing the transaction. For total losses, interfamily transfers, or military personnel situations, consult with the Secretary of State to ensure proper documentation and compliance.

When you transfer plates from one vehicle to another, the registration on the old vehicle is effectively canceled, making it unregistered for road use. If you are selling, trading, or disposing of the old vehicle, ensure you retain your license plates and provide the new owner or junkyard only with the properly signed title.

Transferring plates saves money compared to new registration fees, allows you to keep your existing or personalized plate number, and carries over your remaining registration period. Limitations include restrictions on compatible vehicle types, ownership requirements, and the necessity of resolving any outstanding registration issues before transfer.

For assistance with plate transfers, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website, call their vehicle services customer service line, or visit a local Driver Services facility in person. Currency exchanges and private title services are also available for an additional service fee.