Your Expert Guide on Illinois License Plates

License plates are mandatory for all vehicles registered in Illinois. Once you are issued two plates during the registration, your car must display both, one on the front and one on the back.  Once you register your vehicle in the state what needs to be done? Are license plate frames legal in Illinois? Scroll down to know more about the plates and frames in Illinois. 

What are the rules for license plates in Illinois? 

The vehicle owner owns the license plates in Illinois. Therefore, when someone sells a car, the seller or owner will take off the plates and store them. Consequently, the information on the plates must be visible. 

So license plate frames can hide the information on the plates. Therefore, Illinois frowns on license plate frames and you cannot use them in the state.  

What does the temporary registration permit mean? 

In Illinois, a temporary registration permit (TRP) is given to the owner when they apply to register their car. Drivers must display this permit much like a rear license plate. The TRP is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. However, it can be reissued if the license plates do not arrive within 90 days. 

But the TRP should be removed and replaced with the new ones when the owner receives the permanent license plates. For the security of the vehicle owner, the permit should be destroyed and disposed of upon withdrawal. TRPs are provided through licensed dealers, licensed remittance organizations, currency exchanges, and Secretary of State facilities in Illinois. 

How to obtain a license plate in Illinois

Obtaining a license plate is inclusive of the vehicle registration process in Illinois. New residents have 30 days to apply for an Illinois title and registration after establishing residence.  

Here is a quick look at the prerequisites for completing the process in the state. 

• Complete the application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190) and provide supporting documents verifying the following information:  
• Name and address of the owner 
• Odometer reading from the vehicle odometer  
• Description of the vehicle, including year, make, model, vehicle identification number, body type, date of purchase, and whether new or used. 
• Names and addresses of any lienholders in order of priority 
• Original signature(s) of owners(s)

Certain plate categories may require additional documentation such as proof of insurance, vehicle inspection certification, disability, disabled veteran status, military status; or legible photocopy of FCC license.

How to renew license plates in Illinois

Usually, the owner will receive a postcard, an email, or renewal notification approximately sixty days before a vehicle registration expires. The owner must provide proof to change any of the information provided. This is in case the registration has been transferred to a different vehicle.

You renew your license plates in several ways. Firstly, it can be done online. Secondly, it can be done by mail. Thirdly, there is an option to do it in person by visiting a Secretary of State facility. Moreover, one can contact the toll-free number listed on the postcard and/or renewal notice. 

Which are the types of license plates available in the state?

Illinois offers two types of license plates for different categories. Personalized and vanity license plates are available according to the choice of the owner. One can pick a plate from the different categories available on their website.   

You must not do the following while designing the plates. 

• Intermix letters and numbers 
• Use a space between numbers 
• Use characters, symbols, or symbols of punctuation, such as dashes or periods 
• Select foreign words obscene or offensive combinations 

However, if you are a person with a disability, you must already have a person with a disability plate to switch to personalized or vanity license plates.  

Passenger vehicles, second division vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or less, motorcycles, vehicles driven by persons with disabilities, recreational vehicles, recreational trailers, and vintage vehicles are eligible for personalized and vanity license plates. 

It will cost $76 to switch to a personalized plate and $158 to renew the same. In the case of vanity plates, it will cost $123 to switch and $164 to renew the same.  

Read Here: A Handy Guide for Illinois Driving License Renewal

Are license plate frames allowed in Illinois? 

License frames are legal in Illinois. However, it is impossible to obstruct the visibility of electronic image recording. Therefore, license plate frames are legal unless they obscure the plate.

Are license plate covers legal in Illinois? 

The same holds true for license plate covers in the state. Meanwhile, it is not strictly illegal, but the cover must be transparent. The covers must be of clear glass or plastic. You cannot have tinted glass or plastic covers.

What are the fines for license plate frames in the state?

If you have a plate cover that blocks your license plate, then you will be charged $750 and if you physically try to alter the fault in the plate the fine can spike up to $1000.   

 

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