Illinois allows vehicle owners to transfer their existing license plates from one vehicle to another when purchasing a replacement vehicle. Unlike some states where plates remain with the vehicle, Illinois license plates stay with the owner. The transfer process is handled by the Illinois Secretary of State and can be completed online through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system, at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, or at participating self-service kiosks.
Illinois License Plate Transfer Rules
Illinois permits license plate transfers between vehicles that belong to the same owner and are registered within the same vehicle class. If you sell or dispose of your current vehicle, you should remove the license plates before transferring ownership. Those plates can then be assigned to your replacement vehicle after completing the required registration process.
Keeping your existing plates may also allow you to receive credit for any unused portion of your current registration period.
Can you transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Illinois allows owners to transfer their existing license plates to another vehicle they own, provided the replacement vehicle falls within the same registration classification.
If the new vehicle requires a different registration class, additional fees or registration requirements may apply.
How to Transfer a License Plate in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State offers several ways to complete a plate transfer, including online through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system, in person at a Driver Services facility, or at participating self-service kiosks.
What are the steps to transfer a license plate?
To transfer your existing license plates:
- Remove the license plates from the vehicle you are selling or trading.
- Purchase or acquire your replacement vehicle.
- Complete Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system or at a Secretary of State facility.
- Submit the signed title and any required ownership documents for the new vehicle.
- Provide proof of insurance and any additional requested documentation.
- Pay the applicable plate transfer fee and any title or registration charges.
- Install your transferred license plates on the newly registered vehicle once the transaction is approved.
Documents Required for an Illinois Plate Transfer
Preparing the required paperwork before beginning the transfer can help avoid delays. Depending on how you acquired the vehicle, additional documentation may be requested.
What documents do you need?
Most applicants should have:
- Completed Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction)
- Valid Illinois driver’s license or state identification card
- Properly assigned vehicle title
- Bill of sale, if applicable
- Current registration card for the existing plates
- Physical license plates being transferred
- Proof of Illinois liability insurance
- Payment for applicable fees
Illinois License Plate Transfer Fees
Several fees may apply when transferring license plates, depending on whether you are also transferring ownership, obtaining a new title, or renewing your registration.
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate?
The standard Illinois plate transfer fee is $25. If you’re titling a newly purchased vehicle at the same time, additional title and registration fees will also apply.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License plate transfer | $25 |
| Vehicle title | $165 |
| Standard passenger registration | $151 annually |
| Combined title and registration | Approximately $316 (before taxes) |
| EV or hybrid registration surcharge | Additional $100 annually |
Personalized and Specialty Plate Transfers
Illinois also allows personalized, vanity, and specialty license plates to be transferred to another qualifying vehicle. These transfers generally follow the same process as standard plates but may require additional processing or specialty plate fees.
Can personalized plates be transferred?
Yes. Personalized and specialty license plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same individual, provided the replacement vehicle qualifies for the same plate type. The transfer request is made using Form VSD 190.
Registration After Selling Your Vehicle
Selling a vehicle affects both your registration and your license plates. Because Illinois plates remain with the owner, they should always be removed before the vehicle changes hands.
What happens to your old registration?
Once the vehicle is sold and the plates are removed, your registration is no longer associated with that vehicle for your use. If you transfer the plates to another vehicle, any remaining registration credit may be applied to the replacement vehicle.
The buyer is responsible for completing the title transfer, paying any applicable taxes, and registering the vehicle in their own name.
Can You Transfer a Plate to Another Person?
Illinois does not allow license plates to be transferred between different owners. License plates are assigned to the registered owner rather than the vehicle itself.
Can someone else use your Illinois plates?
No. When you sell a vehicle, you must remove the license plates before delivering the vehicle to the buyer. The purchaser must apply for their own registration and license plates through the Illinois Secretary of State.
Registration Deadlines
Registering your replacement vehicle promptly helps avoid penalties and late fees. Illinois establishes deadlines for both new residents and vehicle purchasers.
How long do you have to complete the transfer?
In most cases, vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase. Individuals moving to Illinois generally have 30 days after establishing residency to register their vehicle in the state.
Failing to complete registration within the required timeframe may result in late fees or other penalties.
What If You Don’t Want to Transfer Your Plates?
If you are not replacing your vehicle immediately, you are not required to transfer your existing plates. Depending on your circumstances, you may keep them for future use or surrender them to the Illinois Secretary of State according to current procedures.
Should you keep or surrender your plates?
If you expect to purchase another vehicle soon, keeping your existing plates may simplify the registration process. Otherwise, you may choose to surrender them if they are no longer needed.