Free Illinois License Plate Lookup | Check IL Vehicle History
Run a Free Illinois License Plate Lookup
Avoid scams, verify claims, and uncover title, accident, and recall records in seconds with our Free Illinois License Plate Lookup.
In Illinois’ busy used car market, buyers often face risks like:
- Title washing
- Odometer rollback
- Undisclosed accident damage
A thorough Illinois plate check can help you detect these issues before you buy, giving you the confidence and transparency needed for a safe transaction.
🔍 Quick Fact: Illinois ranks 4th in the U.S. for registered vehicles, with over 10.3 million as of 2022—making an Illinois license plate lookup more important than ever.
What is an Illinois License Plate?
An Illinois license plate is a registration identifier issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS). It allows legal operation of a motor vehicle and connects directly to that vehicle’s registration records.
Each plate has a unique alphanumeric code used during an Illinois license plate search to access details like title status, accident history, and ownership records.
Most vehicles in Illinois require both front and rear plates, while motorcycles and trailers only need one.
Sample Vehicle History Report
What You Get From an Illinois License Plate Lookup
When you use our IL license plate lookup tool, you unlock access to vital vehicle information, including:
- Vehicle Specifications – Make, model, year, engine type, dimensions, and weight.
- Title History – Previous owners, title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood).
- Accident Records – Collisions, damages, repairs, and insurance claims.
- Theft Records – Checks if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen.
- Recalls & Defects – Alerts for open recalls or known issues.
- Market Value – Estimated resale value based on mileage, condition, and location.
- Sales Records – Past sale prices and transaction history.
- Flood Check Records – History of water damage from floods or storms.
- Warranty Status – Any remaining manufacturer or extended warranty.
💡 Tip: No plate number? Run a Free VIN Check instead for the same detailed report.
Illinois License Plate Laws and Requirements
- Vehicles must display two plates (front and back).
- Plates must be visible and legible at all times.
- After purchase or moving into Illinois, registration is required within 30 days.
- Temporary permits allow legal driving for up to 90 days while plates are processed.
- Replacement costs:
- 1 plate: $6
- 2 plates: $9
- Sticker: $20
All plates are issued through the Illinois Secretary of State office.
Types of License Plates in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State offers 11 types of plates, including:
- Passenger
- Persons with Disabilities
- Specialty
- Antique
- Collegiate Series
- Pan Hellenic Series
- First Responders
- Military Series
- Recreational Trailer/Vehicle
- Sporting Series
- Professional Sports
To get a custom plate, your vehicle must be properly titled and registered under your name. Personalized plates aren’t allowed for leased or business-registered vehicles.
How to Transfer a License Plate
To begin your plate transfer, fill out the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190). You can do this in one of three ways:
- Online: Use the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System to complete and print your form.
- In person: Visit your nearest Illinois Secretary of State facility.
- By phone: Illinois residents can call 800-252-8980 to request the form by mail.
⚠️ Note: The online ERT system does not support “transfer only” transactions at this time.
Plate Transfer Fees in Illinois
Know what you’ll pay based on the type of transaction:
- Transfer Only: $25
- Title and Transfer: $190
(Includes $165 title fee + $25 transfer fee)
Make sure to:
- Select “Transfer” or “Title and Transfer” on your form.
- Provide the correct plate number and current vehicle details.
- Include the most recent registration card for the plate being moved.
Ownership Requirements & Changes
If the ownership structure is changing (for example, from two people to one), follow these steps:
- Submit Affirmation of Correction (Form VSD 393)
- Include the license plate number
- All previous owners must sign to release their interest in the plates
If the Vehicle Owner Has Passed Away
The plate transfer process depends on how the title was held:
- Sole ownership: Transfer may require probate or a small estate affidavit.
- Joint ownership: The surviving owner may transfer the plate without going through probate.
When You Can’t Transfer Plates
There are specific cases where plate transfers are not allowed:
- Selling a Vehicle: Plates stay with the seller. You cannot transfer plates to a buyer.
- Transferring to Another Person: Plates can only be transferred between vehicles owned by the same person.
- Corporate Changes: If a business incorporates or reorganizes, the new entity cannot use the original company’s plates.
Illinois Vehicle Titling Requirements
Here’s what Illinois residents should know about vehicle titling:
- Title application can be started online via the Electronic Registration and Titling System.
- Submit completed forms by mail or in-person at a Secretary of State office.
- If your vehicle is under 9 years old, include mileage at submission.
- Use:
Other considerations:
- Lost title? Wait 15 days before requesting a replacement; 30 days for duplicate titles.
- Correction requests must include the signed Illinois Certificate of Title.
- If your vehicle has a lien, the title will be sent to the lienholder. Otherwise, the main owner receives it.
Want to verify title status instantly? Use your VIN with our Free Title Check Tool.
Vehicle Registration Expiration and Renewal
The Illinois Secretary of State sends a renewal notice before your plate expires. You can renew:
- Online via ilsos.gov
- By phone at 866-545-9609
- By mail using the renewal form
- In person at a local facility, bank, or currency exchange
Have your Registration ID and PIN ready (found on your renewal card). Payment is accepted via credit/debit card when renewing online or by phone.
Yes. Performing an Illinois license plate lookup is legal because license plate data is considered public information. You can use it for legitimate purposes like verifying a vehicle’s history, checking title status, or reporting suspicious activity. Always comply with state and federal laws when using this information.
You can run a free Illinois license plate search using tools like VinCheck.info’s Illinois License Plate Lookup. Simply enter the full and correct license plate number to instantly view public vehicle details such as make, model, year, title history, and any reported accidents.
Yes. Illinois license plate lookups are subject to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which restricts access to personal identifying information. While you can’t obtain the owner’s name or address, you can still view non-sensitive vehicle data such as specs, registration status, and accident history.
No. Privacy laws prohibit license plate search tools from revealing personal information about the registered owner. You can only access publicly available vehicle details.
A complete plate number is required for an accurate Illinois license plate check. Partial numbers generally cannot produce full vehicle history reports, as lookup tools match exact plate records.
Yes. Running a license plate search in Illinois is a smart step before buying a used car. It can reveal hidden problems like salvage titles, flood damage, or odometer rollbacks—helping you make a safer and more informed purchase.
Yes, many license plate search tools can reveal open safety recalls by cross-referencing the VIN linked to the plate. This helps ensure you’re aware of any repairs needed before buying or registering a vehicle.