Free Illinois License Plate Lookup
Search your Illinois license plate and get a free complete vehicle history report including: specifications, title status, salvage records, liens, odometer reading, theft or accident records, recalls and more!
In the bustling Illinois used car market, buyers face the risk of encountering fraud, including title washing, odometer rollback, and undisclosed damage. To mitigate these risks, leveraging tools like license plate lookup and vehicle history reports is crucial. These resources provide transparency and essential insights into a vehicle’s history, empowering buyers to make informed decisions and avoid potential scams when purchasing a used car in Illinois.
VinCheck.info’s free Illinois license plate lookup tool can be used to gather information on any vehicle registered in the state. All you need is an Illinois license plate number. There are several license plate lookup tools available online, which you can use to look up a license plate for free or for a fee.
The Illinois Secretary of State Office is another excellent source of Illinois vehicle information. For inquiries, you may call at 217-785-3000 (Outside Illinois) / 800-252-8980 (Toll-free in Illinois).
Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois)
217-785-3000 (outside Illinois)
What Information Can You Obtain With an Illinois License Plate Lookup?
VinCheck.info’s Illinois license plate lookup is indispensable for used car buyers in Illinois. It offers transparency, protection against fraud, and peace of mind by providing valuable insights into a vehicle’s history. With detailed information on accidents, title transfers, and potential red flags, buyers can make informed decisions and negotiate confidently, ensuring a smoother and safer buying experience.
Below is the information you can obtain with an Illinois License Plate Lookup:
- Vehicle Specifications: Details such as make, model, year, engine type, dimensions, and weight.
- Title History: Information about past ownership records, title transfers, and any branding events such as salvage or rebuilt titles.
- Equipment Details: Specific features and equipment installed in the vehicle, such as entertainment systems, safety features, and optional extras.
- Fuel Efficiency: Data regarding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, including miles per gallon (MPG) ratings for city and highway driving.
- Safety Rating: Insights into the vehicle’s safety ratings and performance in crash tests conducted by reputable agencies.
- Recalls & Defects: Alerts regarding any open recalls or known defects associated with the vehicle.
- Current Warranty: Information about any remaining warranties or service contracts applicable to the vehicle.
- Theft Records: Indicates if the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
- Salvage Auction Records: Information about any history of significant damage or repairs from salvage auctions.
- Sales Records: Details about the vehicle’s transaction history, including previous sales listing prices and ownership transfers.
- Accident Records: Information about the vehicle’s accident history, including past collisions, damages, repairs, and insurance claims.
- Flood Check Records: Alerts regarding any history of water damage, typically from floods or other natural disasters.
- Market Value: An estimate of the vehicle’s market value based on factors such as condition, mileage, and geographic location.
- Ownership Cost: Estimated ownership costs, including maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and other ongoing expenses.
- Inspection Checklist: A comprehensive checklist covering essential components and systems of the vehicle, typically used during pre-purchase inspections.
Illinois License Plates & Placards
In the state of Illinois, all vehicles must be registered with the Illinois Secretary of State and display a valid license plate. The license plate must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, and must be in a visible and legible condition at all times.
After buying a vehicle or entering the state, drivers have 30 days to register their cars. Afterward, a temporary registration permit will be provided as you wait for your license plates. You can use the permit to drive up to 90 days or until your license plates arrive. The standard license plates in Illinois have white lettering on a blue background, with the state name and motto ( “Land of Lincoln”) as well as a graphic of the state outlined in red. All cars must display two license plates: one each for the rear and the front parts.
Request for a replacement plate/sticker if your plate/sticker is damaged or missing. A replacement for one plate costs $6, while for both license plates it’s $9. Stickers cost $20 each.
Types of Illinois License Plates
The state has eleven (11) license plate designs which you can order for your car:
- Passenger
- Persons with Disabilities
- Specialty
- Antique
- Collegiate Series
- Pan Hellenic Series
- First Responders
- Military Series
- Recreational Trailer/Vehicle
- Sporting Series
- Professional Sports
Your vehicle must be properly titled and registered under your name before you can request a personalized or vanity plate. The use of personalized or vanity plates for vehicles that are leased, in a trust, or registered by a business entity is prohibited.
Transferring of License Plates in Illinois
In general, you can process a license plate transfer to any vehicle that you owned. However, you cannot transfer the ownership of your license plate to another person or entity. Visit the Transferring Plates page for more information.
Titling Requirements and Procedure in Illinois
Vehicle owners in Illinois may start their title application online through the Electronic Registration and Titling System. Upon completing the process, they may send their applications by mail or over the counter to a Secretary of State office. Make sure the details you will divulge are correct to prevent your request from being denied. If the vehicle is under nine years old, don’t forget to include your vehicle’s mileage at the time of submission.
A title request may depend on the following documents: (1) Tax Form RUT-50 to transfer ownership, and (2) Tax Form RUT-25 for vehicles that were purchased from out-of-state dealers. A replacement for a lost or damaged title can only be issued after 15 days have passed since the original title was given, and after being acknowledged by the state’s DMV office. If it is a second duplicate request, it will take 30 days.
If your title contains incorrect details, you may submit a request for correction, along with a signed Illinois Certificate of Title for authentication. Make sure all important persons have provided their signatures on the certificate. If the car has a lien, the title will be delivered to the lienholder because the DMV recognizes his or her preponderance. Otherwise, the main owner will acquire the title if a lien is absent.
More Resources for Illinois Drivers:
- Illinois Driver’s License/Commercial Driver’s License/State ID Card
- Illinois Registration Renewal and ID Cards
- Illinois Apply for Registration and Title
- Illinois Driver’s License Study Guide
- Illinois Rules of the Road
Buying a used car in Illinois? Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup for your Illinois-registered vehicle!
- Check for accidents. Every year, approximately 6.0 million automobile accidents are reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands.
- Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use.
- Check for thefts. Lookup a VIN to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record.
Run a Free Illinois license plate lookup or VIN lookup to uncover the full-story of your Illinois-registered vehicle.