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 significant risks such as title washing, odometer rollback, and undisclosed damage. To reduce these risks, tools like an Illinois license plate lookup and vehicle history reports are essential. These resources provide transparency and crucial insights into a vehicle’s history, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid scams. With Illinois ranking 4th in the number of registered vehicles in the U.S.—boasting over 4.1 million as of 2021—thorough research is more important than ever in such a vast market.
If you need to find license plate number details for a vehicle registered in Illinois, VinCheck.info offers a free Illinois license plate lookup tool. Simply enter an Illinois license plate number to access essential vehicle information. Additionally, various online license plate lookup tools are available, some offering free searches and others requiring a fee.
What is an Illinois License Plate?
An Illinois license plate is a vehicle registration plate that is issued by the state of Illinois to legally operate a motor vehicle. The license plate serves as a way to identify the vehicle and its owner, as well as to show that the necessary registrations and fees have been paid.
Each Illinois license plate features a unique combination of letters and numbers that are assigned by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The plate also typically includes the state’s name or slogan, as well as a graphic design representing Illinois.
Drivers in Illinois are required to display a current and valid Illinois license plate on their vehicle at all times. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in fines or other penalties. Different types of plates are available for various vehicles, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
Overall, an Illinois license plate is an important component of vehicle ownership and operation in the state, providing both legal compliance and vehicle identification.
Illinois Laws on License Plates
In Illinois, all vehicles must be registered with the Illinois Secretary of State and display valid license plates on both the front and rear. These plates must always be visible and legible. The Illinois Secretary of State Office also serves as a valuable resource for vehicle information in the state.
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.
Vehicle Registration Expiration and Renewal
The Illinois Secretary of State sends out a renewal notice and application before your vehicle registration expires. You can renew your vehicle registration in several ways: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. To renew in person, visit your local Secretary of State facility, currency exchange, or participating bank, and bring your renewal notice and payment. To renew online, go to the Illinois SOS website and enter your Registration ID and PIN (located on your current registration card), as well as your insurance company name, policy number, and expiration date. You can use a VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express for payment. To renew by phone, call 866-545-9609 and provide your Registration ID and PIN from the renewal notice you received.
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 a License Plate Lookup in the Prairie State:
- 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 Plate Serial Format:
AB 12345
Contact the Illinois DMV:
Illinois Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois)
217-785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois License Plate Lookup
What is a license plate lookup?
A license plate lookup is a service that allows individuals to find information about a vehicle based on its license plate number. This information can include details such as the make, model, year, and registration status of the vehicle.
Is license plate lookup legal in Illinois?
Yes, license plate lookup is legal in Illinois as it is considered public information. However, it’s important to use this information responsibly and for legitimate purposes such as vehicle history checks or to report suspicious activities.
How can I perform a license plate lookup in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can perform a license plate lookup online through VinCheck.info or the Illinois Secretary of State website. You will typically need to input the license plate number to retrieve the relevant details.
What are the benefits of using a license plate lookup service?
Using a license plate lookup service can help you verify important details about a vehicle before making a purchase, track down a hit-and-run driver, or identify potential fraud or stolen vehicles.
Are there any restrictions on license plate lookups in Illinois?
While license plate lookups are generally legal in Illinois, there may be restrictions on the use of this information for certain purposes such as harassment, stalking, or other unlawful activities that infringe on individuals’ privacy.
Can I use license plate lookup to find the owner of a vehicle?
In Illinois, license plate lookup services may provide vehicle owner information based on public records. However, accessing this information for personal reasons, such as finding an individual’s contact details, may be restricted without a legitimate reason or authorization.
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
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- Adams
- Alexander
- Bond
- Boone
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Champaign
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Coles
- Cook
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- DeKalb
- De Witt
- Douglas
- DuPage
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Effingham
- Fayette
- Ford
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gallatin
- Greene Grundy Hamilton Hancock Hardin
Run a Free Illinois license plate lookup or VIN lookup to uncover the full-story of your Illinois-registered vehicle.