So You Want New Illinois Plates? Buckle Up (Your Budget, That Is)
Let's face it, Illinois license plates aren't exactly known for winning beauty contests. But hey, they get the job done (most of the time). If yours are looking a little worse for the wear, or maybe you just crave a fresh start (because that "I <3 Beets" plate choice in college isn't aging well), you might be wondering how much it'll set you back to pimp your ride with some new Illinois bling.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
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| How Much Is A New License Plate In Illinois |
The Not-So-Shocking Truth
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Here's the deal: There's no single price tag for a new Illinois license plate. It's kind of like that fancy coffee you like - the cost depends on what you want.
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
The Basic Becky: Just want a standard issue plate, the kind that screams "vanilla" but gets the job done? This one's practically free (well, kind of). The cost is bundled in with your vehicle registration fee, which typically runs around $151.
The Picky Penny Pincher: Feeling a little spunky and want to personalize your plate with a name or message? This fancy footwork will cost you a bit more. Be prepared to fork over $158 for a personalized plate and $164 for a vanity plate (because apparently vanity costs extra).
The Specialty Show-Off: Craving a plate that screams "Look at me, I love Abraham Lincoln!" or "Don't mess with me, I support firefighters!"? Illinois offers a plethora of specialty plates. The price? It varies depending on the plate you choose, so be prepared to do some digging.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
But Wait, There's More!
Before you race to the Secretary of State's office with visions of a personalized plate that says "ILUVTACOS," there are a couple of other things to consider:
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Renewal Fees: Just like that gym membership you never use, registration fees (which include the cost of your license plate) need to be renewed periodically, usually every year.
Replacement Fees: Oops! Did you accidentally back over your plate while trying to parallel park? Replacement fees are a thing, and they're typically much cheaper than the initial registration cost.
How To FAQs:
How to find out how much a specialty plate costs? Head on over to the Illinois Secretary of State's website: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/license_plate_guide/ They have a handy-dandy list of all the plates they offer and their corresponding fees.
How to check if your desired personalized plate is available? Don't get your heart set on "ILUVTACOS" only to find out it's already taken! The Secretary of State's website also has a tool to check for plate availability: https://www.ilsos.gov/pickaplate/
How to renew your license plate registration? You can do it online, by mail, or in person at your local Secretary of State's office. Just make sure you don't wait until the last minute - driving with expired plates can land you a ticket (and nobody wants that).
How to replace a lost or stolen license plate? Contact your local Secretary of State's office. They'll get you hooked up with a new one (and a lecture on the importance of not losing your plates, probably).
How much fun can you have picking out a new license plate? A surprising amount, actually. So get creative, but keep it classy (and legal).
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