Free Illinois License Plate Lookup

What is an Illinois license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

Illinois license plate lookup is a process of checking the history of a vehicle by using its license plate number. This license plate search can provide information on the car’s ownership, accident history, mileage, and other important details.

When buying a used car in Illinois, performing a license plate search can be beneficial in several ways:

1. 1. Verifying the vehicle’s history: An Illinois license plate search can help you to verify the history of the vehicle you are interested in purchasing. This can help you to avoid buying a car with a hidden history of accidents, damage, or other issues.
   2. Confirming ownership: An Illinois license plate search can help you to confirm that the person selling the car is the legal owner. This can help you to avoid buying a stolen car.
   3. Checking for outstanding loans or liens: An Illinois license plate search can help you to check if the car has any outstanding loans or liens. This can help you to avoid buying a car with a financial obligation that you will inherit.
   4. Negotiating a fair price: An Illinois license plate search can provide you with information on the car’s history and condition, which can help you to negotiate a fair price.

The Illinois DMV offers several online services such as the Title and Registration Status Inquiry which checks the status of a vehicle status. If you are a private individual looking to run a license plate search for a vehicle in Illinois, you may be able to do so through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, which oversees the state’s DMV.

It’s, however, important to note that access to vehicle records is generally restricted and may only be granted for specific reasons, such as for law enforcement or legal purposes. Additionally, certain personal information, such as the owner’s name and address, may be protected by privacy laws and not available for public disclosure.

If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle in Illinois, knowing its history is essential before making any decisions. With VinCheckPro’s free license plate search tool, you can get instant access to a complete vehicle history report. 

VinCheckPro’s free vehicle history report offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this search tool includes:

• • NMVTIS vehicle history report
  • Vehicle specifications – includes the model year, trim, mileage, and other vehicle details
    
  • Accident records – are there any reported accidents or damage to the vehicle?
  • Manufacturer recalls – indicate any safety recalls that have been issued by the vehicle’s manufacturer for a specific make and model
  • Junk & Salvage records – has the vehicle been declared a “total loss” by an insurance company, due to damage, theft, or other reasons?
  • Lien records – refers to any outstanding loans or financial obligations that are secured by the vehicle
    
  • Odometer Readings – recorded mileage of the vehicle at various points in time
  • Total Loss History – has the vehicle been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage or theft?
  • Market Value – How much do local buyers pay for a similar model and make?
    
  • Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
  • 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft, and others
  • Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
  • Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

What is an Illinois License Plate?

An Illinois license plate is a metal or plastic plate that is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to every registered vehicle in the state of Illinois. The license plate is affixed to the rear of the vehicle and contains a unique combination of letters and numbers that identify the vehicle.

In Illinois, license plates are required for all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and recreational vehicles. The license plate must be renewed annually, and the registration sticker must be affixed to the upper right-hand corner of the plate.

In Illinois, there are several types of license plates available for vehicles, including:

1. 1. Standard License Plates: These are the standard Illinois license plates that are issued to all registered vehicles. They feature a combination of letters and numbers and are available in different colors.
   2. Personalized License Plates: These are customized license plates that allow you to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers for your vehicle.
   3. Special Event License Plates: These license plates are issued for a limited time and commemorate special events or causes, such as the Illinois Bicentennial, support for military veterans, or support for specific organizations.
   4. Disability License Plates: These license plates are issued to individuals with disabilities and allow for parking in designated disability parking spaces.
   5. Military License Plates: These license plates are issued to members of the military or their family members, and feature different designs for each branch of the military.
   6. Vintage License Plates: These license plates are available for vehicles that are 25 years or older and have a vintage design.
   7. Environmental License Plates: These license plates support various environmental causes, such as wildlife preservation or protecting the Great Lakes.
   8. Collegiate License Plates: These license plates feature the logo of various colleges and universities in Illinois.
   9. Amateur Radio License Plates: These license plates are available for licensed amateur radio operators.

Each of these license plates has specific requirements and fees associated with them, and some may require additional documentation or proof of eligibility.

Illinois License Plate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get a license plate in Illinois?

In Illinois, you need a license plate for your vehicle to legally operate it on public roads. The license plate serves as a way to identify your vehicle and ensure that it meets certain safety and emissions standards. Here are the necessary steps and documents needed to obtain a license plate in Illinois:

1. 1. Obtain a vehicle title: Before you can register your vehicle in Illinois and get a license plate, you must obtain a vehicle title from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. The title proves that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
   2. Purchase auto insurance: You must have valid auto insurance for your vehicle before you can register it in Illinois. The insurance policy must meet the minimum requirements for liability insurance in the state.
   3. Pass a vehicle emissions test: If your vehicle is registered in certain counties in Illinois, you must pass an emissions test before you can get a license plate. Check with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to see if your vehicle is subject to emissions testing.
   4. Complete the registration application: Fill out the registration application form, which is available online or at the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
   5. Pay the registration fees: The fees for a license plate vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the registration period. You can pay the fees online, by mail, or in person at the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
   6. Obtain your license plates: After you have completed the registration process and paid the fees, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will issue you a license plate and a registration sticker. Affix the registration sticker to the upper right-hand corner of the license plate.

If you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, they will usually handle the registration process for you. However, if you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, you will need to handle the registration process yourself. In addition to the above documents and steps, you will also need to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and the vehicle’s odometer reading.

How many Illinois license plates are required for a car?

Each registered car must have a pair of Illinois license plates (front and rear license plates) to be considered eligible for driving within the state. This is required on most vehicle types, except motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and trailers, which require only a single rear license plate to be roadworthy.

What does the Illinois license plate look like? 

The license plate has a reflective blue-to-white gradient with white Chicago and the Springfield skyline. There’s a gray Abraham Lincoln graphic at the far left, the state name screened in black at the top, and the slogan (“Land of Lincoln”) at the bottom. The license plate number comprises three letters and four numbers, with the format “AB 12345” or “AB1 2345.”

How Can I Transfer My Illinois License Plate to Another Vehicle?

You can transfer your license plate to another vehicle as long as the new vehicle is titled in your name, or in your spouse’s name if you are married. Here are the steps to transfer your license plate to another vehicle:

1. 1. Obtain the necessary documents: You will need the current license plate, the registration card for the vehicle the plate is currently registered to, the vehicle title for the new vehicle, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle.
   2. Complete the necessary forms: Fill out the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) and the License Plate Transfer Form (Form VSD 252).
   3. Pay the transfer fee: There is a fee to transfer your license plate to another vehicle, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the registration period.
   4. Submit the paperwork: Bring the completed forms, along with the current license plate, registration card, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle, to your local Illinois Secretary of State’s office. You can also submit the paperwork online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Once the transfer is complete, the license plate will be registered to the new vehicle and you will receive a new registration card and sticker. It is important to note that if the license plate is currently registered to a leased vehicle, you may need additional documentation to transfer the plate. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for more information.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Illinois?

In Illinois, personal information about vehicle owners is protected by privacy laws and is not readily available to the public. However, you can perform an Illinois license plate search through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to obtain information about the vehicle, including the vehicle’s make and model, registration status, and expiration date.

If you need to find the owner of a license plate for a legitimate reason, such as to report a traffic violation or a hit-and-run accident, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office or local law enforcement agencies for assistance. They may be able to help you obtain the information you need while following proper protocols and procedures. It is important to note that using information obtained from an Illinois license plate search for any illegal or unethical purposes can result in serious consequences, including fines and legal action.

Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Illinois?

Yes, it is possible to look up vehicle reports using a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in Illinois. There are several companies and websites that provide vehicle history reports that can give you information about the vehicle’s past, such as accident history, title information, previous owners, and more for a fee.

In addition to the free license plate lookup tool, VinCheckPro.com provides a free Illinois VIN check and VIN lookup service for Illinois vehicles. Simply enter the VIN below to get a comprehensive report that includes essential information about the car, such as its make and model, production year, and vehicle identification number. Additionally, the report will also contain details about any reported accidents or incidents, salvage or junk titles, and other relevant information that can impact the car’s value and safety.