Free Illinois License Plate Lookup

What information can you get from an Illinois license plate lookup?

VinCheckPro’s free Illinois license plate search provides users with vital information about any vehicle registered in the state. Here’s what you can find out:

• Accidents or Damages: Get details on any incidents affecting the vehicle, such as collisions or damage from vandalism or falling objects.
• Odometer Indications: Compare reported mileage with the actual odometer reading to ensure accuracy and identify potential discrepancies.
• Recalls & Defects: Stay updated on any recalls or known defects related to the vehicle’s make and model.
• Lien & Repossession Records: Check if the vehicle has been used as collateral in a loan to avoid financial complications.
• Theft & Recovery Records: Find out if the vehicle has been reported stolen and subsequently recovered.
• Flood, Hail, and Fire Damage: Learn about any damage from natural disasters, which can affect the vehicle’s long-term integrity.
  
• Mileage Rollback: Protect against odometer fraud by verifying reported mileage against historical records.
• Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value: Gain insights into the vehicle’s past, potential future expenses, and current market value.
• Vehicle Specifications: Confirm that all standard equipment, including body color and tires, matches the vehicle’s description.
• Previous Use: Determine if the vehicle was used for personal, taxi, or police purposes.
• Service, Inspection, and Registration History: Get a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s maintenance and registration records.

With our Illinois license plate lookup service, you’ll receive a detailed report quickly, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your vehicle purchase. Order your report today and get it within minutes!

What is an Illinois license plate?

In Illinois, every registered vehicle receives a license plate from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. These plates are typically made of metal or plastic and are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle, except motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and trailers, which require only a single rear license plate to be roadworthy. Each plate features a unique combination of letters and numbers to identify the vehicle.

License plates are mandatory for all vehicle types in Illinois, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and recreational vehicles. They must be renewed each year, with a registration sticker placed in the upper right-hand corner. Illinois offers several types of license plates for vehicles, such as:

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 its own set of requirements and fees. Some might also need extra documentation or proof of eligibility.

How do I get a license plate in Illinois?

In Illinois, you must have a license plate for your vehicle to legally drive it on public roads. The license plate helps identify your vehicle and ensures it complies with safety and emissions standards. Here are the steps and documents required to obtain a license plate in Illinois:

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 purchase a vehicle from a dealership, they usually take care of the registration process for you. However, if you buy from a private seller, you must handle the registration yourself. Along with the required documents and steps, you’ll need to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and the vehicle’s odometer reading.

Can I transfer my Illinois license plate to another vehicle?

You’re able to move your license plate to a different vehicle if the new vehicle is titled under your name or your spouse’s name in case of marriage. Here’s how you can do it:

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 done, the license plate will be linked to the new vehicle, and you’ll get a fresh registration card and sticker. Note that if the plate is currently on a leased vehicle, extra documents might be required for the transfer. You can find more details from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

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.

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

Besides the free license plate lookup tool, VinCheckPro.com offers an Illinois VIN check and VIN lookup service for Illinois vehicles. Enter the VIN to receive a detailed report including the car’s make, model, production year, and VIN. The report also covers reported accidents, salvage titles, and other pertinent details affecting the car’s value and safety.