About Replacing a Car Registration in Illinois

Replacing a damaged or lost car registration in Illinois is crucial, as many neighboring states require you to keep a valid registration ID card on you whenever you operate a motor vehicle on public roads and highways. If you do not comply with these laws while driving a vehicle outside of Illinois, you could receive a traffic citation if a police officer pulls you over and asks to see your current registration ID card.

Note: Keep in mind that if your registration is expiring soon, you may be able to renew your car registration rather than requesting a duplicate.

Illinois law requires you to carry a registration ID card in your vehicle if its weight exceeds 8,000 pounds, and your vehicle must always display valid license plates and validation decals.

If your license plates or registration stickers sustain damages or disappear from your possession, you should replace them as soon as possible. To replace damaged or lost vehicle registration credentials such as these, you must apply in person or by mail.

To learn more about purchasing duplicate registration credentials after these important items sustain damages or go missing, review the information below.

Replacing a Defective or Lost Registration in Illinois

You must replace car registration materials if your current credentials contain incorrect information or if you legally changed your name. You also need to order a duplicate registration if your original card becomes damaged, stolen or lost.

To obtain a copy of IL registration after you change your legal name or damage your current credentials, you may begin your application online. However, keep in mind that even if you begin the process online, you will need to submit your request in person or by mail.

If you do not have a working printer, you can request an application in person at an SOS office. Learn more about how to replace your vehicle registration in our free guide.

Learn About Online Pre-Application

Illinois drivers often wonder, “Can you print your car registration online in IL?”

While you cannot print your auto registration replacement online, you may pre-apply electronically. Then, you may print and submit your application materials by mail or in person at a local SOS facility. After submitting your request, the Illinois SOS will provide you with your replacement card.

Paper Application

If you need a replacement car registration card but wish to obtain a paper application rather than pre-apply online, you must visit an SOS office to obtain an application. You also have to option of requesting an official form by phone. Then, you may complete the application and submit it either in person or by mail.

Replacing Illinois Car Registration Stickers and Plates

To purchase a DMV copy of registration stickers and/or plates, you may submit a request by mail or in person at a local SOS facility.

If you wish to purchase your replacement credential in person, you must visit a local SOS office to submit a completed application and a payment method for the applicable fee. You may begin your application online, or you may obtain a paper form once you arrive at the SOS facility.

If you wish to purchase a replacement registration credential by mail, however, you must send your application materials to the SOS Services Department in Illinois.

Typically, your duplicate car registration application fees will vary depending on whether you need one or more replacement plates and/or stickers. If you have any questions about the fees you must pay when submitting your request, contact the SOS before mailing in your payment.

For helpful information on how to replace your car registration, download our free guide.