Illinois License Plate Lookup
Buying a used car can be stressful, especially if you don’t know its past. Hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer fraud can cost you later. With the Illinois license plate lookup, you can get the vehicle history report in seconds. It’s quick, easy, and reliable, so you can buy with confidence!
Table of Contents
What is an Illinois License Plate Lookup?
The Illinois license plate lookup is a tool you can use to look up the license plate as a form of background check for both sellers and buyers. By using the Illinois license plate lookup, you can get a vehicle history report that will show you all the needed information about the vehicle before any transaction happens.
With just the license plate number, you’ll see the detailed information on the vehicle’s specifications, accident history, auction records, recalls, warranty coverage, service and maintenance records, and more.
Why Should You Do a Vehicle History Look-up in Illinois?
Illinois reportedly has more than 40,000 reported cases of stolen vehicles, ranking fifth nationwide. Chicago alone has approximately 29,000 reported cases, the highest number in 23 years, with an arrest rate of only 2.6%.
Given the alarming rate of theft and arrest, getting a comprehensive vehicle history report by license plate is important to avoid buying a stolen vehicle and to reveal all its history.
There is no need to wait; enter the license plate number in the form and get the report now.
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Is There a Free License Plate Lookup in Illinois?
Yes, our site allows you to generate a free license plate lookup if you are located in Illinois. Nonetheless, please remember that the free vehicle history report by license plate has limited information compared to its paid version.
Here’s a snippet of what you can get on the free version of our vehicle history report
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
What Information Will You Get From an Illinois License Plate Lookup?
While our free license plate lookup report provides limited information, our paid version provides all the information you need before buying a used vehicle. In comparison, our paid license plate lookup provides detailed information about the vehicle, from A to Z, so you do not have to worry about missing certain information.
To give you a clear picture of what kind of information you’ll be getting from the paid version of the license plate, here’s the list of information on the paid vehicle history report.
Vehicle Details
Provides detailed information about the car’s year, make, model, trim, engine specifications, fuel type, MSRP, country of origin, standard seating, country of origin, and more.
Accident Records
Reports any previous accidents, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety history. Check the date, location, and how many times the vehicle has ever been in an accident.
Previous Ownership
Details the number of past owners and the care the vehicle received. You’ll see the location, duration of ownership, and the year of ownership. Please note that you cannot find the actual information on the vehicle’s ownership.
Damage Records
See if the vehicle has ever been damaged due to natural disasters like floods, fires, hail damage, dents, scratches, or major/minor damage caused by an accident.
Auction Record
See if the vehicle was ever listed or sold at auctions, potentially affecting its value. In this section, you will get to see the auction date, location, and the final price of the vehicle. Thus, you can get up to ten pictures that show the real condition of the vehicle during the auction.
Title Information
Indicates whether the vehicle has a clean title or has been classified as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you proceed with the payment.
Loan or Lien Records
Identifies any active loans or liens tied to the vehicle. Before you buy the vehicle, make sure that the vehicle is clear of any lien/loan records.
Recall Notifications
List any unresolved recalls or safety issues that need attention. In this section, you will see the date of recalls, what caused the recalls, and the steps taken to fix the recalls. On top of that, you can also see if the vehicle’s recalls are not addressed.
Theft Status
Verifies whether the car was reported stolen and later recovered. In this section, you’ll see the date and location where the vehicle was stolen, and the data source of the vehicle. Ensure you do not buy a stolen vehicle because it’s dangerous.
Mileage Verification
Confirm the accuracy of the odometer reading to make sure the seller doesn’t alter it. You will see the recorded mileage along with the date and the recorded mileage as well as the last recorded mileage before it was put on sale.
Maintenance and Service Records
Review the vehicle’s service history to assess its reliability and care. In this section, you’ll see the date, location, and the service done by the previous owners.
Warranty Coverage
See if the vehicle is still covered by existing warranties. In this section, you can check the months and mileage limit of warranties like basic, powertrain, corrosion, and roadside assistance.
Why Getting an Illinois License Plate Records
Graciella planned to buy a 2013 GMC YUKON for her father’s birthday gift. She decided to use the Illinois license plate lookup and get the report. Here’s what she saw on the report.
Actual Condition
- 2 accident records
- 1 Record of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 2 auction record
- 7 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Clean, without dents
- Never been in an accident
Actual Condition
- The license plate lookup helps you see if the vehicle has too many red flags or false claims.
Outcome
- Graciella decided not to buy the car because it has 7 lien/loan records and was in an accident twice
How Does the Illinois License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow these steps to get your report in just 30 seconds.
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the plate number on the vehicle and input it into the form on this page.
Review and Purchase
Submit the form, check the vehicle’s specifications, and proceed to payment.
Get Your Report
After the full report is generated, don’t forget to download the report in PDF format.
Illinois State Laws and Legislation
Understanding Illinois’s license plate laws is essential for vehicle owners to comply with state regulations. Illinois has specific rules about the use, issuance, and display of license plates that vary depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use. Below is a breakdown of the key legislation and guidelines governing license plates in Illinois.
Do You Need Front and Rear License Plates?
Illinois requires most vehicles to display both front and rear license plates. This rule applies to passenger vehicles, trucks, and vans. However, motorcycles, trailers, and semi-trailers are only required to display a rear plate. Failing to display the required license plates can result in fines or penalties.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office oversees the issuance and regulation of license plates. This office handles license plate applications, renewals, and specialized plates, including those for veterans, charitable organizations, or personalized designs. Vehicle owners can visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website for detailed information on license plate regulations and services.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies, such as the Illinois State Police and local police departments, enforce license plate laws, ensuring that plates are properly displayed and legible.
Which Vehicles Require License Plates?
The types of vehicles that must have license plates in Illinois include:
- Passenger Vehicles: All cars and SUVs registered in Illinois must display valid license plates.
- Commercial Vehicles: Trucks and vans used for business purposes need commercial license plates.
- Motorcycles: Only a rear license plate is required for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.
- Trailers and Semi-Trailers: Trailers only require a single rear plate, like motorcycles.
- Farm Vehicles: Special license plates are available for agricultural vehicles, but are subject to specific regulations.
Additional Notes on License Plate Regulations
- License Plate Design and Renewal: Illinois requires annual license plate renewal, which can be done online or in person at the Secretary of State’s office.
- Temporary Plates: Temporary permits are issued for newly purchased vehicles awaiting permanent plates.
- Special Plates: Drivers can opt for personalized or specialty plates supporting causes like wildlife conservation or military recognition.
Vehicle owners in Illinois must ensure compliance with these laws to avoid penalties and maintain road safety. For further details, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s license plate section.
Illinois License Plate Design and Format
A license plate is vital to identifying a vehicle. Illinois license plates are designed to reflect the state’s cultural heritage and serve as a practical tool for vehicle identification. One of the iconic features of Illinois plates is the slogan “Land of Lincoln,” honoring the state’s connection to President Abraham Lincoln, who spent much of his life in Illinois. Additionally, the license plate format is AB 12345.
Types of License Plates in Illinois
When you have finished registering your vehicle in Illinois, you can choose one of the following license plates.
Standard Passenger Plates
These plates, which display the classic red, white, and blue design with the state name prominently featured, are the most common type for private passenger vehicles.
Specialty Plates
Illinois provides specialty plates supporting various causes, including environmental conservation, military service, and educational initiatives. Popular examples include plates for veterans, first responders, and collegiate institutions.
Personalized Plates
Vehicle owners can customize their plates with unique alphanumeric combinations. Personalized plates are subject to availability and state approval.
Commercial Vehicle Plates
These are issued for trucks, vans, and other vehicles used for business purposes, indicating their commercial registration status.
Temporary Plates
Newly purchased vehicles can display temporary paper plates until the permanent ones are issued.
License Plate Cost in Illinois
- Standard passenger plate renewal: $151
- Personalized passenger plates: $158 renewal
- Vanity plates: $164 renewal
- Motorcycle plates: $41 renewal
- Motorcycle personalized: $48
- Replacement plate (single): $6
- Replacement plates (pair): $9
- Title fee (standard): $165
How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
Registering or transferring a car title in Illinois requires specific documents, tax forms, and fees depending on where the vehicle was purchased.
- Complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) online via the ERT system or at a Secretary of State facility.
- Submit a Use Tax Return:
- RUT-50 if purchased from a private seller.
- RUT-25 if bought from an out-of-state licensed dealer.
- Provide the signed title, proof of insurance, odometer disclosure (if applicable), valid ID, and proof of tax payment.
Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
When buying or selling, transferring the title ensures the state records the new legal owner.
The seller must sign and hand over the vehicle title.
Buyer files the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190).
Pay the $155 title fee plus any applicable taxes.
How to Transfer License Plates in Illinois
Illinois allows plate transfers only if you own both vehicles.
Fact About Illinois License Plate
- The Abraham Lincoln silhouette and the slogan “Land of Lincoln” displayed on Illinois’ license plate were selected through an online design voting and have been used since 2001.
- Illinois was the first state to require license plates in 1908, pioneering vehicle registration laws in the Midwest.
- The state has one of the largest specialty plate programs, with designs supporting everything from universities to wildlife conservation.
Other Useful Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
License plate checks are not only available in Illinois. Our license plate lookups are widely available in all the states listed below.
FAQs About License Plate Lookup in Illinois
Q. What does PV mean on Illinois license plates?
A. When you buy a “Prevent Violence” license plate, you’re helping the Violence Prevention Authority. Your purchase supports programs run by police, churches, and other groups across the state.
Q. How do I check my car history for free?
A. You can input your license plate number into the form above to get a free car history check. Note that the free version of the car history is different from the paid version in the amount of information and records it reveals. A full vehicle history by VIN or plate should be performed before buying a used car.
Q. What documents do I need to transfer plates in Illinois?
A. First, you need to fill out the “Application for Vehicle Transaction(s)” form (VSD 190) for any license plate or title changes. Second, make sure the car details and owner info on your old title match the application. Also, the buyer’s name on the title and application must be the same.
Q. Can you see the full details of the past owners through the Illinois license plate lookup?
A. On the license plate report, you get to see the past owner’s details, such as the location, year of purchase, and the duration of ownership. However, you cannot see the full information, like their full name, due to privacy and data protection reasons.
Q. Does the Illinois license plate lookup work for a customized license plate?
A. Yes, our Illinois license plate lookup can be used to look up a customized license plate, too.
