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 enter a license plate and get a full vehicle history report in seconds. It’s quick, easy, and reliable, so you can buy with confidence!
Table of Contents
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 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 from our vehicle history report
Our free license plate service is available to all customers and does not gather personal information.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report in less than five minutes.
Video: How to Lookup a Kentucky License Plate?
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
Free vs. Paid License Plate Lookup
While our free vehicle history report provides limited information, our paid version provides all the information you need before buying a used vehicle. The free license plate lookup typically offers basic information such as sales history, auction records, damage records, title checks, etc. 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, and engine specifications.
Accident Records:
Reports any previous accidents, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety history.
Previous Ownership:
Details the number of past owners and the care the vehicle received.
Transaction History:
Tracks the car’s sales and ownership transfers over time.
Auction Record:
See if the vehicle was ever listed or sold at auctions, potentially affecting its value.
Title Information:
Indicates whether the vehicle has a clean title or has been classified as salvaged or rebuilt.
Loan or Lien Details:
Identifies any active loans or liens tied to the vehicle.
Recall Notifications:
Lists any unresolved recalls or safety issues that need attention.
Theft Status:
Verifies whether the car was reported stolen and later recovered.
Mileage Verification:
Confirms the accuracy of the odometer reading to make sure the seller doesn’t alter it.
Maintenance Records:
Review the vehicle’s service history to assess its reliability and care.
Illinois State Laws and Legislations
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.
State 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. In addition, the format used for the license plate is AB 12345.
Types of License Plates in Illinois
Here are the license types you can find in Illinois.
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.
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.
Other Useful Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 number of information and records they reveal. A full vehicle history by VIN or plate should be performed before buying a used car.
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.