While a license plate might just seem like a set of numbers and letters on the back of a vehicle, they serve a bigger purpose than that. Not only do they identify your vehicle and registration type, but license plates can also be customized to your personal interests and style.

We’ll be going over all the different types of license plates that Illinois offers and how to get one, so keep reading!

What are Illinois license plates and why do I need them?

A license plate is a form of identification for your vehicle. It allows law enforcement to see whether your car has been

registered

, check the type of registration you have, and ensure that the plate is connected to that specific vehicle.

And that’s not it! Police officers have a much easier time tracking down a stolen vehicle if they have the license plate number. They can also help determine who is at fault in a

car accident

between two or more drivers.

Keep in mind that it is required that you have both a front and back license plate on your vehicle in Illinois. Now we’ll take a closer look at the different types of plates.

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What license plates does Illinois have?

There are three categories of license plates in Illinois which include the following:

Standard plates are the most basic of all the license plates in Illinois. The majority of them have simple designs and a few colors.

Special interest plates allow people to show their support for organizations, colleges, universities, and more on their plate.

Special plates are for drivers with specific qualifications, such as emergency service workers.

Standard license plates

The standard passenger plate in Illinois pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln and says “Land of Lincoln” on the bottom. It is a light blue plate with a white cityscape, a picture of Abraham Lincoln, and red characters.

Special interest license plates

Collegiate: There are 20 different college and university plates for students, alumni, or fans to show off.

Antique: These plates come in classic gold or silver and are for antique vehicles and motorcycles.

Panhellenic: If you are involved in a sorority, there are nine chapters that have a special license plate to show off your affiliation.

Military: For veterans, retired military, and active military, there is a plate for almost everything, including the medal of honor plates!

Sporting series: For those that like to hunt, you can get a license plate for bass, deer, duck, goose, pheasant, or turkey.

Professional sports: There are a variety of license plates that rock professional sports teams in Illinois, such as the Chicago Bulls or the Chicago Cubs.

Specialty: There are a number of organizations and causes that you can support such as Autism Awareness, Education, and Prevent Violence.

Recreational: This plate indicates that you have a recreational vehicle or trailer.

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Special license plates

Persons with disabilities: This plate allows the driver better parking options to accommodate a person with a qualifying disability.

Military: For veterans, retired military, and active military, there is a plate for almost everything, including a purple heart plate.

How do I get an Illinois license plate?

To get a license plate in Illinois, you’ll first need to

through the Illinois Secretary of State. There are quite a few documents you’ll need to fill out or have in order to register which include the following:

Completed

application

for vehicle transaction

Proof of residency

Proof of ownership

Description of vehicle

Lienholder information (if applicable)

Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement for title transfer

Completed Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form

Once you’ve completed that, you will need to pay the necessary fees and taxes. The registration fee is $101 and the title fee is $95. Additional fees may apply.

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Everything you need to know about Illinois’ car insurance laws

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Illinois

You’re not required to get a fancy or colorful license plate, but you are required to have car insurance—so why not get the best coverage at the best price!

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How many license plates does Illinois have?

Illinois offers 67 different license plates which include military, organization, collegiate, panhellenic, and more.

Do I need a front license plate in Illinois?

Yes! By law, Illinois requires that drivers have a front and back license plate on their vehicles at all times.

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