If you just bought a car in Illinois, you’re probably excited to drive it right away. But before you hit the road, you need to make sure your vehicle is legally registered and has a valid license plate.
The problem? Your permanent license plate doesn’t arrive instantly.
That’s where a temporary license plate, officially called a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP), comes in. It allows you to legally drive your vehicle while your permanent plates are being processed.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get a temporary license plate in Illinois, what documents you need, the costs involved, and the rules you must follow.
What Is a Temporary License Plate in Illinois?
A temporary license plate in Illinois is known as a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP).
It acts as a legal replacement for your permanent license plate for a limited time. You must display it on your vehicle to drive legally.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It is usually valid for 90 days
- It must be displayed on the rear of your vehicle
- It allows you to drive while your title and registration are being processed
Without a TRP or valid plates, you generally cannot drive your vehicle legally.
Does Illinois Issue Temporary Plates?
Yes, Illinois does issue temporary plates—but not in the way some people expect.
There are three main types of temporary permits:
90-Day Temporary Registration Permit (TRP)
- Most common type
- Issued when you buy a vehicle
- Works as your temporary license plate
7-Day Intrastate Permit ($10)
- For short-term driving within Illinois
- Used for inspections, emissions testing, or moving a vehicle
90-Day Drive-Away Permit ($27)
- For out-of-state buyers
- Lets you legally drive the vehicle out of Illinois
Important: Illinois no longer offers a 30-day temporary plate.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Illinois
The process depends on how you bought your vehicle.
If You Bought From a Dealer
This is the easiest and most common situation.
When you buy a car from a licensed dealer, they will:
- Issue your 90-day TRP immediately
- Handle your title transfer and registration paperwork
What You Need to Do
Honestly, not much.
You just need to:
- Provide your driver’s license
- Show proof of insurance
- Sign the required paperwork
The dealer takes care of the rest.
Why This Is Easier
- You can drive away the same day
- No need to visit a government office
- No risk of driving illegally
If You Bought From a Private Seller
This is where things get a little more complicated.
Private sellers cannot issue temporary plates in Illinois.
What You Must Do
You need to go to a Secretary of State facility and apply for a TRP yourself.
Step-by-Step Process
- Get the required documents
- Vehicle title (signed over to you)
- Bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- Drive to a Secretary of State office
- You are allowed to drive without plates for up to 24 hours
- This drive must be direct (no unnecessary stops)
- Apply for a TRP
- Submit your documents
- Pay any applicable fees
- Receive your temporary permit
- Attach it properly to your vehicle
Documents You Need for a Temporary Plate
No matter how you apply, you’ll usually need:
- Vehicle title (proof of ownership)
- Bill of sale
- Valid proof of insurance
- Personal identification (like a driver’s license)
Make sure your insurance is active before applying. You cannot get a TRP without it.
Where Can You Get a Temporary Permit?
In Illinois, TRPs can be issued by:
- Licensed car dealers
- Secretary of State facilities
- Remittance agents
- Currency exchanges
Most people will either:
- Get it directly from a dealer, or
- Visit a Secretary of State office
How Long Is a Temporary Plate Valid?
The standard temporary plate (TRP) is valid for:
- 90 days
Other permits:
- 7-day permit → valid for 7 days
- Drive-away permit → valid for 90 days
Important Tip
Do not let your temporary permit expire.
If it does:
- You may face fines or penalties
- Your vehicle could be considered unregistered
Where to Place the Temporary Plate
Placement matters more than you think.
For Standard TRP:
- Attach it to the rear license plate area
For Some Other Permits:
- Place it on the upper left corner of the rear window
Make sure:
- It is clearly visible
- It is not damaged or covered
Can You Drive Without Plates in Illinois?
Yes—but only in a very limited situation.
If you bought a car from a private seller:
- You can drive without plates for up to 24 hours
- Only to go directly to a Secretary of State office
Rules You Must Follow
- Carry the vehicle title
- Do not make unnecessary stops
- Get your TRP as soon as possible
If you break these rules, you could get:
- A traffic ticket
- Fines
- Legal trouble
Why Temporary Plates Matter
Temporary plates are not just a formality—they serve important legal and practical purposes.
They Help You:
- Drive legally while waiting for permanent plates
- Show proof of registration
- Avoid fines and penalties
They Also Help Law Enforcement
Illinois has taken strong steps to reduce fraud, including:
- Adding TRPs to law enforcement databases
- Using barcodes for verification
- Making permits more durable and harder to fake
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many drivers make simple mistakes that can lead to fines or delays.
Driving Without Insurance
You must have valid insurance before getting a TRP.
Missing Documents
Forgetting the title or bill of sale can delay your application.
Letting the Permit Expire
Always track your expiration date.
Improper Display
If your permit is not clearly visible, you could still get ticketed.
Assuming Private Sellers Can Issue Plates
They cannot. Only authorized entities can issue TRPs.
What Happens After You Get a Temporary Plate?
Once you have your TRP:
- Your registration is being processed
- Your permanent plates are on the way
What You Should Do
- Monitor your mail for your plates
- Keep your documents safe
- Replace the TRP with your permanent plates once they arrive
What If Your Plates Are Delayed?
Sometimes delays happen.
If your permanent plates don’t arrive before your TRP expires:
- Contact the Secretary of State office
- Ask about your options
Do not continue driving with an expired permit unless you are legally allowed to extend it.
Quick Summary
Here’s a simple recap:
- Illinois uses Temporary Registration Permits (TRPs) as temporary plates
- The standard TRP is valid for 90 days
- Dealers usually issue it automatically
- Private buyers must visit a Secretary of State office
- You need:
- Title
- Bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- You can drive without plates for 24 hours only (private purchase case)
- Illinois no longer offers 30-day temporary plates
Final Thoughts
Getting a temporary license plate in Illinois is not complicated once you understand the process.
If you buy from a dealer, everything is handled for you. If you buy from a private seller, you just need to act quickly and follow the rules.
The most important thing to remember is this:
You cannot legally drive your car without proper registration or a temporary permit.
So take the time to get your TRP the right way. It will save you from fines, stress, and unnecessary trouble—so you can focus on enjoying your new car.