If you live in Illinois and your license plate sticker has expired, you’re probably wondering: Is there a grace period for expired tags in Illinois? The short answer is yes, but it’s limited and doesn’t mean you’re fully off the hook.
Let’s break this down in a simple way, so you can understand what the rules are, how to avoid fines, and what steps you should take to stay legal on the road.
What Are Vehicle Registration Tags?
Before diving into grace periods, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
In Illinois, your license plate sticker (often called a “tag”) shows that your vehicle is legally registered with the state. This sticker must be renewed annually through the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).
If your registration expires and you haven’t renewed it, you’re technically driving illegally—even if you have proof that the renewal is in progress.
Is There a Grace Period for Expired Tags in Illinois?
Illinois does offer a 30-day grace period for expired license plate stickers, but it’s important to understand what this grace period actually means.
The 30-Day Grace Period: What It Really Means
- City of Chicago: If you live in Chicago, the City Clerk gives you a 30-day penalty-free window to renew your city vehicle sticker after the expiration date. During this time, you won’t be charged late fees, but you’re still expected to renew as soon as possible.
- State Vehicle Registration (SOS): While the Illinois Secretary of State doesn’t openly promote a “grace period,” many drivers assume they have 30 days to renew without facing penalties. But this isn’t a free ride — law enforcement can still ticket you if you’re caught driving with expired tags during this window.
Can You Drive with Expired Tags During the Grace Period?
This is where things get tricky.
You Can Drive, But At Your Own Risk
Even if you’re within that 30-day grace period:
- You can still get pulled over and ticketed.
- The fine for expired registration can be around $90 or more.
- Some officers may show leniency if you prove you’re in the process of renewing, but there’s no guarantee.
So while the grace period may protect you from late fees, it doesn’t protect you from traffic tickets.
Can You Get a Ticket Even If You’re Within the Grace Period?
Yes. Police officers can legally ticket you if your license plate sticker is expired — even if it’s just one day past due.
Why?
Because the grace period applies more to penalties on the renewal process, not to actual driving laws. From the perspective of law enforcement, expired tags mean you’re driving a vehicle that’s not properly registered. That’s a violation of Illinois law.
City Sticker vs. State Sticker: What’s the Difference?
This often confuses drivers. In Illinois—especially in Chicago—you may need two types of stickers:
- State Registration Sticker (License Plate Tag):
- Issued by the Secretary of State.
- Applies statewide.
- Required for all vehicles.
- City Sticker (Chicago City Vehicle Sticker):
- Required if you live in Chicago.
- Shows you’ve paid your city’s vehicle tax.
- Enforced by the Chicago City Clerk and Chicago Police Department.
Each has its own expiration date and its own grace period rules.
City Sticker Grace Period
If your Chicago city sticker expires, you generally have a 30-day window to renew it without a late fee. But again, if you’re stopped during this time, you could still be fined for having an expired sticker on your car.
Late Renewal Penalties in Illinois
If you miss the 30-day window for renewing your license plate sticker:
- You may have to pay late fees.
- You could face additional fines if caught driving without valid tags.
- In some cases, your vehicle could even be towed or impounded if it’s repeatedly found without proper registration.
Can You Renew Online During the Grace Period?
Yes! In fact, online renewal is encouraged.
You can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website and renew your registration quickly. All you need is your:
- Registration ID and PIN (found on your renewal notice)
- License plate number
- Credit/debit card
Bonus Tip:
If you renew online and print your confirmation, keep it in your glove compartment. It may help prove your intent if you get pulled over during the grace period.
How to Avoid Driving with Expired Tags in Illinois
Here are a few tips to stay out of trouble:
1. Mark Your Calendar
Set a yearly reminder in your phone or planner a month before your tag expires.
2. Renew Online Early
Don’t wait for the sticker to arrive in the mail. Renew early and drive with confidence.
3. Keep Proof of Renewal
Print or save your confirmation email when you renew online.
4. Use SOS Email Reminders
The Illinois Secretary of State offers email renewal reminders. Sign up at ilsos.gov so you never forget.
What Happens If You’re Pulled Over with Expired Tags?
Here’s what to expect:
- The officer will likely ask for your license, registration, and insurance.
- If your tags are expired, they may issue a citation.
- The fine is usually around $90, but it can be higher depending on location.
- You may also receive a “fix-it ticket”, which means you need to renew your registration and show proof in court.
Some judges may reduce or dismiss the fine if you’ve already renewed by your court date — but again, there are no guarantees.
Does Illinois Send Tag Renewal Notices?
Yes, but not by default. The state no longer sends paper renewal notices by mail unless you specifically request it.
Instead, you’re encouraged to:
- Sign up for email notifications.
- Check your expiration date online.
- Keep track of your renewal date yourself.
What If You Recently Moved?
If you moved recently and forgot to update your address with the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Your renewal notice might go to your old address.
- You may miss your renewal deadline without even realizing it.
So be sure to update your address as soon as you move to avoid missing reminders or late fees.
Do Temporary Tags Have a Grace Period?
Temporary registration permits (TRPs) are valid for 90 days in Illinois.
- Once they expire, there is no grace period.
- Driving with an expired TRP is the same as driving without registration.
- You can face fines, towing, and other legal consequences.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Rely on the Grace Period
So, is there a grace period for expired tags in Illinois?
Technically, yes — you might get 30 days to renew without late fees, especially for city stickers. But this doesn’t mean you can drive without consequences.
To stay safe and legal:
- Renew your tags on time.
- Don’t rely on the grace period as a “free pass.”
- Keep proof of renewal if you’re still waiting for the physical sticker.
Driving with expired tags may seem harmless, but the risk of getting ticketed or fined is very real. A few minutes of online renewal can save you time, stress, and money.