Illinois Pick-A-Plate: Vanity Plate Availability, Fees & How to Apply
Illinois checks plate availability through Pick-A-Plate, the Secretary of State's online tool. Choose Vanity (letters only, up to 7) or Personalized (up to 6 letters followed by 1 or 2 numbers), pick your plate type, and type the combination: it tells you straight away whether it is free, and you can order it in the same session. Everything below is the detail behind those answers, and the generator gives you ideas to try if your first choice is taken.
Already have a plate in mind? Check it against the official Illinois availability tool.
Different state? See every state's availability checker.
Get Illinois plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on an Illinois plate.
Stuck for an idea? Browse our plate lists for nurses, teachers, jeep owners, dog lovers and fishing, or all plate idea lists. Every idea fits Illinois's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
How to Get a Personalized Illinois Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Before applying, verify if your desired plate combination is available using the Illinois Secretary of State's Pick-A-Plate tool.
- Apply Online or by Mail:
- Online: Use the Pick-A-Plate system to select your plate design, enter your desired combination, and complete the application process.
- By Mail: Complete the License Plates Request Form (VSD 948) and mail it to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department – Personalized Plates Section
501 S. Second St., RM 532
Springfield, IL 62756
- Await Approval: The Secretary of State's office will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines.
- Receive Your Plate: Once approved and processed, your personalized plate will be mailed to you.
Important Notes for Illinois Residents
- Character Limits: Personalized plates can include up to 6 letters followed by 1 or 2 numbers, with a space separating letters and numbers. Vanity plates, which consist of letters only, can have up to 7 characters. For more details, refer to the License Plate Guide.
- Rejected Combinations: The Secretary of State's office reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency. For more information, see the FAQ Vehicle Services
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $198 | $158 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
Illinois Secretary of State - Pick-A-Plate