Illinois License Plate Lookup
Free & Instant Search
Find out if a car has been in accidents, stolen, or has a salvage title. Try our Illinois license plate lookup today and get trusted vehicle history!
A free Illinois license plate lookup helps you access vehicle history details, including ownership records, accident history, title status, and more. Using a reliable lookup tool like Vehicle.Report, you can instantly retrieve essential vehicle details simply by entering a license plate number.
Looking for other state-specific license plate lookups?
Why Should You Use an Illinois License Plate Lookup?
| Use Type | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Car Buyers | Verify a vehicle’s history before purchasing. |
| 🚔 Law Enforcement | Check for stolen or suspicious vehicles. |
| 💰 Lenders & Insurers | Assess a car’s risk and value. |
| 🔧 Vehicle Owners | Confirm title status, recalls, and past accidents. |
What is an Illinois License Plate?
An Illinois license plate is a metal plate attached to vehicles registered in the state of Illinois. These plates typically display a unique combination of letters and numbers that serve as an identification for the vehicle. These plates are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office and must be displayed on the front and back of most vehicles in order to legally operate them on public roads. License plates are typically renewed every ten years.
The standard license plates typically feature a white background with dark blue text displaying the state name and registration number. In addition to the standard license plate, Illinois offers a variety of specialty license plates to allow drivers to personalize their vehicles. These specialty plates may feature custom designs, logos, or slogans related to organizations, charities, or causes. Drivers can choose from a wide range of specialty plates, including those supporting military veterans, wildlife conservation, and collegiate sports teams.
How Do I Get a License Plate in Illinois?
To get a license plate in Illinois, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
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- Visit an Illinois Secretary of State office: You can find the nearest office on their official website.
- Submit the required documents: This includes Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190), proof of vehicle ownership (title), a valid photo ID, and proof of Illinois vehicle insurance.
- Complete a Vehicle Inspection: If you’re a new resident or have a newly purchased vehicle, you may need to complete a vehicle inspection.
- Pay the applicable fees: Fees will include registration, title, and license plate fees. The exact amount will depend on the type of vehicle and plates.
After completing these steps, you’ll receive your Illinois license plates. You can also choose to personalize your plates or select from various specialty plates that support different causes and organizations.
How to Use Our Free Illinois Plate Lookup Tool?
Step 1
Enter the Illinois license plate number.
Step 2
Click “Free License Plate Lookup” to retrieve results.
Step 3
View a free report summary.
What information can you get from an Illinois license plate search?
A free license plate lookup in Illinois provides:
✅ Vehicle make, model, year, and trim
✅ Accident and damage history
✅ Odometer readings and rollback alerts
✅ Title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
✅ Recall information and safety concerns
✅ Theft records and reported incidents
✅ Previous sale and registration details
📌 Want to verify a VIN instead? Use our free VIN lookup tool for a more detailed vehicle history.
Privacy Laws and Restrictions in Illinois
Illinois adheres to strict privacy regulations under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This means that personal information tied to a license plate number, such as the owner’s name or address, cannot be disclosed unless:
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The request complies with specific legal circumstances (e.g., insurance claims or legal investigations).
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Authorized consent is provided by the vehicle owner.
Our lookup tool ensures full compliance with these laws, offering only permissible information to protect your privacy.
Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles
The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State is the government agency responsible for fulfilling the role of a typical DMV for Idaho residents. It handles official government functions such as the issuance of vehicle registration, license plates and title. Illinois belongs to the majority of US states that implement the two license plates rule for each motor vehicle. The State of Illinois requires the serial format ‘AB 12345’ to be followed by standard-issued Illinois license plates.
What can an Illinois license plate number tell you?
A license plate number can be instrumental for quickly identifying vehicle conditions and the owner. A handy tool if you are dealing with a long list of prospective vehicles. The Driver’s Privacy Protection mitigates any potential data abuse that may arise from having wide-ranging access. Thus, only a select few personal details may be publicly published for the sake of privacy.
Illinois License Plate FAQs
What is the difference between an Illinois license plate lookup and an Illinois VIN check?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the license plate number are similar to serial numbers. Both serve the purpose of a unique identifier for a vehicle. The former for the manufacturer, the latter for the government. Vehicle.report combines content from both worlds to give a complete car history report.
Can I find a car owner’s name from a license plate?
No. Personal information is protected by the DPPA, but you can access non-personal vehicle details.
How can I check if a car is stolen in Illinois?
Use the Illinois license plate lookup tool or check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
What if my Illinois license plate is missing or stolen?
Report it immediately to the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Office and law enforcement.
Is license plate lookup legal in Illinois?
Yes, as long as the lookup adheres to Illinois’s DPPA guidelines and does not misuse personal data.
How can I conduct an Illinois license plate lookup online?
To perform an Illinois license plate lookup, you can use various online platforms that provide this service. Simply visit a reputable website that offers license plate lookup services, enter the license plate number you want to look up, and receive the available information.
Where can I find my license plate number in Illinois?
Your license plate number is displayed on your vehicle’s registration documents and the physical plate on your car.
How accurate is the information provided by an Illinois license plate lookup?
The accuracy of the information obtained from an Illinois license plate lookup can vary depending on the source and the data available. It is recommended to verify the information through official channels before taking any action based on the results of the lookup.
Important Links for Illinois Car Owners and Drivers
Illinois VIN Check
To get a comprehensive vehicle history report, you can also run an Illinois VIN Check