Free Illinois License Plate Lookup

Illinois is one of the sixth most prosperous states in the US. With close to 13 million US citizens, it also has the country’s sixth-largest demographic. Likewise, it has a total of about 4.3 million registered vehicles, making it the top sixth state in terms of vehicle registration. Illinois spans a total area of 57 thousand square miles. With an Illinois free license plate lookup, searching through millions of vehicles has never become this easy.

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Illinois license plate lookup is a useful tool for accessing important information about a vehicle and its history. Whether you are in the market for a used car or need to verify ownership, a license plate lookup can provide you with valuable insights. By entering the license plate number into an online database, you can uncover details such as the vehicle’s make and model, registration status, whether it has been reported stolen, and much more. With just a few clicks, you can gather the information you need to ensure the safety and legitimacy of a vehicle.

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:

    1. Visit an Illinois Secretary of State office: You can find the nearest office on their official website.
    2. 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.
    3. Complete a Vehicle Inspection: If you’re a new resident or have a newly purchased vehicle, you may need to complete a vehicle inspection.
    4. 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.

What information can I find through an Illinois license plate lookup?

Through an Illinois license plate lookup, you can find a variety of information about a vehicle and its owner. Details you can uncover include:

    • The make, model, year, and engine type
    • Vehicle registration status
    • Title history
    • Information about any liens or loans associated with the vehicle
    • Theft or accident records
    • Any recalls or defects
    • Current warranty
    • Fuel efficiency
    • Market value

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Illinois

Running a license plate search in Illinois can provide valuable information for various purposes. Here are some reasons why individuals might choose to perform an Illinois license plate lookup:

    1. Vehicle ownership verification: Confirm the ownership of a vehicle before purchasing or selling.
    2. Vehicle history check: It provides essential details about the vehicle’s history, including accident records, damage checks, and any suspicious activities associated with the car.
    3. Accident investigation: Identify the owner of a vehicle involved in an accident or hit-and-run incident.
    4. Law enforcement: Aid in criminal investigations, such as stolen vehicles or suspect identification.
    5. Towing and impound services: Verify vehicle ownership before towing or impounding a vehicle.
    6. Private investigation: Conduct background checks or surveillance for private investigation purposes.
    7. Insurance claims: Verify vehicle ownership and details for insurance claims processing.
    8. Parking and traffic violations: Identify owners of vehicles with unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations.
    9. Stolen vehicle recovery: Help recover stolen vehicles by tracing the owner.
    10. Curiosity or people search: Find information about a vehicle or its owner for personal reasons (note: ensure compliance with privacy laws).
Illinois DMV

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.

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 Plates

Illinois License Plate Lookup

Despite the restriction, running a free Illinois license plate lookup is still your best bet in weeding out the bad ones from your list of cars to buy.

Illinois License Plate Lookup

Where can I find the license plate number?

The license plate numbers are in full display at the back and front end of a vehicle. But if you want to dig deeper and verify the numbers with official vehicle documents, you can do so with Illinois vehicle registration, title and insurance. If you want confirmation straight from an authorized agency, you may also get in touch with the Illinois Secretary of State personnel.

Illinois License Plate Lookup

What do I get out of an Illinois license plate lookup?

Unlock a comprehensive vehicle report using the vehicle’s license plate number
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Vehicle Specifications
compare basic details like model, transmission type, trim, and more with the seller’s claims
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Vehicle Records
search through our database of 268+ million registered vehicles for accidents, recalls, liens and other records
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Market Value
check the value based on the prices of similar vehicles in Illinois and across the US
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Safety Ratings
verify crash resiliency and safety ratings based on multiple driving tests done by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
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Fuel Efficiency
look into the mileage of the vehicle for every gallon of fuel consumed
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Warranty and Recalls
survey the warranty status and type of coverage, latest recalls, safety issues and fixes
nmvtis

What are the sources of license plate search results?

Vehicle.report operates a conveniently fast and easy-to-use search tool that provides a diverse amount of vehicle details. It acquires its content straight from a multitude of organizations, such as NMVTIS, DMVs, law enforcement, emissions and inspection stations, traffic authorities, insurance agents, auto dealers, manufacturers, repair shops and other trusted entities throughout the US.

nmvtis

Illinois License Plate Lookup

To get a comprehensive vehicle history report, you can run an Illinois License Plate Lookup

Illinois License Plate FAQs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions on license plate lookup

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.

What are the types of license plates in Illinois?

As of this writing, there are 60 + Illinois plate selections to choose from. To name a few, there are the Passenger, B-truck, Persons with Disabilities, Motorcycle, Antique Vehicle, Chicago Clubs, Illinois Police Association, Illinois Retired Law Enforcement, Shape the Road and Trailers, among others. Each unique plate design will have specific requirements that applicants must comply with.

Can I get a personalized license plate in Illinois?

You can customize your own license plate number pattern in accordance with the state’s guidelines. Make sure the suggested combination is not already in use or implies any negative meanings. The state has the right to deny any plate number combination that it deems offensive.

How can I apply for an Illinois license plate?

Illinois residents can receive Illinois license plates for their vehicles after successfully registering them with an Illinois Secretary of State office. An application form must be completed and submitted, along with the necessary vehicle documents and payments, to qualify for official registration. At the conclusion of vehicle sale or after bringing an out-of-state vehicle into Illinois, the owner typically has 30 days to complete vehicle registration.

Is it legal to perform an Illinois license plate lookup?

Yes, it is legal to perform an Illinois license plate lookup for personal use. However, it is important to note that the information provided may be limited and should not be used for illegal purposes or violating someone’s privacy.

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.

Are there any restrictions on accessing Illinois license plate lookup information?

While conducting an Illinois license plate lookup is legal, there may be restrictions on accessing certain information, especially sensitive data like personal details of the vehicle owner. It is essential to adhere to privacy laws and regulations when using such services.

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

Other related resources you can access for free

Illinois VIN Check

To get a comprehensive vehicle history report, you can also run an Illinois VIN Check