Vehicle registration requirements - Illinois

License plate display

Illinois issues two registration plates to be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. However, the registration plate issued for a truck-tractor or an apportioned truck must be attached to the front of the vehicle. Trailer or semitrailer plates and IRP apportioned plates issued to a bus are attached to the rear of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

Illinois is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

First-year applicants or vehicles being added to an existing fleet won't be issued near-year registrations in March unless the carrier is willing to assume last quarter fees for the current registration year. The registration year begins April 1 and ends March 31. Applications received will be posted within the registration year based upon receipt.

Proof of ownership must be submitted for any vehicle being added to your firm, for any previously transferred vehicle being re-registered, and for any currently licensed vehicle for which a correction may be required. The proof of ownership must match the vehicle information being entered to your registration file. All documents must include the year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle, as well as clearly identify the name of the owner. Documents that may be required to show proof of ownership include a copy of the title issued in the owner's name, a copy of both the front and back of the assigned title, a copy of Illinois ST-556 Tax Form, and/or a bill of sale.

Temporary permit: Once a carrier's firm and fleet are established, fees have been paid, and credentials have been issue, the carrier may operate the vehicle using the Illinois 45-day temporary apportionment authorization permit if the immediate operation of the vehicle is necessary.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: An unladen weight permit (hunter's permit) may be issued to an owner/operator who terminates a lease and has to surrender their apportioned license plate and cab card(s) to the carrier. The permit enables a vehicle or combination of vehicles to use the highways for the purpose of locating a new job or for moving a vehicle or combination of vehicles between fleets. The Secretary of State issues the permit for a $19 fee.

Special hauling vehicle permit: A special hauling vehicle (SHV) permit allows certain vehicles to be exempt from the federal bridge formula while operating on Illinois highways. The SHV permit allows a certain amount of weight for a certain configuration of vehicle(s). The SHV permit also allows an overweight ticket for a specific purpose instead of dropping a portion of the load. SHV permits may be purchased for apportioned plates at the time of renewal by marking the SHV box, as well as throughout the year online.

Permanent trailer registration: All trailers that display apportioned trailer registration must be titled within Illinois. Trailer plates are permanent and nontransferable. When purchasing a new trailer, new title and registration must be obtained. When removing a trailer from service, plates may be returned to the Commercial and Farm Truck Division in Springfield.

Agency: The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services, Commercial and Farm Trucks.

Fees: Because each jurisdiction has its own fee schedule, and depending on the jurisdictions a carrier is going to apportion, the cost varies. After submitting an application, an invoice will be sent which will reflect the fee for each jurisdiction. The total amount due is at the bottom of the invoice.