How much does it cost to transfer plates on a vehicle in Illinois?

[CeciliaMarie]

Transferring license plates to a different vehicle in Illinois costs a base fee of $25. However, if you are also titling the new vehicle into your name, the standard total is $175, which combines the $25 plate transfer fee with a $150 title fee. This is the most common cost scenario for private vehicle purchases.

The total expense depends on your specific transaction type. Below is a breakdown of standard Illinois Secretary of State fees for plate transfer scenarios:

Transaction Type	Plate Transfer Fee	Title Fee	Replacement Sticker Fee	Estimated Total
Transfer Plates Only (e.g., between vehicles you already own)	$25	$0	$0	$25
Transfer Plates & Title a Newly Purchased Vehicle	$25	$150	$0	$175
Transfer Plates & Title + Need New Registration Sticker	$25	$150	$20	$195

The $25 transfer fee applies when moving your existing plates from an old vehicle to a new one. You must complete this process within 30 days of acquiring the new vehicle to avoid late penalties. The core requirement is submitting the Corrected/Adjusted Vehicle Transaction Application (Form VSD 190) along with your current vehicle registration card for the plates being transferred.

If the new vehicle’s title is in a different name than the old vehicle’s registration, you may need an Affirmation & Correction (Form VSD 393) to explain the discrepancy, such as after an inheritance. There is no additional fee for this form when submitted with the VSD 190.

When purchasing from a dealership, they often handle the transfer and title paperwork, bundling these state fees into your final cost. For private sales or transfers between family members, you must visit a Secretary of State facility directly. Remember that all listed fees are for standard passenger vehicles; commercial, RV, or other specialty vehicle categories may have different rates.

Always bring the new vehicle’s assigned title, properly signed by the seller, your proof of insurance, and a government-issued ID. Payment methods vary by location, but cash, check, or debit/credit cards are typically accepted, though card transactions may include a convenience fee.

[Stacy]

I just went through this last month when I bought a used car from my neighbor. I was able to keep my old plates. At the DMV office, I paid $175 total. The clerk explained it was $150 for the new title in my name and $25 to move my plates over. The whole thing took about 20 minutes once my number was called. I filled out Form VSD 190 beforehand, which saved a lot of time. My advice? Have your old registration card, the signed title from the seller, and your insurance proof ready in one folder. It makes the process seamless.

[DeLukas]

As someone who flips cars several times a year, I’ve done this plate transfer many times in Illinois. The $25 transfer fee is consistent, but people often forget the mandatory title fee unless it’s a direct swap between cars they already own. The real cost is always $175 for a newly acquired vehicle.

Many assume dealers inflate the fee, but they just pass through the state’s $150 title and $25 transfer charges. I recommend handling private sale transfers yourself; it’s straightforward. The key is the 30-day window—miss it, and you’ll face late filing penalties that quickly inflate your cost. Also, if your old registration sticker is expired or damaged, budget an extra $20 for a replacement. Keep the transaction clean and the paperwork exact to avoid needing a VSD 393 correction form, which can add time, though not an extra fee.

[DeCarson]

My experience was a headache because I missed a detail. I transferred my plates after my dad gave me his truck. We thought a simple signed title was enough. At the Secretary of State’s office, they pointed out the names didn’t match my registration directly. We needed Form VSD 393 to affirm the familial gift. It didn’t cost extra money, but it meant another trip to get his signature. The financial cost was still $175, but the time cost was high. The lesson? Even in a family transfer, if the name on the old plate registration isn’t identical to the new title, bring a completed VSD 393 or be prepared to get one. It’s a common pitfall that delays an otherwise simple $25 plate transfer process.

[VanKira]

Here is a straightforward guide to the costs and steps for an Illinois plate transfer, based on standard private party purchases.

Step 1: Gather Documents. You will need the vehicle’s signed title, your current registration card for the plates you’re transferring, valid auto insurance, and your driver’s license.

Step 2: Complete Form VSD 190. This is the main application. Fill in sections for both the plate transfer and title application. If the names between documents differ, also complete Form VSD 393.

Step 3: Calculate Your Fee. For most, the fee is fixed: $150 (title) + $25 (plate transfer) = $175. If your registration sticker is missing, add $20.

Step 4: Visit a Facility. Take all documents and payment to a Secretary of State facility. Dealerships handle this for new or used retail purchases.

Step 5: Receive Your Documents. You’ll get a new title mailed later and a corrected registration for the new vehicle with your existing plate number. There is no fee variation based on vehicle model; standard passenger vehicles use the rates shown. The process finalizes your legal ownership and maintains your registration history.