You just bought a car—congratulations. Now you need to get it home legally. In Illinois, that means one of two things: permanent plates already in hand, or a temporary registration permit (commonly called a “temp tag”). Getting this step wrong can cost you a fine before you’ve even made your first car payment.
This guide cuts straight to what Illinois drivers actually need to know: exactly how to get a temp tag, how long it lasts, the display rules, and what happens if it expires.
How to Get an Illinois Temp Tag
Unlike some states that issue standard cardboard plates, Illinois temp tags are printed certificates (TRPs). How you get yours depends entirely on how you bought the vehicle.
Scenario A: Buying from a Licensed Dealer
If you buy a vehicle from a licensed Illinois dealership, the process is incredibly smooth. The dealer is authorized—and legally required—to issue a temporary registration permit at the point of sale.
- What you do: Nothing extra. The dealer completes the application electronically, bundles the registration fees into your purchase paperwork, and provides you with the temp tag before you drive off the lot.
Scenario B: Private Sale (Online Application)
If you purchased a car from a private seller on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, you can skip the DMV line by using the Illinois Secretary of State’s online portal.
- What you do: Visit the Illinois Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system online. You can fill out your Application for Vehicle Transaction, pay your title and registration fees via credit card, and print a temporary paper plate right from your home printer.
Scenario C: Private Sale (In-Person at SOS Office)
If you prefer to handle things in person, you must visit an Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) facility (locations are searchable at ilsos.gov).
- What you do: Bring the signed-over title, a bill of sale, valid photo ID, proof of Illinois liability insurance, and payment for your title and registration fees.
- The 24-Hour Grace Period: Illinois law generally allows you to drive a legally purchased vehicle without plates for 24 hours after a private sale so you can get it home or to an SOS facility. You must carry the signed title and bill of sale with you during this drive.+1
How Much Does an Illinois Temp Tag Cost?
There usually isn’t a standalone fee just for a standard 90-day temp tag. Instead, the temporary permit is issued to you when you pay your required permanent fees:
- Certificate of Title Fee: Typically $165.
- Registration/License Plate Fee: $151 for standard passenger vehicles (costs vary for heavy trucks or specialty plates).
- Note for out-of-state buyers: If you bought a car in Illinois but are registering it in another state, you can purchase a specific 90-day “drive-away” permit from the SOS for $27 to legally transport the vehicle home.
The Rules: Display, Duration, and Expiration
Illinois temporary registration permits are governed under 625 ILCS 5/3-402. Proper display and adherence to timelines are critical.
How Long Does It Last?: Illinois temporary registration permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance—one of the longer windows in the country. The 90-day clock starts from the date printed on the permit, not from when you first drive the vehicle.
Can It Be Renewed or Extended?: Generally, no. Illinois does not issue a second temporary permit for the same vehicle. If your 90-day window is expiring and you haven’t received permanent plates due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., a title dispute or dealer delay), contact the Illinois SOS immediately. Do not wait for it to expire.
How to Display Your Temp Tag
Improper display is a citable offense even if the permit itself is valid. Law enforcement can verify your permit’s authenticity via license plate reader systems, so it must be visible.
- Location: Securely affixed to the rear of the vehicle (typically in the license plate bracket area or the rear window, depending on the specific permit type and instructions).
- Orientation: Upright and fully legible.
- Obstruction: It must not be covered, folded, or obscured by dark tint, license plate frames, or dirt.
- Damage: A damaged or water-logged temp tag should be replaced. Drive to the SOS office rather than risking a citation.
- (For motorcycles, the permit is typically displayed near the rear fender).
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the dealership immediately. They are legally obligated to issue one. If they are unresponsive, visit an SOS facility directly with your bill of sale and signed title.
No. Illinois law requires plates to be registered to the current owner. Old plates must be removed by the seller.
Licensed auction facilities can typically issue temporary permits just as dealers do. Confirm with the auction house before assuming you’ll receive one automatically.
Driving without valid registration—including an expired temp tag—is a petty offense under Illinois law, carrying fines starting at $50 to $200. Repeated violations or aggravating circumstances (such as having no insurance) can result in vehicle impoundment and court appearances. Altering a temp tag is a serious criminal matter.
Conclusion
Illinois temp tags are straightforward: 90 days, one issuance, and clear display rules. The generous timeframe means most buyers can complete permanent registration comfortably, but only if they start the process early. Use your 90-day window as a countdown clock: finalize your title transfer, secure your insurance, and track your permanent plates so you stay fully legal on the road.
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