Illinois License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide
Front + Rear Required
Quick Answer
Illinois requires both front and rear plates on most passenger vehicles.
The Law at a Glance
Statute
625 ILCS 5/3-413
Mounting
Front + Rear Required
Plate Format
AB 12345
Penalty
Petty offense; varies by jurisdiction.
Plate Design
Blue background, white 'Illinois', 'Land of Lincoln' tagline, Lincoln silhouette.
Recent Changes
Illinois issued the 'Universe' redesign in 2017. Older plates remain valid.
State-Specific Notes
Illinois has used 'Land of Lincoln' since 1954, one of the longest-running plate slogans.
Plate Design Details
First Issued
January 1, 2017 (embossed); 2023 (printed using North Carolina's dyes)
Plate Style
Embossed (now printed) serial; reflective sheeting
Full Design
Reflective gradient blue-to-white with white Chicago and Springfield skyline and gray Abraham Lincoln graphic at far left; state name in black at top — 'Land of Lincoln'
Current Format
AB 12345 (2017–present); AB1 2345 (2017 only)
Letter Exclusions
I and O are not used.
Historical Plates Still Valid
Earlier 'Land of Lincoln' Lincoln-portrait plates (July 2001 – early 2017) with formats 123 4567, A12 3456, AB1 2345 remain valid. Originally valid for 10 years, but new plate issuance was delayed until January 2017.
Notable Facts
Illinois has used the slogan 'Land of Lincoln' since 1954 — one of the longest-running state plate slogans in U.S. history. Low-digit Illinois plates are status symbols, sometimes distributed by elected officials.
How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Illinois
atroq frames in Illinois are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Illinois's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since Illinois requires both plates, customers typically order frames in pairs.
Design your Illinois-compliant frame
Premium custom license plate frames built for Illinois's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a front license plate required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires both a front and rear license plate on all registered passenger vehicles. Illinois requires both front and rear plates on most passenger vehicles.
What is the Illinois license plate format?
Illinois uses the format AB 12345 for standard passenger plates.
Are there any recent Illinois license plate law changes?
Illinois issued the 'Universe' redesign in 2017. Older plates remain valid.
Are decorative license plate frames legal in Illinois?
Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Illinois as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Illinois display requirements.
What size are Illinois license plates?
Illinois issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.
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