Understanding the Connection Between Emissions Testing and Registration Renewal

Vehicles must pass an emissions test or otherwise comply with the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 (625 ILCS 5/13C) (“Inspection Law”) before the vehicle’s registration (license plates) can be renewed. A Test Notice is mailed up to four (4) months prior to your vehicle’s license plate expiration to remind you to take your vehicle in for an emissions test.

The Secretary of State’s Office mails License Plate Renewal Notices that include a statement as to whether compliance with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law is required before a vehicle’s registration can be renewed.

The Secretary of State’s Office sends paperless License Plate Renewal Notices via email to individuals who register at https://www.ilsos.gov/greenmail. Electronic notices do include a statement as to whether compliance with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law is required before a vehicle's registration can be renewed. 

To determine if your vehicle is eligible for an emissions test this year, use this Vehicle Eligibility Check tool.

Remember, you must have your vehicle tested before you can renew your registration. If your license plates have expired, you must obtain a 7-day permit from any full-service Secretary of State driver's license facility to legally operate the vehicle while you get your vehicle tested.

Once a vehicle complies with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law, the Secretary of State's office is automatically notified electronically that the vehicle has complied; thereby allowing a renewal sticker to be sold at a Secretary of State facility, currency exchange or other authorized agent, including the high capacity drive-thru testing stations.

In rare instances, electronic communication between the testing station and the Secretary of State's system may be interrupted. Therefore it may be necessary to wait at least one (1) business day before you renew your registration.

Please note that while the vehicle may be tested up to four (4) months prior to license plate expiration, the plates may only be renewed within three (3) months of the expiration date.

Save Time! Renew Your Registration at a High Capacity Drive-Thru Testing Station!

Illinois motorists now have the option to renew their registration tags after their vehicle successfully passes an emissions test at a testing station. When it does, you will receive a passing emissions inspection certificate.

To renew, take the certificate to the testing station office before you leave the facility. No SOS renewal notice is needed to renew. Additional fees apply. Acceptable forms of payment include: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. No cash is accepted.