License Plate Roundup: Illinois

Illinois: History and Interesting Facts

Before we get into Illinois' license plate designs, let's cover some background information on the state. In this section, read up on Illinois' history, iconic features, nicknames, and more.

When Was Illinois Established as a State?

While not formally admitted to the union until December 3, 1818, Illinois had long been known by native populations and explorers. The area that would eventually become the state of Illinois was initially discovered in 1673 by French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette as the two floated down the Mississippi River. 

The land remained part of the French Empire until 1763, when it was sold to Great Britain. After the American Revolution, it experienced several title and border changes. First, it was part of the Northwestern Territory, then part of the Indiana Territory, and finally, the Illinois Territory, before eventually becoming the 21st U.S. state.

What Is Illinois Most Known For?

Illinois is known primarily for its cities and culture. As home to one of the most significant inland ports in the U.S., Chicago, the state is an essential hub of inland trade and logistics. However, Chicago isn't just known for its port—it's also a sprawling metropolis renowned for its rich cultural scene, strong economy, and iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Bean. 

In addition to its urban features, Illinois is a vital agricultural state that produces a large percentage of the country's corn and soybean crops. 

Illinois also has considerable ties to the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, who spent most of his adult life in the state. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum documents Lincoln's life and presidency.

What Is Illinois' Nickname?

Illinois has several nicknames, the two most notable being "The Land of Lincoln" and "The Prairie State." 

The first nickname comes from the state, which sheltered the 16th U.S. president for much of his life, during which time he served as a lawyer and a U.S. representative. 

The latter nickname is derived from Illinois' once abundant grasslands, which originally covered much of the state. This nickname dates back to Illinois' first settlers.

Illinois' License Plate Designs

The Land of Lincoln is home to several standout license plates, and in this section, we're covering our experts' top ten selections. But before that, let's learn more about Illinois' licensing and registration rules.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

In Illinois, all vehicles must wear front and rear license plates, which the Illinois Secretary of State issues. Standard, randomized number plates are found on most vehicles and are issued at various fees depending on the action being taken. In most cases, first-time registration costs 316 dollars, renewal costs 151 dollars, and plate replacement costs 29 dollars. 

Alternatively, Illinois offers personalized and vanity plates, which require additional fees compounded with the costs above. A registration action with a vanity plate incurs an additional 94-dollar fee, while actions with a personalized plate add 47 dollars.

RealTruck Favorites

With licensing covered, let's get to the fun part—radical state plates! Take a look at our staff's top ten Illinois license plates, featuring unique designs, contributions to charitable organizations, or both.

Peoria Wildlife Prairie Park

Show support for Illinois' Peoria Wildlife Prairie Park, a unique zoological park spanning 2,000 acres. This restored prairie houses several animals in the same habitats they thrived in during the pioneer days, including wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bears, elk, cougars, otters, and more. 

The purchase of a Peoria Wildlife Prairie Park license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and 27 dollars upon each renewal. 

Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

Support Illinois' first responders with the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation license plate. Each Chicago Police Memorial Foundation license plate directly funds the maintenance of a memorial and park that honors fallen Chicago police officers. Fees also provide scholarships and financial assistance to the children and families of fallen or critically injured officers and fund medical care for terminally ill officers. 

Purchasing a Chicago Police Memorial Foundation license plate requires a 25-dollar initial and renewal feel.

Sporting Series

Whether an avid hunter of deer and waterfowl or a fisher, show support for Illinois' beautiful, sprawling wildlife parts that keep these hobbies alive. Sporting Series license plates depicting various animals showcase one's affinity for the great outdoors and sporting activities. Each purchase benefits the Illinois Habitat Fund, which ensures the protection, maintenance, and acquisition of quality wildlife habitats in Illinois.

The purchase of a Sporting Series license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee.

Route 66

Before the U.S. interstate highway system, California Route 66 was a lifeline for travelers between the West Coast and Great Lakes. While relatively obsolete in modern times, this iconic route is a glimpse into our past and an embodiment of Americana. 

The Route 66 license plate directly funds tourism to educate and preserve the former U.S. Illinois portion of Route 66. 

The purchase of a Route 66 license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee. 

Saluting Agriculture

U.S. agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy, feeding its citizens and stimulating growth in urban areas. Show your respect for Illinois agriculture with the Saluting Agriculture license plate, with proceeds benefitting agricultural education throughout Illinois schools. 

The purchase of a Saluting Agriculture license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee. 

Support Our Troops

Show support for those who risk their lives daily to protect and serve our great country with the Support Our Troops license plate. All revenue from this license plate benefits Illinois Support Our Troops—a non-profit organization that provides charitable assistance to troops and their families.

The purchase of a Support Our Troops license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee.

Pet Friendly

Fly your flag to fellow animal lovers with the Pet-Friendly license plate. This license plate directly funds animal overpopulation issues in Illinois. Proceeds from the plate go to spaying and neutering pets, helping to reduce shelter overcrowding and stray animal populations. 

Purchasing a Pet-Friendly license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee.

Illinois State Police Memorial Park

Like the Chicago Memorial Police Foundation license plate, the Illinois State Police Memorial Park license plate directly serves the families of Illinois police officers who've fallen or become critically injured in the line of duty. Proceeds from this license plate also help to maintain the memorial park dedicated to fallen Illinois first responders. 

The purchase of an Illinois State Police Memorial Park license plate requires a 25-dollar initial fee and renewal fee.

Environmental

The days of Illinois being covered in the great plains it once was during the pioneer era are long gone. However, several state parks provide some insight into the natural wildlife and plant populations, like a glimpse back in time. The Environmental license plate directly funds the preservation and maintenance of Illinois state parks through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' State Park Trust Fund. 

Purchasing an Environmental license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee.

Chicago Bulls

As an Illinois resident, it's tough to pledge allegiance to any other basketball team but the Chicago Bulls—a team with one of the most impressive dynasties in the history of the NBA. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Denis Rodman, amongst other notable players, are some of the most recognizable faces in the NBA who all gained notoriety on the Bulls. 

Show your support for the iconic team with the Chicago Bulls license plate. Proceeds will go to the Common School Fund. 

Purchasing a Chicago Bulls license plate requires a 40-dollar initial fee and a 27-dollar renewal fee.

Shop License Plate Products and Accessories

Every state offers a wide selection of unique license plates—Illinois included. If you're a proud Illinois resident, whether an urban Chicagoan or a rural dweller, display your ride's license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned next month for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we will tackle another state's top license plate artwork. As always, contact the experts for product inquiries and order assistance.