Gold Star License Plates Guide
Affirmation • Benefit Access Program • Pick-a-Plate Online!
Any Illinois resident who is a surviving widow/widower, parent or sibling(s) of a person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and lost his/her life while serving during peacetime or war. The surviving widow/widower, parent, daughter, son or sibling(s) may be issued one set of plates. A Gold Star Affirmation verifying receipt of the Gold Star, including the service member’s name and relationship to the applicant is required.
No registration fee shall be required from a surviving widow, widower, or parent of a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and lost his or her life while in service while in wartime.
*For any electric vehicle that would like a Gold Star license plate on their vehicle there will be an additional $100 surcharge to the registration.
Fees
Standard License Plates
For Parents and Widow/ Widowers
- Newly acquired vehicle/first-time issuance - $155 ($155 title fee + $0 registration fee)
- Currently titled vehicle/first-time issuance - $0 ($0 registration fee)
- Current plates expire within 90 days - $0 ($0 registration fee)
- Current plates do not expire within 90 days - $0
- Annual renewal - $0 ($0 registration fee)
For Siblings and Children
- Newly acquired vehicle/first-time issuance - $306 ($155 title fee + $151 registration fee)
- Currently titled vehicle/first-time issuance - $151 ($151 registration fee)
- Current plates expire within 90 days - $151 ($151 registration fee)
- Current plates do not expire within 90 days - $0
- Annual renewal - $151 ($151 registration fee)
To Apply
- One must provide a Gold Star Affirmation statement attesting to receipt of the Gold Star, including the service member's name and relationship to the applicant.
- The request can only be processed in Springfield. Apply in person or mail the proper documentation to:
Secretary of State
501 S. 2nd St.
Howlett Building, Room 541
Springfield, Illinois 62756
Availability
- Gold Star license plates are multi-year and may be displayed on passenger vehicles, trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less and sport utility vehicles.
- Eligible for Benefit Access Program
Renewal Methods
- Gold Star license plates can be renewed online, by mail, touch-tone phone, or visit a Secretary of State Facility.