What to do with Illinois plates after moving to Vermont
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Illinois instruction only after the Vermont registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Register a vehicle principally operated in Vermont within 60 days after moving to the state.
Maintain Vermont-compliant automobile insurance before operating and registering the vehicle.
Revoke the Illinois plate record after the replacement registration is active
After the destination registration is active, submit VSD 851, Vehicle License Plates Revocation Request, using the registered-owner-moved-out-of-state reason. Keep a copy and delivery proof before treating the old insurance record as closed.
Open the official Illinois instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Vermont
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Illinois plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Illinois Secretary of State: Plate revocation requestChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Vermont Legislature: New-resident vehicle registrationChecked 2026-07-31 ↗Registration
- Vermont DMV: Registration, tax, and title instructionsChecked 2026-07-31 ↗LicenseRegistrationInsuranceTitle / lienTax / fees