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Chicago Vehicle Sticker Guide

icon VehicleOwnerGuideJuly2011[1].pdf (653 KB)

The City Vehicle Sticker is an annual wheel tax levied by the City of Chicago. If you have a vehicle within the city limits for a period of thirty (30) days or longer, you are required to purchase a sticker.

The most convenient way to purchase your sticker is to return the renewal application which arrives every year in the mail. If you prefer, you can also purchase your vehicle sticker in person after June 1st at the Office of the City Clerk in Room 107 of City Hall (121 North LaSalle) or through the City Clerk's website (http://www.chicityclerk.com/). We do NOT sell city stickers at the 28th Ward Service Office.

There will no longer be a separate annual residential permit parking sticker. If you purchase an annual residential parking permit, your new vehicle sticker will now include your residential parking permit zone number and license plate number. The permit parking zone number is printed right on the vehicle sticker.

Stickers can also be purchased at many currency exchanges and banks located within the city limits. 

Requirements

You must provide your vehicle registration and proof of residency. If you are purchasing your sticker at a Currency Exchange, you must have in-state license plates.

Cost

The annual cost for most passenger automobiles is $75.00. However, some larger vehicles (those over 4,500 lbs) cost $120.00. If you are age 65 or older, you are eligible for a senior citizen discount on your sticker (see Prorated Sticker Fees below). For a downloadable, complete list of vehicle types and costs, click here.

If you purchase your city sticker after July 16th of each year, you are subject to a $40 late fee. However, if you are a new resident or a current resident who has purchased a new or used vehicle (within the last 30 calendar days), you are not subject to the late fee. You must provide your bill of sale or documentation that you recently moved into the City of Chicago.

The City of Chicago prorates vehicle stickers for two reasons only: for new residents and new car buyers. New car buyers and new residents have 30 days from the date of purchase of the vehicle or the beginning of residency in the city to apply for the prorated parking vehicle stickers. Applicants seeking to buy the prorated vehicle stickers must provide documentation substantiating either the date of purchase of the vehicle or the establishment of residency.

For more information on vehicle stickers, visit the website of the Chicago City Clerk. Note: stickers purchased from currency exchange and banks may include a processing fee.