Crespo Sponsors Measure to Prevent Drivers from Being Charged Late Registration Fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In response to the Secretary of State's office announcement they will no longer mail registration reminders to residents, state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, is sponsoring legislation to create a thirty-day grace period for drivers to pay their yearly fee without facing late charges.

"Late license registrations have dramatically increased, due to the discontinuation of mail reminders," Crespo said. "These individuals, many of whom are seniors, should not be financially penalized without warning due to the outstanding state budget."

In addition to waving late fees, Crespo's House Bill 4334 would prevent individuals from being ticketed due to an expired sticker during the thirty-day grace period. The grace period would only apply when the Secretary of State's office doesn't mail reminders to residents.

While motorists will no longer receive notifications via mail, those who have signed up to receive electronic reminder notices can receive them by email. To sign up for email license plate reminders visit www.ilsos.gov/greenmail. Residents will need the registration ID and pin that are on their current registration card. If you do not have your current registration card, call the Public Inquiry Division at (800) 252-8980 to receive your registration ID and pin. Another easy way for drivers to see when their registration expires is by looking at the sticker on their license plate. The month and year listed on the sticker is the deadline for renewal.

"The discontinuation of registration reminders is just one example of how state operations are being negatively affected due to the ongoing budget stalemate," Crespo said. "As Chairman of the Appropriations General Services Committee, I will be working with the Secretary of State's Office to find ways we can improve the services offered to residents in a cost-efficient manner."