FP stands for "Formerly Incarcerated Person"

FP on an Illinois license plate indicates that the driver has been incarcerated and has completed their sentence. Illinois introduced this designation in 2021 as part of a program to help people reintegrate into society after release from prison. The letters appear on the plate itself, making the status visible to law enforcement and others who see the vehicle.

The FP designation is optional—you do not have to use it. Many people choose to get an FP plate because it comes with practical benefits, particularly during traffic stops. Police officers in Illinois are trained to recognize FP plates and are instructed to exercise discretion during interactions with drivers who display them.

The program is administered by the Illinois Secretary of State's office, which handles all vehicle registration and licensing matters in the state. Getting an FP plate involves a straightforward process through your local Secretary of State facility or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • FP plates are optional and available only to people who have completed their incarceration and been released from Illinois Department of Corrections custody.
  • Law enforcement in Illinois receives training on the FP designation and is instructed to use discretion during traffic stops involving FP plates.
  • You can request an FP plate at any Secretary of State driver services facility or through the mail using the appropriate process form.
  • The FP designation appears on the physical plate and is visible to anyone who sees your vehicle, so consider your privacy preferences before requesting one.

Who is may be able to access for an FP plate

To get an FP plate, you must have been incarcerated in an Illinois Department of Corrections facility and have been released after completing your sentence. You cannot use an FP plate if you are still incarcerated, on parole, or on probation—you must have fully completed your sentence and been discharged from the department's custody.

The plate is available regardless of the type of offense you were convicted of or the length of your sentence. There is no waiting period after release; you can request an FP plate as soon as you have been discharged from the Department of Corrections.

You must also hold a valid Illinois driver's license and own or lease the vehicle you want to register with an FP plate. If you do not currently have a valid license, you will need to obtain one through the standard process before you can register a vehicle with FP designation.

How to request an FP plate

You can request an FP plate in person at any Secretary of State driver services facility across Illinois. Bring your valid driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership or lease (such as a title, registration, or lease agreement), and documentation showing your release from the Illinois Department of Corrections. A discharge summary or release letter from the Department of Corrections works for this purpose.

If you do not have a discharge document, contact the Illinois Department of Corrections directly and request a certified copy of your release paperwork. You can reach them through their public information office, and they can mail the document to you. This typically takes one to two weeks.

You can also request an FP plate by mail. Contact your local Secretary of State facility to request the process form, or visit the Secretary of State website to read it. Mail the completed form along with copies of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and discharge documentation to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail usually takes three to four weeks.

What happens during a traffic stop with an FP plate

When a police officer sees an FP plate during a traffic stop, they are trained to recognize it as a designation for someone who has completed their sentence. Illinois law enforcement agencies have received guidance to exercise discretion and use the information appropriately during interactions.

The FP plate does not grant you immunity from traffic laws or police enforcement. You can still be stopped for traffic violations, and you must follow all standard procedures during a stop. However, the presence of the FP designation may influence how an officer approaches the interaction, particularly in situations where discretion is involved.

You are not required to explain the FP designation to an officer—they are trained to understand what it means. If you are uncomfortable discussing your history, you can straightforward comply with the officer's requests and exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing your license, registration, and proof of insurance.

Privacy considerations before getting an FP plate

Because an FP plate is visible to anyone who sees your vehicle, you should think carefully about whether you want this information displayed publicly. Your incarceration history becomes apparent to other drivers, pedestrians, parking lot attendants, and anyone else who notices your plate.

Some people find the benefits during police interactions worth the visibility. Others prefer to keep their history private and choose a standard plate instead. There is no penalty for choosing not to use an FP plate—you can register your vehicle with a regular Illinois plate and your history will not be visible on the plate itself.

If you get an FP plate and later change your mind, you can switch back to a standard plate at any time by visiting a Secretary of State facility or submitting a request by mail. The process is the same as the initial request.

Cost and renewal of FP plates

FP plates cost the same as standard Illinois license plates. There is no additional fee for the FP designation. You pay the regular registration fee based on your vehicle type and the registration period you choose.

FP plates renew on the same schedule as any other Illinois plate. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your registration expires, and you can renew by mail, online through the Secretary of State website, or in person at a driver services facility. When you renew, you can keep the FP designation or switch to a standard plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an FP plate if I am on probation or parole?

No. You must have completed your entire sentence and been fully discharged from the Illinois Department of Corrections. If you are still under supervision, you are not yet may be able to access. Once your probation or parole ends and you receive a final discharge, you can then request an FP plate.

Will an FP plate affect my insurance rates?

No. Your insurance rates are based on your driving record, vehicle type, age, and other standard factors. The FP designation on your plate does not factor into insurance calculations. Your insurer will not see the plate designation unless you tell them.

What if I lost my discharge paperwork from the Department of Corrections?

Contact the Illinois Department of Corrections and request a certified copy of your release documentation. You can call their public information office or write to them with your name, date of birth, and case number if you have it. They will mail you official paperwork that you can use to request an FP plate.

Can I transfer an FP plate to a different vehicle?

Yes. You can transfer an FP plate to a different vehicle by visiting a Secretary of State facility or submitting a transfer request by mail. Bring your current registration and proof of ownership for the new vehicle. The transfer process is the same as transferring any other Illinois plate.

Does an FP plate show up on background checks?

No. The FP plate is a vehicle registration designation only. It does not appear on criminal background checks or employment screening reports. Your incarceration history is a matter of public record through the court system, but the plate itself is not a source of that information.