State registration of automobiles in Illinois began in 1907, while state-issued plates started in 1911.  1912 through 1918 front plates had cut-outs or holes punched to allow air to the vehicle's radiator, while the rear plates were solid.  The 1927 map design was attractive but said to resemble another digit.  Illinois issued the most fiberboard plates of any state from 1943 through 1948.  The downside to fiberboard was that plates were being eaten off vehicles by hungry dogs!  The current issue of plates started in 2016.