The last time I had a set of expired plates on a truck I hadn't used for a few years, I just went in and got new plates. In IL.if the plates are expired more then about 7 years they fall off the books and you can request the same number. If the plate has been expired more than one full year, you can get new plates. The only issue you have then is if you want the same plate number.
I just take my title in and order new plates, nothing has ever been said about back plate fees. Gene