Illinois
Title Fee
$165.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.25%
Other Tax Rate
4.75
Who must title a vehicle in Illinois?
All motor vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, trailers, OHVs, off-highway motorcycles, mobile/manufactured homes, and powered watercraft over 21 feet must be titled.
Exempt: Implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, some watercraft, vehicles moved by animal power, U.S./state government vehicles, low-speed electric scooters, snowmobiles, and documented vessels.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Illinois Secretary of State (SOS), Vehicle Services Department.
Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) via the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System, submitted by mail or in person at an SOS Facility.
Title fee: $165.00 for vehicles, $250.00 for RVs, $30.00 for ATVs/low-speed vehicles/OHVs, $10.00 for watercraft (plus $2.00 processing fee).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Bill of sale and valid registration card (Statement of Ownership VSD 895 if no bill of sale).
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, or proof of compliance/exemption (documents not needed for vehicles 25+ years old).
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded titles: Required if standard docs can’t be surrendered (bond = 1.5x wholesale value, valid 3 years).
Brands: Flood, For Export Only, Not Eligible for Registration, Odometer Brands (Actual Mileage, Inoperable Odometer, Tampering Confirmed, Exceeds Mechanical Limits, Not Actual, etc.), Previously Branded, Rebuilt, Duplicate Certificate, “Junk Only Non-Registerable.”
Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for vehicles with damage >70% of value (or 50% for flood vehicles). Insurers must apply within 20 days of total loss payment.
Rebuilt: Requires salvage certificate, repair by licensed rebuilder, inspection, proof of parts, $94.00 inspection fee, and title fee.
Junk: Title/certificate surrendered within 15 days; “Junk Only” certificate issued, vehicle cannot be retitled.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Application for duplicate/corrected title; fee $50.00 ($30.00 for ATVs/OHVs, $7.00 for watercraft).
Expedited service available for $30.00 extra.
Affirmation of Correction (VSD 393) used for minor assignment/correction errors.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers and duplicate/corrected titles (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for rebuilt/specially constructed vehicles.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Electronic signatures and notarization are being implemented. E-Notary is accepted if notary is in Illinois.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Retailers’ Occupation Tax (ROT): 6.25% state rate + local taxes, imposed on sales from registered dealers.
Vehicle Use Tax: 6.25% on out-of-state dealer sales, or local private party use tax (see RUT-6).
Private Party Use Tax: Based on price or fair market value; rates vary by value/age (see RUT-5).
Trade-in credit: Allowed for dealer sales; not for private sales or watercraft/aircraft.
Exemptions: Nonresidents (with reciprocity), government/nonprofits, rolling stock, estate gifts to spouse, military, manufacturing/agriculture, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Property Tax: Levied by counties (mobile home tax certification required for titling, except Cook County).
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
Automobile Renting Occupation & Use Tax: 5.0% + local, for rentals ≤1 year.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Liens are entered on the title or title application; second liens require title submission by first lienholder.
Perfected as of creation if delivered within 30 days (21 days for watercraft), otherwise as of delivery date.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) system is voluntary for most vehicles.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release within 21 days of satisfaction (10 business days for cash/certified check).
Title/release delivered to next lienholder or owner; owner submits for clear title if desired.
Assignment: Title and assignment by current lienholder submitted for corrected title.
How does repossession work in Illinois?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Licensed repossession agencies must purchase recovery tickets and notify law enforcement before and after repossession.
Owner must be notified of right to redeem (Notice of Redemption); if not contested, title is assigned to new owner with Affidavit of Repossession (VSD 609).
For voluntary repossession, owner assigns to lienholder, who can then reassign.
For court-ordered repossession, provide court order, bill of sale, and title with lien released.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s liens require 60-day wait, certified mail to owner/lienholder, 30-day public notice, and sale; proceeds held for owner.
501 S. Second Street, Room 312, Springfield, IL 62756
217.785.3000 or 800.252.8980
Enforcement Agency:
Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department501 S. Second St., Room 312, Springfield, IL 62756
217.785.3000 or 800.252.8980
IL SOS Vehicle Services
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Illinois State Police: 801 S. Seventh St., Springfield, IL 62703, 217.786.6677
Key Regulations:
SOS manages titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 minimum (higher for commercial/for-hire).
Emission inspection required in certain counties for most 1996+ vehicles; safety inspection required for commercial/salvage/second division vehicles.
Two plates issued for most vehicles; one for motorcycles/trailers. Plates may transfer between immediate family.
Title/registration records kept 10 years (microfilm); registration records 2 years (database).