Illinois Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Illinois vehicle title fees, registration requirements, sales tax rates, lien laws, official forms, and military exemptions. Includes a fee calculator.
Fee Calculator
Estimate your Illinois title, registration, and sales tax costs. Uses the base state sales tax rate of 6.25%. Local taxes may apply (see Sales Tax section). IDNR fees are 3-year registration periods.
Taxable Price = Purchase Price + Doc Fees + Delivery/Freight/Prep + Add-Ons/Accessories + Chemically Applied Protection Products − Trade Allowance
If you already paid sales/use tax to another state on this vehicle, enter that amount here. Illinois will credit it against the tax owed — reducing your total.
Checks Payable To
- •Title & Registration Fees: Illinois Secretary of State
- •Sales Tax: Illinois Department of Revenue
* Estimate only. Local taxes, additional plate fees, and other charges may apply. IDNR fees are 3-year periods. Contact Illinois Title Services for an exact quote.
Title Fees
All motor vehicle titles are processed through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system via the Secretary of State. Watercraft, snowmobile, and OHV titles/registrations are handled separately through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Fees vary by vehicle type.
Motor Vehicle Title Fees (Secretary of State)
| Vehicle Type | Title Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles | $165 |
| Motorcycles | $165 |
| Recreational Vehicles (RVs) | $250 |
| Trailers | $165 |
| ATVs / OHVs | $30 |
| Expedited Title (additional) | $30 |
| Duplicate Title | $50 |
| Corrected Title | $50 |
| Repossessor Plates | $45 |
Watercraft, Snowmobile & OHV Fees (IDNR)
Registered Through the Department of Natural Resources
Watercraft, snowmobiles, and OHVs are registered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), not the Secretary of State.
Address: Watercraft/Snowmobile, 1 Natural Resources Way, PO Box 19226, Springfield, IL 62794-9226
Phone: 800-382-1696
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
A $2.00 processing fee is added to all watercraft and snowmobile application transactions.
Nonresidents must purchase a yearly snowmobile trail use sticker for $25.00 if the snowmobile is not registered in Illinois (expires June 30).
Watercraft Registration (3-Year Fees)
Watercraft under 22 feet in length and USCG-documented vessels pay the renewal fee. All fees below are for a 3-year registration period.
| Vessel Class | 3-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Class 1 — Powered watercraft less than 16 ft. and all motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats regardless of length | $28 |
| Class 2 — 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. | $60 |
| Class 3 — 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. | $160 |
| Class 4 — 40 ft. and over | $210 |
Snowmobile & OHV Registration (3-Year Fees)
| Type | 3-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Snowmobiles | $45 |
| OHV Usage Stamp | $15.50 |
Dealer or Manufacturer Title — $10
Corrected Title, Corrected Registration, Duplicate Title, Duplicate Decals, Duplicate Registration — $7 each
Title Search — $7
Proof of Ownership Requirements
- ●New vehicles: Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- ●Used vehicles: Certificate of Title assigned by previous owner
- ●Foreign vehicles: Additional federal forms and translations required
- ●Insufficient proof: Bonded title may be issued
Special Title Types
Salvage Title
Vehicles damaged beyond 70% of market value, or flood vehicles over 50%. Specific inspection required.
Rebuilt Title
Requires inspection and documentation. VIN inspection mandatory for specially constructed and rebuilt vehicles.
Junk Title
Requires a junking certificate. Vehicle cannot be rebuilt or driven on public roads.
Bonded Title
Issued when ownership evidence is insufficient. Requires a surety bond.
Sales Tax & Use Tax
6.25%
State Sales Tax (ROT)
Varies
Local Tax (County/City)
Use Tax
Out-of-State Purchases
Retailers' Occupation Tax (ROT)
The base state rate is 6.25% on vehicle sales. This is the minimum tax rate collected on every vehicle sale in Illinois, regardless of location.
Important: How Local Taxes Work in Illinois
Local taxes (county and city) are only collected by the dealership when the vehicle is purchased at a dealership located within that taxing jurisdiction. For example:
- •Chicago & collar counties: If a vehicle is purchased at a dealership in Chicago or one of the surrounding collar counties, the dealership is required to collect and forward the applicable local taxes to the city/county.
- •Purchased outside the taxing area: If a Chicago resident purchases a vehicle from a dealership outside of Chicago, the dealership does not collect the Chicago city tax. Instead, a separate tax bill is sent directly to the resident after the vehicle is registered.
- •Springfield: The same rule applies. Springfield's local tax is only collected by dealerships located within Springfield. Residents who buy elsewhere will receive a separate tax bill after registration.
Bottom line: Local taxes are based on where the selling dealership is located, not where the buyer lives. The buyer's home municipality may bill them separately after registration for any additional local taxes owed.
Vehicle Use Tax
Applies to vehicles purchased out of state and brought into Illinois. Based on the purchase price of the vehicle. Credit may be given for taxes paid to another state.
Private Party Use Tax
Applies to private-party vehicle sales. Tax is based on the vehicle's value or age. Rates may differ from dealer sales.
Lease Transactions
Lease transactions have specific tax and reporting requirements. Tax is typically collected on monthly payments.
Registration
Most vehicles operated on Illinois roads must be registered with the Secretary of State. Registration is renewed annually (or biennially for certain plates). Fees vary by vehicle type, weight class, and plate type.
First Division Vehicles & Motorcycles
First division vehicles include passenger cars, B-trucks (8,000 lbs or less), and similar vehicles.
| Vehicle / Plate Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicle (standard plates) | $151 |
| Vanity Plates | $164 |
| Personalized Plates | $158 |
| B-Truck (8,000 lbs or less) | $151 |
| Motorcycle | $41 |
| Autocycle | $151 |
| Antique Vehicle | $50 |
| Antique Motorcycle | $25 |
| Expanded-Use Antique Vehicle | $100 |
| Expanded-Use Antique Motorcycle | $50 |
| Low-Speed Vehicle | $36 |
| Commuter Van | $78 |
| Livery / Taxi | $78 |
| School Bus | $78 |
| Municipal Bus | $78 |
| Former Military Vehicle | $78 |
Registration Requirements
New Vehicle Registration
When titling a new or newly purchased vehicle, registration is typically processed at the same time through the ERT system. The dealership or remitter submits the title and registration application together.
Registration Renewal
Renewals can be completed online, by mail, or at a Secretary of State facility. Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days before expiration. A valid emissions test (if applicable) and proof of insurance are required.
Proof of Insurance
Illinois requires proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) to register a vehicle. Minimum coverage limits apply. Failure to maintain insurance can result in registration suspension.
Emissions Testing
Required in certain Illinois counties (primarily the Chicago metro area and Metro East/St. Louis area). Vehicles must pass an emissions test before registration can be renewed. Exemptions exist for newer vehicles, antique plates, and certain other categories.
Lien & Transfer Laws
Lien Recording
Liens must be recorded on the vehicle title. The Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system is being implemented for electronic lien management.
Lien Release
Lien releases must be filed in a timely manner to avoid penalties. Once the loan is paid off, the lienholder must release the lien so a clear title can be issued.
Mechanic's Liens
Mechanic's liens require proper notification to the vehicle owner and a public sale process before the lien can be enforced.
Repossession
Repossession of a vehicle in Illinois requires law enforcement notification. Repossessor plates are available for $45.
Title Transfers
Title transfers require proper assignment of the title. Odometer disclosure is required for most vehicles upon transfer. Adding or removing owners requires a corrected title and registration card.
Transfer on Death
Illinois allows beneficiary designation on vehicle titles. Transfer on death procedures allow for probate or affidavit filings.
Military & Veteran Exemptions
Active Duty & Veterans
- Active-duty military personnel have specific registration and fee exemptions
- License and registration deferral options available during active service
- Fee reductions available for qualifying veterans
- Special military license plates available
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Illinois Secretary of State forms and resources. Always verify you have the most current version.
Important: The Illinois Secretary of State no longer accepts paper title and registration applications. All applications must be submitted through the Electronic Registration & Title (ERT) system to prevent delays or errors.
Key Illinois SOS Title & Registration Forms
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| VSD 190 | Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) — completed via the ERT system |
| VSD 333 | Odometer Disclosure Statement for Title Transfers |
| RT 5 | Power of Attorney |
| VSD 703 | Seller's Report of Sale |
| VSD 106 | Certificate of Purchase |
| VSD 270 | Duplicate and Corrected Titles |
| VSD 393 | Affirmation of Correction |
| VSD 252 | Affirmation Non-Receipt of Title |
| VSD 707 | Request for Transfer of Vehicle Registration License Plates |
| VSD 293 | Vehicle Title and Registration — Tips for Properly Completing Your Applications |
| VSD 275 | Estates — Facts About Vehicle Title Transfers |
| RT OPR 31 | Small Estate Affidavit |
| VSD 773 | Beneficiary Affidavit |
| VSD 609 | Affidavit of Repossession |
| VSD 526 | Mechanic's Lien Affirmation |
| VSD 929 | Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Title for a Salvage or Junk Vehicle |
| RT 11 | Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate |
| RT OPR 26 | Fact Sheet — Titles Obtained by Bond |
| RT OPR 23 | Security Bond for Registration Without Certificate of Title |
| VSD 861 | Affirmation of Electric Vehicle |
| VSD 314 | Affirmation for Homemade Trailer |
| VSD 165 | Notice of Address Change |
| VSD 271 | Vehicle Titles and License Plates — For New Illinois Residents |
| VSD 375 | Secretary of State Information Request Form |
All forms link to the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Always verify you have the most current version before submitting.
Helpful Links
Title & Registration Application
Electronic Registration & Title (ERT) system
ERT Application Walkthrough
Video guide — step-by-step instructions
Fee Schedule
Complete fee listing
Vehicle Forms
Downloadable applications
License Plate Guide
Specialty & personalized plates
Title Status — Document Number
Look up by document number (barcode on application)
Title Status — VIN Inquiry
Look up title information by VIN
Find a Facility
SOS office locations
Additional Information
Emissions & Safety Inspections
Required for certain vehicles in designated counties. Check with your local facility to determine if your vehicle requires testing.
Insurance Requirements
Financial responsibility insurance is mandatory in Illinois with minimum liability limits. Proof of insurance is required for registration.
Special Plates
Illinois offers personalized, vanity, antique, military, and specialty plates. Additional fees apply for personalized and vanity plates.
Processing Offices
Titles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State offices in Springfield and Chicago. Processing times and online status checks are available.
Watercraft, Snowmobiles & OHVs
Registered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) with 3-year registration terms. A $2.00 processing fee applies to all watercraft and snowmobile transactions. Must be reported to IDNR within 15 days of transfer. Contact IDNR at 800-382-1696 or [email protected].
Driver Licenses
Graduated licensing for minors with multiple phases. Various classes and endorsements available. Fees vary by age and license type.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Illinois Secretary of State or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.