How to Register a Car in Illinois

Younis ShuaibUpdated September 17th, 2025

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If you own a vehicle and drive it on public roads in Illinois, state law requires you to have an up-to-date Illinois car registration. Getting caught driving with an unregistered car can lead to fines and penalties.

The Illinois vehicle registration process differs slightly depending on where and how you bought your car. This guide will walk you through the process of registering a car as a new resident or after buying from a dealer or private seller. You’ll also learn how to renew or replace a registration, obtain Illinois license plates, and what to expect with taxes and fees.

Illinois Car Registration Requirements at a Glance

The timeframe for registering a car, bought from either a dealer or a private owner, in Illinois is 20 days from the date of purchase. If you’re a new resident and bring an out-of-state vehicle, you have 30 days from the date of your move to complete your Illinois car registration.

When you lease a car, the dealership is responsible for initial registration. However, you must handle registration renewals.

To register your car, you’ll need the following documents:

• A completed Illinois application for title
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Proof of insurance (must meet Illinois car insurance requirements)
• Proof of ownership (previous owner’s title if privately purchased)
• A valid Illinois driver’s license or other state-issued ID
• A relevant tax form (more on that later)

If you drive a gas-powered car manufactured in 1996 or later and is more than four years old, then emissions testing is required every two years. Emissions tests are performed on even years for even-year models and on odd years for odd-year models, and the inspection month aligns with the expiration date of your car’s license plates.

Illinois car registration renewal and replacement deadlines depend on the calendar/fiscal year system. Multi-year plate registrations for passenger vehicles expire in December, while one- and two-year registrations expire at midnight on December 30th (for calendar-year registrations) or June 30th (for fiscal-year registrations).

Fees and Taxes for Illinois Car Registration

The fee for registering a standard passenger car in Illinois is $151. The title fee is $165. Illinois also has strict tax requirements for car registration.

There is a standard 7.25% state sales tax on vehicle purchases in Illinois based on the purchase price, although some cities and counties may charge additional taxes.

Use tax is also required for most transactions, with only a few exceptions for certain organizations and uses. For private sales, the model year and purchase price determine taxes owed. If you buy a car for less than $15,000, taxes depend on the model year. If it’s worth more than that, the amount you owe depends on the purchase price (or fair market value). You can use the Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Chart for 2025 to determine how much you owe.

You must submit forms to pay your taxes (or prove no taxes are due) when you register your car. Here’s a list of the forms you may need:

• Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return: Form RUT-25
• Use Tax Return for Lease Transactions: Form RUT-25-LSE
• Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return: Form RUT-50
• Sales Tax Transaction Return: Form ST-556
• Transaction Return for Leases: Form ST-556-LSE

Where and How To Submit Your Registration

There are three ways to submit your registration in Illinois:

• In person at a Secretary of State (SOS) location (for first-time registrations)
• Online on the SOS website (for renewals and replacements)
• By mail (only for title applications)

Registering a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership

Auto registration in Illinois is easy when you buy from a dealership. A licensed dealer will submit the title and registration documents on your behalf, and you pay the required fees and taxes, payable to the SOS, while at the dealership. Be prepared to provide your dealer with your driver’s license and proof of Illinois car insurance.

Although most dealerships will handle registration for you, as the legally responsible party, make sure your registration is accurate and that you renew it before expiration.

Registering a Car Bought Through a Private Sale

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, you are responsible for submitting the registration and title transfer paperwork, not the seller.

You’ll need the vehicle title, signed by the former owner, and your application for the vehicle transaction (Form VSD 190). Also, provide your Illinois driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale (if you have one). An odometer disclosure statement is also required if your car is under 10 years old.

You also have to pay Private Party Vehicle Use Tax (RUT-50) when you buy from a private seller.

How New Illinois Residents Can Register a Vehicle

When you move to Illinois with an out-of-state car, you have 90 days to transfer your driver’s license, but only 30 days to obtain a State of Illinois car registration certificate. To register, visit a local Illinois SOS facility to submit your forms and pay in person.

Here’s what you need to do, step-by-step:

1. Complete and print Form VSD 190.
2. Gather your applicable documents (the out-of-state title, RUT-25 or RUT-50, proof of insurance and residency, an odometer form, and lienholder information for financed vehicles).
3. Visit an SOS facility with all your documents and required payments.
4. Submit your forms, pay the required taxes, and get your temporary registration and license plates.
5. Receive your permanent registration, title, and plates via postal mail.

Compare Quotes Before You Register and Drive Off

Whether you have bought a new car at a dealership or through a private sale, or you recently moved to Illinois, you need reliable auto insurance before you register your vehicle.

Finding a policy that works for you and doesn’t break the bank can be tricky, but information is power. With EverQuote, you can see side-by-side policy comparisons from top insurance providers without the hassle of calling and getting multiple quotes.

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