How Long Do You Have to Register a Car in Illinois?

If you buy or move a car into Illinois, you generally have 20 days from the date of sale to title and register it, and 30 days to pay the use tax — new residents get 30 days from the day they establish residency. You will need the car’s title, proof of car insurance, and a VIN inspection for any vehicle titled outside Illinois before the Secretary of State’s office can complete your registration.

Illinois registration is administered by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department.

1. Deadlines

New residents: 30 days from establishing residency (625 ILCS 5/3-401).

Purchased vehicle: 20 days from date of sale for title and registration; tax due in 30 days.

Active military exemption: Active-duty service members may keep home-state registration.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (signed over by seller or out-of-state title).

VIN inspection for all out-of-state vehicles — Form VSD-333 signed by an Illinois police officer or licensed dealer.

Proof of insurance: 25/50/20 minimum (625 ILCS 5/7-203).

Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD-190).

RUT-50 (private party use tax form) or RUT-25 (dealer sale).

Valid Illinois driver license.

3. Fees

Registration fee: $151 (passenger), $164 (B-truck).

Title fee: $165.

EV surcharge: $100/year additional (625 ILCS 5/3-805.5).

Sales/use tax: 6.25% state + local (Chicago: 10.25%).

License plate fee: $29 to issue, $0 transfer.

4. Penalties

Late registration: $20 to $30 penalty.

Driving uninsured: $500 to $1,000 fine + 3-month registration suspension (625 ILCS 5/3-707).

Title application after 20 days: $20 penalty; after 30 days: $30 + tax interest.

5. Emissions Testing

Vehicles registered in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Will counties must pass a biennial emissions test (model years 1996 and newer, gasoline).

6. Online Renewal

Renewals available at ilsos.gov. First-time titling and out-of-state transfers require in-person visit due to VIN inspection requirement.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car in Illinois before I register it?

You can drive home on a dealer temporary permit or your existing out-of-state plates, but you still need to title and register the car within 20 days of the sale — driving past that window can bring the same $20 to $30 late penalty that applies to a late title or registration.

How many days do I have to register a car I bought in Illinois?

20 days from the date of sale to title and register the car, and 30 days to pay the 6.25% state use tax (plus any local rate, such as Chicago’s 10.25%) — see Sections 1 and 3 above.

Do I need car insurance before I can register my vehicle in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois requires proof of insurance meeting the 25/50/20 minimum liability limits (625 ILCS 5/7-203) before the Secretary of State will complete your registration, and driving uninsured can bring a $500 to $1,000 fine plus a 3-month registration suspension.

If you are relocating from a shorter-deadline state, see how long you have to register a car in Massachusetts after purchase for comparison — Massachusetts requires registration before you even drive the car.

This is legal information, not legal advice.