How long do I have to register a vehicle in Illinois?

Q: How long do I have to register a vehicle in Illinois?

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. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

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.

This is legal information, not legal advice.