Illinois Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Illinois

New residents in Illinois are required to provide legal documents before vehicle registration. This certifies their ownership's legitimacy and allows them to use Illinois Road without fear of reprimand.

In addition, new residents need to register their vehicle within 30 days after acquiring residency.

New IL residents should show proof of residency, such as bank statements and utility bills, to certify their residency has been established.

Next, the applicant may access a copy of the Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190) online through the Electronic Registration and Title System. This is the initial step, which is a prerequisite of the overall application.

Other than the abovementioned form, New IL residents should provide the following:

• Documents of auto insurance
• Completed vehicle safety inspection
• Proof of vehicle ownership (previous registration/ title from another state)
• Proof of vehicle ownership, such as previous registration or a title from another state
• RUT-50 Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (for vehicles purchased from previous private owners)
• RUT-25 Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return form (for vehicles purchased through the dealership)

Typically, applicants need forms RUT-25 or RUT-50. These can be obtained at the designated state facility. Remember, these forms contain unique transaction numbers, so avoid making copies before filling them out. Duplication can cause processing delays.

Applicants are advised to complete the transaction within seven days. Once finished, they can submit the forms or requirements to an IL SOS office. For applications via mail, applicants may address below:

Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Illinois

Illinois recognizes the challenges active military personnel (stationed inside and outside its borders) and their families face regarding vehicle registration. To ease this burden, it offers specific advantages.

Individuals stationed outside of Illinois who are active military personnel (or their families) are granted a grace period of up to 120 days. This allows them to continue driving a vehicle with an expired registration after returning to the state.

To benefit from this grace period, a Military Deferral Certificate is required. This certificate is available free of charge and can be mailed to their out-of-state address. The document can be obtained by contacting a local Illinois county office or searching online for the IL SOS office.

When applying for a Military Deferral Certificate via mail, the military personnel may address the application below:

Additional requirements, such as a copy of the current Illinois driver's license, plus a copy of the front and back of the Miltary ID card and out-of-state address, should also be mailed. Applicants may also send an email through militarydeferral@ilsos.net. For other concerns, they may contact the number 217-782-2720.

Standard procedures apply to military personnel who want to register a vehicle in Illinois. They can also refer to the Illinois Veteran Brochure for a breakdown of the benefits to military personnel stationed within and outside the state's borders.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased From a Dealership in Illinois

When a car is purchased through a dealership, the dealer handles most of the process. Dealers provide these services, from tax collection to vehicle registration, to minimize buyers' hassle.

IL SOS has provided Vehicle Title & Registration tips for applications vehicle owners may use for seamless transactions. It also sets specific instructions for them to register their units purchased from a dealership.

Here are the documents needed for vehicles acquired through the dealership:

• Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction/s form (VSD 190)
• A title containing the same information written on the application form
• Assignment of Title with certified odometer reading
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• RUT-25 Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return
• Payment for tax and other fees

The amount of tax is dependent on the vehicle's model year. Calculations vary if the car costs less than $15,000. Or the selling price itself determines the amount of tax owed.

Applications may be submitted via mail at the address below:

The applicant is advised to visit the nearest SOS office if they apply in person.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party in Illinois

In Illinois, vehicle owners whose unit is purchased from a private party may legally drive for 24 hours as long as they have the title. Owners are responsible for vehicle registration, which must be done by a registration agent or at the nearest SOS office.

The SOS will process the VSD 190 upon completion. A Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) will then be issued, which must be displayed in the exact location of the vehicle's rear license plate.

Individuals who purchase a vehicle from a private party and subsequently apply for a title and registration without involving a dealer, remittance agent, or Secretary of State representative can legally operate the vehicle under one condition.

A copy of their completed, signed, and verified VSD 190 must be displayed in the lower right corner of the front windshield. This application should be folded to ensure clear driver visibility.

Motorcycle Registration in Illinois

Like cars, motorcycles rely on a distinct registration system to establish ownership. During a motorcycle's initial registration, the owner must present the title and their valid driver's license.

Motor owners should complete the Application for Registration and Title form on the IL SOS website. Additionally, several key details about the motorcycle will be required. They are as follows:

• VIN
• Make, model, year of manufacture
• Present odometer reading

In addition to the documents above, additional requirements are needed:

• Title or Registration Application
• Tax Form RUT-50
• Payment for Tax and Registration (they can be in cash or check)

Note that some of these documents are not downloadable, so expect to do some paperwork in person.

Illinois License Plates

Illinois takes vehicle identification seriously through its license plate requirements. The state mandates that all registered vehicles display two license plates - one on the front and one on the rear. This requirement, outlined in Section 625 Illinois Compiled Statuses 5/3-413, is crucial for various law enforcement and traffic management purposes.

Both plates must be securely fastened to the vehicle, unobstructed, and positioned at least five inches above the ground. The law strictly prohibits displaying license plates inside the windshield.

For first-time applicants, completing a License Plates Request Form is necessary. This can be done in person at an Illinois SOS office or through their online services platform.

Illinois also offers personalized or vanity plates for vehicle owners who wish to customize their plates. These options allow for a degree of personal expression while still meeting the state's identification requirements.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Illinois?

Illinois drivers can deviate from the standard license plate and design their own with a vanity plate. This option allows a personalized combination of letters and numbers to be displayed on the vehicle. It adds a unique touch to the plate and may reflect the owner's preference.

The Pick-A-Plate system is the most convenient medium for vanity plate transactions, a service IL SOS offers. The system provides users with various options for finding the type of plate designs they wish to display on their vehicle. A vanity plate only contains three (3) numbers or 1 to 7 letters.

The waiting period for the release of the vanity plate is approximately 60 to 90 days from the time of the application. A fee of $114 is collected for vanity license plates.

If owners have not received the plate within 90 days, they should visit the local SOS facility. There, they can obtain a VSD 190. The staff will then forward the application to the Special Plates Division, which will prompt the production of a replacement set of plates free of charge.

Fees For All Vehicles

Below is the breakdown of registration/ license plate fees assigned per vehicle type:

• B-Truck ($151)
• B-Truck Personalized ($158)
• B-Truck Vanity ($164)
• C-Truck ($218)
• Motorcycle ($41)
• Motorcycle Personalized ($48)
• Motorcycle Vanity ($54)
• Passenger vehicle ($151)
• Passenger Personalized vehicle ($158)
• Passenger Vanity Vehicle ($164)
• Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities ($151)
• Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities, including personalized plate ($158)
• Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities, including a vanity plate ($164)
• RT (Recreational Trailer) 3,000 lbs or less ($18)
• RT (Recreational Trailer) 3,001 lbs - 8,000lbs ($30)
• RT (Recreational Trailer) 8,001 lbs - 10,000 lbs ($38)
• RT (Recreational Trailer) 10,001 lbs and over ($50)
• RV (Recreational Vehicle) 8,000 lbs or less ($78)
• RV (Recreational Vehicle) 8,001 lbs - 10,000 lbs ($90)
• RV (Recreational Vehicle) 10,001 lbs and over ($102)

Late Vehicle Registration Fees

In Illinois, failing to renew vehicle registration on time is considered a minor offense, categorized as a non-moving violation. Driving with an expired registration incurs a $90 fine.

A $20 late fee is also applied to renewals submitted more than 30 days past the due date. While this violation typically doesn't significantly impact insurance rates, it's important to remember that any stain on the owner's driving record could potentially lead to higher costs.

Other applicable fees are incurred based on the vehicle's specifications. For detailed information, owners may refer to the Vehicle Services Fees page on the IL SOS website.

Online Renewal

Online application for registration renewal is the most convenient way for most people. However, it is crucial that before this, an applicant should receive a renewal notice sent via mail or email. This notice includes the Registration ID and PIN required for online renewal through the License Plate Renewal/Vehicle Registration service page on the IL SOS website.

If individuals do not have a renewal notice, they should contact the Public Inquiry Division at 800-252-8980 to obtain their Registration ID and PIN. The Public Inquiry operator will request them to identify themselves by providing the license plate number and address used during the last vehicle address update with the Illinois SOS.

In-Person Renewal

Another option for renewing vehicle registration in Illinois is through an in-person visit. Residents can visit their nearest SOS facility. Regardless of the chosen location, bringing the renewal notice and payment method is essential.

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, credit card (major brands like American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa are accepted), and traveler's check. Using a credit card will incur an additional bank processing fee, which will be added to the total transaction amount.

Renewal via Phone

IL SOS also offers registration renewal via phone call. Applicants may use the Touch-Tone Phone System at 866-545-9609. They should also prepare their Registration ID and PIN, which can be found on the renewal notice, to proceed with the transaction.

Renewal via Mail

When renewing via mail, applicants must sign their name at the bottom of the renewal notice. Then, they should make a check payable to the IL SOS as payment for the renewal process. The mail should be sent to the address below:

Applicants would have to wait for 30 days for the delivery of their renewal sticker.

Fees for Registration Renewal in Illinois

Vehicle registration renewal fees in Illinois vary, but expect a base cost of $151 for standard vehicles. Additional charges may apply for vanity plates, late renewals, or local fees, depending on the ruling of the county or municipality.