Your Guide To Illinois Car Registration (2026)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- Who Needs to Register a Vehicle in Illinois?
- What Documents Do You Need to Register a Car in Illinois?
- How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car in Illinois?
- How to Transfer an Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Illinois
- Where to Register Your Vehicle in Illinois
- Can You Register a Vehicle Online in Illinois?
- When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Illinois?
- Looking for More Information?
Summary
- If you buy a car in Illinois, you have 20 days to register it
- You have 30 days to obtain Illinois registration after moving to the state
- The license plate and registration fee is $151
Once you’ve purchased a new car, your next step should be to register it in your name. Here’s a look at the key steps in the Illinois car registration process.
Who Needs to Register a Vehicle in Illinois?
You need to register your car in Illinois if you meet any of these criteria:
- You’ve just purchased a vehicle from a private seller
- You’ve moved to Illinois from another state
- Your car was previously registered in Illinois, but the registration expired
You need to register a car in your name after a purchase from a dealership as well, but usually, the dealership will handle this process for you.
What Documents Do You Need to Register a Car in Illinois?
Before proceeding with your Illinois car registration, make sure you gather the following:
- A signed-over title
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of address
- Proof of insurance
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190)
- Illinois bill of sale, if you bought the car from a dealer
- Proof of Illinois residency, if registering a car from another state
In Illinois, a bill of sale is only required if you buy a car from a dealer. For private-party sales, bills of sale are optional.
If the car is less than 10 years old, you will also need an odometer disclosure statement.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car in Illinois?
The cost to title a standard vehicle in Illinois is $165, and the fee for registration and license plates is $151.
How to Transfer an Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Illinois
If you’re moving to Illinois and must transfer an out-of-state registration, gather these documents:
- Your current title, if you own the car outright
- Your registration and loan documentation, if you’re still making payments
- Form VSD 190
- Tax forms, specifically form RUT-50 for a private sale or RUT-25 for a dealer sale
- Proof of insurance
Once you move to Illinois, you have 30 days to transfer your vehicle registration.
Where to Register Your Vehicle in Illinois
In many cases, you will need to visit an Illinois Secretary of State facility to register. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to register online or by mail.
Can You Register a Vehicle Online in Illinois?
If you are a new Illinois resident or are transferring a vehicle title after a purchase, you generally need to register your vehicle in person. You can typically renew your registration online.
When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Illinois?
Vehicle registration generally lasts for a year, so you’ll need to renew your registration annually.
Looking for More Information?
Whether you want to know more about Illinois car registration or you have other legal questions, the team at ConsumerShield can help. Discover our educational resources and tools today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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You have 20 days to register your new vehicle. The time starts on the purchase date.
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In Illinois, driving without registration is illegal. If you don’t register the car within 20 days of purchase, you could be fined and ticketed.
