Illinois Car Registration Fees
Complete breakdown of car registration costs in Illinois — base fees, title, plates, sales tax, smog, and total first-year estimates.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Registration Fee | $151 |
| Weight / VLF Fee | Included in base for passenger vehicles under 8,000 lbs |
| Title Fee | $150 |
| Sales Tax Rate | 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro up to 10.25%) |
| License Plates | $9 vanity plate fee additional |
| Smog / Emissions | Emissions testing $20–$30 in Cook County and collar counties |
| Renewal Frequency | Annual |
New Vehicle (First Year)
$1,800–$3,100 for a new $30,000 vehicle (Chicago area)
Used Vehicle (First Year)
$600–$1,200 for a used $10,000 vehicle
Illinois Note
Illinois has one of the highest combined state+local sales tax rates in the country. The Chicago metro area can reach 10.25% total sales tax on vehicle purchases.
Registration Process
- 1
Get a bill of sale or dealer invoice
You will need proof of the purchase price for tax calculation. For private-party sales, a signed bill of sale is required by Illinois Secretary of State.
- 2
Complete the title transfer
Pay the $150 title fee and any applicable sales tax (6.25% state + local (Chicago metro up to 10.25%)) at Illinois Secretary of State. Title transfer is required before registration.
- 3
Submit registration application
Submit the registration form with proof of insurance, the title, and payment for registration fees. Base fee: $151. Included in base for passenger vehicles under 8,000 lbs.
- 4
Obtain plates and sticker
Illinois Secretary of State will issue license plates ($9 vanity plate fee additional) and a registration sticker. Display the sticker on your license plate as required.
- 5
Schedule emissions if required
Schedule an emissions inspection: Emissions testing $20–$30 in Cook County and collar counties. Many counties require this before registration is complete.
Age-Based Fee Adjustments
No standard age-based reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to register a car in Illinois?
- For a new vehicle purchase, expect to pay $1,800–$3,100 for a new $30,000 vehicle (Chicago area). For a used vehicle purchase, expect $600–$1,200 for a used $10,000 vehicle. The main components are: base registration fee ($151), title fee ($150), 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro up to 10.25%) sales tax, and plate fees.
- How often do you renew car registration in Illinois?
- Illinois requires annual registration renewal. Renewal notices are mailed to the address on file with Illinois Secretary of State.
- Does Illinois require a smog or emissions test to register a vehicle?
- Illinois requires an emissions inspection in certain counties. Cost: Emissions testing $20–$30 in Cook County and collar counties.
- What documents do I need to register a car in Illinois?
- You will need: (1) the vehicle title in your name, (2) proof of insurance meeting Illinois minimum requirements, (3) completed registration application, (4) payment for all fees, and (5) valid government-issued photo ID.
- Can I register a car in Illinois online?
- Illinois offers online registration renewal for vehicles already registered in the state. New registrations and title transfers typically require an in-person visit to Illinois Secretary of State.
- How is Illinois car registration tax calculated?
- Illinois calculates registration tax as follows: 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro up to 10.25%). No standard age-based reduction Illinois has one of the highest combined state+local sales tax rates in the country. The Chicago metro area can reach 10.25% total sales tax on vehicle purchases.
Official Fee Calculator
Use the official Illinois fee estimator at Illinois Secretary of State for an exact quote based on your VIN and purchase price.
Need a Bill of Sale for Illinois?
A signed bill of sale documents the purchase price used to calculate Illinois sales tax.
Generate Illinois Bill of Sale