How to Register a Car in Illinois After a Private Sale
You have 30 days from date of purchase to register your newly purchased vehicle in Illinois. Here is every document you need, what it will cost, and exactly where to go.
Deadline
30 days
Title Fee
$165
Sales Tax
6.25%
Smog Required
Yes
Required Documents in Illinois
- Signed Illinois Certificate of Title
- Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
- Proof of Illinois auto insurance
- Odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old)
- Payment for title fee ($165), registration ($151), and sales tax
Illinois Registration Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $165 |
| Annual registration fee | $151 annually (standard passenger vehicle) |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro avg ~10%+) |
| Smog inspection | Required — $30–$80 at test-only station |
Illinois has one of the highest title fees in the country at $165. This is a one-time fee per transfer. Annual registration is $151 for standard passenger vehicles.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Car in Illinois
- 1
Get a signed title from the seller
The seller must sign the back of the Illinois Certificate of Title in the appropriate seller section, entering the odometer reading and sale date. Do not accept an unsigned title — it cannot be transferred.
- 2
Obtain a bill of sale
A bill of sale documenting the sale price, date, VIN, and both parties' names is required in Illinois to calculate the 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro avg ~10%+) sales/use tax at the DMV. Keep a copy for your records.
- 3
Get a smog/emissions certificate
Illinois requires a smog or emissions certificate before title transfer. Illinois requires emissions testing in the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will counties). Testing required every 2 years for vehicles 4+ years old.
- 4
Obtain proof of insurance
You must show proof of Illinois insurance meeting the state minimum liability requirements. Contact your insurer before completing the purchase — most policies extend to newly acquired vehicles for 30 days.
- 5
Visit Illinois Secretary of State
Bring all required documents to Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois Secretary of State offers online title and registration services at ilsos.gov for some transactions. Private party title transfers typically require mailing or in-person visit. Pay the title fee ($165), registration fee ($151 annually (standard passenger vehicle)), and applicable sales tax (6.25% state + local (Chicago metro avg ~10%+)).
- 6
Receive your plates and registration card
Illinois will issue your registration card immediately or by mail. New plates are typically available same day. Your new title arrives by mail within 4–8 weeks. Illinois has one of the highest title fees in the country at $165. This is a one-time fee per transfer. Annual registration is $151 for standard passenger vehicles.
FAQ — Illinois Car Registration
How long do I have to register a car after buying it in Illinois?
Illinois requires title transfer and registration within 30 days from date of purchase. Operating a vehicle with an untransferred title may result in penalties. The deadline runs from the date of sale on the bill of sale and title.
How much does it cost to register a car in Illinois?
Illinois registration costs include: title fee $165, registration fee $151 annually (standard passenger vehicle), and sales/use tax of 6.25% state + local (Chicago metro avg ~10%+). Total out-of-pocket for a $10,000 vehicle purchase is typically $800–$1,500 depending on county.
Do I need a smog check to register a car in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires emissions testing in the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will counties). Testing required every 2 years for vehicles 4+ years old.
Can I register a car online in Illinois?
Yes, partially. Illinois Secretary of State offers online title and registration services at ilsos.gov for some transactions. Private party title transfers typically require mailing or in-person visit.
What documents do I need to register a used car in Illinois?
Required: Signed Illinois Certificate of Title; Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190); Proof of Illinois auto insurance; Odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old); Payment for title fee ($165), registration ($151), and sales tax.
What if the seller did not give me the title?
You cannot register or legally operate the vehicle without a properly signed title. Contact the seller immediately — they must sign the title over to you. If the seller is unresponsive or the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title from Illinois Secretary of State before the transfer can be completed. Never purchase a vehicle without receiving the signed title at the time of sale.
Need a Illinois Bill of Sale?
A proper bill of sale is required to establish the taxable sale price at the Illinois DMV.
Create Illinois Bill of Sale