Illinois Trailer Title Transfer
Trailer title requirements in Illinois depend on the trailer's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Below the threshold — registration only, no title needed. Above the threshold — title required through the Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services.
Title Threshold
Trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR
Illinois requires a title only for trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR. Trailers 3,000 lbs and under require registration through the SOS but no title is issued.
Title Fee
$150
Illinois has the highest trailer title fee of major states — the same rate applied to cars.
Processing Time
4–6 weeks
IL SOS mail-in processing. Secretary of State driver services facilities may process in-person but typically for registration only.
Commercial Threshold
8,000 lbs GVWR
Illinois commercial trailer registration (C plates) required for trailers over 8,000 lbs GVWR used in commerce. Different fee structure and annual weight stickers.
Permanent Registration
Not Available
Illinois does not offer permanent trailer registration. Annual renewal required.
Required Documents
- 1Completed VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction)
- 2Signed title or MCO (for trailers over 3,000 lbs)
- 3Bill of sale
- 4Proof of IL insurance (if applicable)
- 5Payment for fees
For trailers 3,000 lbs and under: use Form VSD 190 for registration only — no title section required. Bill of sale is the primary ownership document.
Specialty Trailer Rules
Horse & Livestock Trailers
Illinois horse trailers: most 2-horse trailers are near or under 3,000 lbs GVWR empty. Confirm GVWR before determining if a title is required. Larger livestock trailers typically exceed 3,000 lbs.
Boat Trailers
Boat trailers over 3,000 lbs require a title through IL SOS. The boat itself is titled through IDNR — two separate agencies for boat + boat trailer in Illinois.
Illinois Note
Illinois' $150 title fee applies to all trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR — the same flat fee as a car. This is unusually expensive for trailers in the $500–$2,000 value range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GVWR trailers require a title in Illinois?
Trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR. Illinois requires a title only for trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR. Trailers 3,000 lbs and under require registration through the SOS but no title is issued.
How much does a trailer title cost in Illinois?
The trailer title fee in Illinois is $150. Illinois has the highest trailer title fee of major states — the same rate applied to cars.
Do I need a separate title for a horse trailer in Illinois?
Illinois horse trailers: most 2-horse trailers are near or under 3,000 lbs GVWR empty. Confirm GVWR before determining if a title is required. Larger livestock trailers typically exceed 3,000 lbs.
How is a boat trailer titled in Illinois?
Boat trailers over 3,000 lbs require a title through IL SOS. The boat itself is titled through IDNR — two separate agencies for boat + boat trailer in Illinois.