Illinois vehicle registration is administered by the Illinois Secretary of State. The standard passenger vehicle registration fee is $151 per year and the title fee is $165, making the base cost of a new registration approximately $316 before tax. All Illinois plates expire on June 30 each year. Electric and hybrid vehicles pay an additional $100 annual surcharge.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Illinois?
Illinois charges a flat annual registration fee of $151 for standard passenger vehicles regardless of vehicle weight or value. All plates expire June 30. Reduced part-year fees apply for vehicles newly purchased or recently brought into the state.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger vehicle registration | $151.00 per year (expires June 30) |
| Motorcycle registration | $41.00 per year |
| Electric vehicle annual surcharge | $100.00 (added to the standard fee) |
| Hybrid vehicle annual surcharge | $100.00 (added to the standard fee) |
| Title fee (new registration or title transfer) | $165.00 |
| Standard combined title and registration | Approximately $316.00 before tax |
All Illinois plates expire at midnight on June 30 regardless of when they were purchased. Vehicles bought late in the registration year pay a prorated fee. Illinois uses annual plate stickers affixed to the rear plate.
What is the plate replacement fee in Illinois?
Illinois charges $6 for a replacement plate sticker. Full plate replacement fees vary; contact the Secretary of State.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Replacement plate sticker (decal) | $6.00 |
| Full plate replacement (both plates) | Contact the Illinois Secretary of State at ilsos.gov for the current fee |
| Personalized plate remake | Contact the Secretary of State for the current fee |
What vehicle taxes apply in Illinois?
Illinois charges 6.25% state sales tax on vehicle purchases. Local taxes in Chicago and surrounding areas can push the combined rate to 11% or higher.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 6.25% |
| Chicago combined rate (highest in state) | Approximately 10.25% to 11% |
| Private party vehicle use tax (Form RUT-50) | $15 for vehicles under $15,000; 6.25% for vehicles $15,000 and over |
| Combined rate in lower-tax areas | 6.25% to 8.75% typically |
Private party vehicle purchases in Illinois are subject to the Private Party Vehicle Use Tax reported on Form RUT-50, filed with the Illinois Department of Revenue. For vehicles priced at $15,000 or more, the standard 6.25% rate applies.
Does Illinois require an emissions test for registration?
Illinois requires emissions testing in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties and in parts of the Metro East St. Louis area (Madison and St. Clair counties). Testing is required every two years for most vehicles. If your renewal notice indicates emissions testing is required, it must be completed at an authorized station before renewal.
What are the insurance requirements for registration in Illinois?
Illinois requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance and participates in electronic insurance verification.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury – per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury – per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage – per accident | $20,000 |
| Uninsured motorist – per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist – per accident | $50,000 |
Are there any registration penalties or late fees in Illinois?
All Illinois plates expire June 30. Late fees apply from July 1 if you have not renewed.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late registration renewal (after June 30) | Contact the Secretary of State for the current late fee schedule – typically $20 to $100 or more |
| Late title application (after 30 days of purchase) | $50.00 |
Is there a registration grace period in Illinois?
Illinois plates expire at midnight on June 30. There is no formal grace period. Renew before expiration to avoid late fees. The Secretary of State mails renewal notices in advance.
Can I get a registration fee refund in Illinois?
Illinois does not generally refund registration fees. In limited circumstances, such as a total loss, theft with no recovery, or permanent out-of-state relocation, a prorated credit may be available. Contact the Secretary of State at (800) 252-8980 for current eligibility.