Register a vehicle in Illinois

Online or in person

Print the application online; submit by mail or at a DMV · No, you can mail itThe Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System lets you complete and print an Application for Vehicle Transactions online. The agency's page does not say the application can be submitted online. Your title application can be processed by mail or by visiting your nearest DMV. If you buy from an Illinois dealer, the dealer submits the paperwork on your behalf.

Cost

Title $165, registration $151The Secretary of State's fee page lists an original title at $165 and a standard passenger plate registration at $151. In the statute that $151 is the $148 annual fee for a motor vehicle of the first division plus a $1 and a $2 surcharge. Motor homes, all-terrain vehicles and some other vehicle types differ; transfer of registration is $25 under the statute.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Application for Vehicle Transactions · all that apply
     Online via ERT, or from a DMV or by calling 800-252-8980. Include owner information, vehicle year, make and VIN, current odometer reading, date of sale, and the most recent registration card. The owner affirms the vehicle is insured (Vehicle Code).
   • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin and any dealer lien statement · all that apply
     Required with the application for a new vehicle purchased from a dealer (Vehicle Code). An Illinois dealer submits the paperwork on your behalf.
   • Tax form and tax payment · all that apply
     Tax must be paid on all vehicle sales between individuals; submit Tax Form RUT-50 with a separate check, draft, or money order payable to Illinois Department of Revenue. For an out-of-state vehicle not yet titled or registered in Illinois, RUT-25 (bought from an out-of-state dealer) or RUT-50 (bought from an individual) and any applicable tax must accompany the application. Do not send tax payment to the Department of Revenue.
   • Title and/or registration fees · all that apply
     Payable to Secretary of State. See the agency's fee page.
   • Certificate of Insurance (rental vehicle only) · all that apply
     For a rental vehicle (contract under one year), a separate Certificate of Insurance must be included.

2. Complete the application

   Complete and print the Application for Vehicle Transactions online (ERT), or get it at a DMV or by calling 800-252-8980.

   Application for Vehicle Transactions ↗

3. Add the tax form and payments

   Include Tax Form RUT-50 (RUT-25 if bought from an out-of-state dealer) with tax payable to Illinois Department of Revenue, and title and registration fees payable to Secretary of State.

   How to apply ↗

4. Submit by mail or at a DMV

   Mail to Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, 501 S. 2nd. St., Room 014, Springfield, IL 62756, or find your nearest DMV. Applications are returned if the information or fee is insufficient.

   DMV Finder ↗

5. Bought from an Illinois dealer?

   The dealer submits the sales tax return (ST-556), tax check, application, surrender document and fees to the Secretary of State on your behalf.

6. File promptly after you become the owner

   The Vehicle Code says an owner of a vehicle operated on public highways shall file an application for registration within 24 hours after becoming the owner (3-801(a)). The agency pages read state no deadline.