How to register a vehicle in
Illinois
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
In order to register a vehicle in Illinois, you need an Illinois driver's license and an Illinois address.
Getting an Illinois driver's license is not an easy process. We recommend starting your visit in another state, or using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Illinois.
The Registration Process
Illinois vehicle registrations are handled by the Secretary of State's (SOS) office.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer and plan to register it in Illinois, the dealer will issue you an Illinois Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) and apply for title and registration on your behalf. If you plan to register your vehicle elsewhere, the dealer will issue you a 7/30 Day Intrastate/Interstate Transport Permit.
If you buy your vehicle from a private party and plan to register it in Illinois, bring the required items (below) to an Illinois SOS office in the same county as your registration address to register your vehicle. If you plan to register your vehicle elsewhere, 7/30 Day Intrastate/Interstate Transport Permits are available from Illinois SOS offices.
For vehicles being registered in Illinois, Illinois sales taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the MVD upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fees: $301
RV
Trailer Fees: $168 - 200
RV Fees: $228 - $252
Motorcycle
Fees: $301
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
Identification
An Illinois driver's license is required to register a vehicle in Illinois.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Illinois, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
Electronic Registration and TitleInspection
Emissions (smog)
Emissions inspections required for most gasoline powered passenger vehicles every 2 years for vehicles newer than 1996 and older than 4 years for the following counties (Chicago Metro Area): Cook, Dupage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair.
Safety
Safety inspections required for most gasoline powered passenger vehicles every 2 years for vehicles newer than 1996 and older than 4 years for the following counties (Chicago Metro Area): Cook, Dupage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair.
VIN
A VIN inspection is required before beginning the emissions inspection process, where required.
Insurance
Illinois's minimum liability insurance limits are 20/40/15. Proof of insurance is required to register a vehicle in Illinois.
Residency
Illinois does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Illinois must be registered to an Illinois address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
