Register Car in Illinois

Need license plates for your vehicle? Below you'll find the entire scoop on how to register your car with Illinois' Secretary of State (SOS).

Illinois Car Registration Requirements

First-Time Registrations

You'll need to register your vehicle if you recently:

• Bought it new or used.

• Received it as a gift..

• Moved to Illinois.

The registration and titling processes are closely related. If you take ownership of a car, you're required to title and register it within 20 days of the purchase date. If you just moved to the state, you have 30 days to register and title your vehicle.

Get IL Auto Insurance

Even though you don't need to provide proof of car insurance when you register your car, you can't legally drive without it. If you haven't yet fulfilled this requirement, you can find providers (and look for the cheapest rates) by visiting our Insurance Center.

Prepare the Paperwork

If you buy from a dealership, the dealer should handle the registration and titling for you. Otherwise, you'll need to gather the following documents:

• A completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form VSD-190). Pick one up at any SOS location, or call (800) 252-8980.

• A properly assigned title (see our Title Transfers page). Make sure the information on the application matches the information listed on the title.

• A completed Form RUT-50

• A completed Tax Form RUT-25 (dealer purchase) or Form RUT-50 (private party purchase), if you recently moved to the state.

• Proper identification.

NOTE: If you reside in an area requiring a smog check, you'll be mailed, after registering, an emissions test notice.

If you're registering an out-of-state vehicle with an existing lien or a lease, consult the state's new resident brochure for additional documentation requirements.

Calculate Illinois Car Registration Fees

Your registration, with standard plates, costs $101. Personalized or specialty plates carry additional charges.

Visit a Secretary of State (SOS) Office

Bring all documents and proper payment to any SOS office.

Or, mail the paperwork and fee payment to:

• Secretary of State

• Vehicle Services Department

• 501 S. Second St., Room 014

• Springfield, IL 62756

License Plates

If you register in person and opt for a standard plate, the SOS will issue your license plates on the spot.

If you opt for a specialized plate, the SOS will mail your plates to you.

Safely Get on Your Way

Although you may have taken care of your paperwork requirements, you can still take some steps to make your ride safer and more enjoyable.

Begin when you purchase a roadside assistance program and auto emergency kit. You never know what situation you'll find yourself in once you hit the road, and having both of these will help you deal with whatever arises.

Also, get a hands-free headset so you can keep both hands safely on the wheel while talking on the phone. Of course, you need to protect your younger passengers with child safety seats.

And, lastly, take care of the vehicle itself. Find a quality mechanic and use a after-market warranty to make sure your car gets the care it needs to safely transport you and your passengers.

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