Other Vehicle Registrations in Illinois

SUMMARY: How to Register Your Special Vehicle in Illinois

Vehicles that are not standard cars or trucks have different registration processes. These include custom-built cars and snowmobiles. ATVs require titling, but do not require registration. Other special vehicles, such as RVs and trailers, are registered the same way as standard vehicles, but their fees differ and are based on weight.

You know you must title and register your passenger car, pickup truck, or motorcycle―but what about other types of vehicles? If you have a special vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile, or trailer, you may have to title and/or register it in Illinois. The process for each type of vehicle may differ, so it's important to know what you need to do to title/register it and which state agency you need to visit.

All-Terrain Vehicles in Illinois

Illinois requires you to title your off-road vehicle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV), but you do not have to register them. You'll need to complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190). This form is not available online, but you can pick up a copy at your Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). You will also need to pay the $30 title fee.

In order to operate your ATV in public parks, you must have a public access sticker visible on your vehicle. Remember, you can not operate your ATV on any public roads or highways in Illinois, unless you're simply crossing them.

For more information about ATV regulations in Illinois, contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) .

Illinois Snowmobile Registration

If you own a snowmobile in Illinois, you must have it registered before you can take it out for a spin. This process isn't handled by the Secretary of State. Instead, all snowmobile registrations and renewals are handled by the Department of Natural Resources.

To register your snowmobile, complete a Snowmobile Registration Application online and submit it to:

You will be instructed on how to submit the $45 fee. This will cover a registration card and 2 decals. The registration is valid for 3 years.

NOTE: You must register your snowmobile within 15 days of acquiring it.

Non-Resident Trail Use Pass

You must purchase a $25 trail pass if you're from out of state and your snowmobile is not registered in Illinois.

Snowmobile Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is required when riding on public trails.

Custom-Built Vehicles

Registering a custom-built car in Illinois is a different process to registering a regular car. You will need additional documents and fees may vary depending on the type of vehicle you have.

To register your custom-built vehicle or street rod, you'll need:

  • A completed Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190).
  • Proof of the body's vehicle identification number (VIN), such as:
    • Certificate of origin.
    • Certificate of title.
    • Bill of sale.
  • Documents showing the source of the engine, chassis, and other essential components (including the VIN/s).
  • 4 photos of the vehicle (front, back and both sides).
  • A document detailing how the vehicle was put together.
  • Payment for the required fees. Contact the IL SOS for more information.

For a complete list of required documents, visit the Illinois SOS website.

Send all documents and payment for the registration to:

Illinois Secretary of State
Attn: Custom Vehicle/Street Rod
Michael J. Howlett Building
501 S. 2nd St, Rm 698
Springfield, IL 62756

Once your application is approved, you will receive a temporary permit and a Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Safety Inspection form from the Illinois SOS office. You'll need to have your vehicle inspected and upon passing, you must return the completed inspection form to the IL Secretary of State in order to receive your title and registration.

NOTE: You may also register and title your car as a specially constructed vehicle. For more information, visit the Illinois SOS website.

Specially Constructed Cars

If you have a car that has had essential part altered, removed, or substituted, you may need to have it registered as a specially constructed vehicle. You'll need to visit the Illinois SOS with:

  • 4 photos of the car (front, back and both sides.
  • The title certificate for the chassis and proof of ownership for all major components of the vehicle OR a manufacturer's certificate of origin (if you built the car from a kit).

Watercraft

You must title and register your watercraft in Illinois. This applies to both boats and personal watercraft such as jet skis. Complete a Watercraft Registration/Title Application and submit it to:

Department of Natural Resources
Watercraft
P.O. Box 19226
Springfield, IL 62794

New registrations depend on the length of your vessel. For more information, visit our Boat Registration and Licenses in Illinois page for more details.

Trailer Registration in Illinois

All trailers must be titled and registered. The title and registration process is the same for car registrations.

The cost to register your trailer will vary depending on the weight.

  • 3,000 lbs. or less: $18.
  • 3,001 to 8,000 lbs.: $30.
  • 8,001 to 10,000 lbs.: $38.
  • 10,001 lbs. and over: $50.

NOTE: You will also need to pay a title fee of $50 if you haven't titled your trailer yet.

TA Trailers have varying fees based on time period of registration.

Recreational Vehicles/Motorhomes

If you have a recreational vehicle (RV) or motorhome, the Illinois DMV requires you to register it much the same way as you would register your car. These vehicles include:

  • Pop-up campers.
  • Any camper that is pulled behind a vehicle.
  • RVs.
  • Recreational trailers (RTs).
  • Fifth wheels.
  • Trailers of all kinds and sizes.

Follow the instructions on our Car Registration in Illinois page for steps to register.

RV & Motorhome Fees

The cost to register your RV will depend on the weight:

  • 8,000 lbs. or less: $78.
  • 8,001 to 10,000 lbs.: $90.
  • 10,001 lbs. and heavier: $102.

RVs and motor homes have different license plates from passenger cars and small trucks. Recreational trailers have their own license plates, as well.

RV and RT license plates may be personalized. A very few specialty license plates, such as for veterans of the Korean War, are also available for use on RVs, RTs, and motor homes.

IL Moped Registration

Illinois classes mopeds as a type of motorcycle, so they are registered just like motorcycles.

A moped is defined as as vehicle with:

  • An automatic transmission.
  • An engine no more than 50 CC.
  • No more than 2 HP.
  • A maximum speed of 30 MPH AND the ability to reach 20 MPH over 1 mile of distance.

More details are available on our scooters and mopeds page.

Other IL Vehicles

Be sure to check out our other pages to learn about the title and registration process for your vehicle:

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