Motorcycle Registration in Illinois

Before you can ride a motorcycle on the road in Illinois, you'll need to register it with the Secretary of State (SOS).

Use this guide to learn about the steps you'll need to take to complete your motorcycle registration in IL.

Do you need to renew your motorcycle registration? If so, jump to our guide on IL registration renewals.

New to Illinois

Upon establishing Illinois residency, you have 30 days to register your motorcycle by bringing the following items to your local SOS office:

  • A completed Application for Vehicle Transactions (Form VSD 190). The application is available:
    • Through the Illinois Electronic Registration and Title System.
      • After completing the application online, take it to the SOS office within 7 days along with the rest of the required documentation OR you can mail it to the address listed under the Motorcycles Bought from Private Sellers heading below.
    • At the SOS office branch.
  • Proof of IL residency.
  • Your out-of-state title or other proof of ownership.
    • Include the odometer reading on your title.
  • Payment for the $41 base registration fee for motorcycles PLUS other applicable taxes and fees.

If the vehicle is leased, you'll also need:

  • Your registration and leasing agreement.
  • A bill of sale stating the lessor's name and address.

To learn more about registering your motorcycle after moving to Illinois, read over the SOS' brochure on titles and license plates.

How to Register a Motorcycle in Illinois

After buying a new or used motorcycle in Illinois, you'll need to register it AND pay all required taxes within 20 days.

The process for registering your bike will differ depending on whether you bought the motorcycle from a dealership OR private seller.

Motorcycles Purchased from Dealers

When you purchase a new motorcycle from a dealer in Illinois, most dealerships will complete the titling, registration, and required tax documents for you.

Ask your dealership agent if you will be required to complete any additional steps before you leave. For a breakdown of what motorcycle registration fees and taxes you'll owe, see below.

Motorcycles Bought from Private Sellers

If you buy a motorcycle from a private seller, you'll be responsible for registering it yourself, either in person OR by mail. To do so, first gather the following items:

  • Proof of Illinois motorcycle insurance.
  • A completed:
    • Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190).
      • Applications are available online through the Electronic Registration and Title system AND at your local SOS office. Submit it to the SOS within 7 days, along with all other required documents.
    • Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction (Form RUT-50) form, available upon e-mail request.
  • Your motorcycle's title signed by the buyer AND seller, including an odometer statement.
  • The $41 registration fee AND any other appropriate taxes and fees.

Then, you can register your motorcycle:

  • In person: Present all the required items at your local SOS office.
  • By mail: Send the above items to:
    • Secretary of State
    • Vehicle Services Department
    • 501 S. 2nd St., Room 014
    • Springfield, IL 62756

If you still need to title your motorcycle, check out our guide on title transfers in Illinois.

Leased Motorcycles

To register a leased motorcycle, the following documents may be required in addition to those listed above:

  • A lease or loan purchase agreement.
  • A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
  • A bill of sale.
    • Must include name and address of the leasing company.
  • The previous title AND registration.
    • If the motorcycle was purchased outside of Illinois and the title is being held by a lienholder, you may also be required to obtain a copy of the title.

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

Below is a list of fees required by the IL Secretary of State to register your motorcycle :

  • Motorcycle registration:
    • Regular: $41.
    • Personalized plates: $48.
    • Vanity plates: $54.
  • Motorcycle private property use tax: $25.
  • Use tax for new motorcycles—Varies depending on:
    • The purchase price of your motorcycle
    • Your county of residence.

Forms

RUT-50
Vehicle Use Tax
Use this form to determine AND submit taxes on a vehicle you received as a gift or through a private vehicle transfer. Pick this form up at your local Illinois SOS office. Not available online.
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