Illinois runs new-resident paperwork through one agency, the Secretary of State, but insurance has to be locked in first — not last.

Register your vehicle: 30 days

You have 30 days after establishing Illinois residency to title and register an out-of-state vehicle. Before the Secretary of State's Department of Vehicle Services can process it, you'll need an Illinois-issued insurance policy in place — the office checks coverage electronically with your carrier as part of the transaction.

Transfer your driver's license: 90 days

New residents can drive on a valid out-of-state or foreign license for 90 days after establishing residency (625 ILCS 5/6-102). After that, you'll need to get an Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's Department of Driver Services.

Inspection requirements

Illinois doesn't require a statewide safety inspection. An emissions test is only required in Cook, DuPage, Lake, most of Kane, Kendall, McHenry, and Will counties, plus Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair in the Metro East area. Outside those counties, your title paperwork just needs standard VIN and odometer verification.

Car insurance

This is the step to handle before anything else: Illinois doesn't accept an out-of-state policy for registration purposes, so you'll need an Illinois-issued liability policy meeting the state minimum of 25/50/20 coverage, and the Secretary of State verifies it electronically with your carrier before title and registration can go through. Compare Illinois car insurance as soon as you know your move date.

Voter registration

You can register to vote while you're handling your license at the Secretary of State's office, or pick up a form at your local facility.