Car Registration Requirements for New Illinois Residents
Persons relocating to Illinois with a vehicle titled and registered in another jurisdiction must transfer registration within the set terms of establishing residency. Illinois Vehicle Code provisions govern registration obligations and specify documentation requirements for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways.
Timeline for New Illinois Residents
New residents bringing vehicles from out-of-state have 30 days after establishing residency to register their vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State, provided the vehicle maintains valid registration in the previous jurisdiction.
By the expiration of this 30-day period, applicants must complete Illinois vehicle registration procedures and submit all required documentation.
Establishing Illinois Residency
The Illinois Vehicle Code defines residency requirements for vehicle registration purposes. The 30-day grace period begins when an individual establishes principal residence in the state through employment, property ownership, or other qualifying activities.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Illinois
New residents must submit required documentation to complete vehicle title and registration transactions with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Essential Documents
Applications for Illinois title and registration require the following materials:
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) properly completed and signed
- Out-of-state certificate of title or registration certificate showing current ownership
- Odometer disclosure statement (federal and state law requires certification of actual mileage)
- Proof of Illinois motor vehicle insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements
- Payment for applicable registration fees, title fees, and taxes
Insurance Requirements
Illinois law mandates that all registered motor vehicles carry liability insurance coverage in specified minimum amounts:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount |
|---|---|
| Injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Injury or death of more than one person | $50,000 |
| Damage to property | $20,000 |
Application Submission Methods
New residents may submit registration and title applications through multiple channels:
The Electronic Registration and Title System allows applicants to complete and print Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) online before visiting a facility.
In-person submission is available at Secretary of State facilities throughout Illinois. Applicants may locate the nearest office through the Facility Finder service.
Mail submission is accepted at:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department, 501 S. Second Street, Room 055, Springfield, Illinois 62756-6666
Phone: (800) 252-8980
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State
Applications submitted by mail may not include cash or postage stamps for payment of fees or taxes. The Secretary may decline to accept personal checks or company checks in payment of fees.
Illinois Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Illinois operates a vehicle emissions inspection program in designated areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone.
Emission Testing Requirements
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency oversees vehicle emissions inspections conducted through the Illinois Air Team program. Emissions testing applies to vehicles registered in specified counties within two nonattainment areas.
Chicago Area Counties:
The Chicago nonattainment area includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, plus Aux Sable and Goose Lake Townships in Grundy County and Oswego Township in Kendall County.
Metro-East Area Counties:
The Metro-East St. Louis area includes Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties in Illinois.
Most 1996 and newer gasoline-powered passenger vehicles are subject to emissions inspections after they are four years old. The inspection month coincides with the expiration date of vehicle license plates.
Registration Fees and Costs in Illinois
Registration costs vary based on vehicle type, weight, and plate category. The total fee for a standard vehicle is $316, consisting of a $165 vehicle title fee and $151 registration fee with license plates.
Standard Vehicle Fees
- Vehicle title fee: $165
- Registration/license plates: $151
- Duplicate title: $50
- Corrected title (divorce, death, or marriage): $15
Specialty Plate Fees
Personalized license plates incur an additional $94 fee for initial issuance. Vanity plates cost $410 for newly acquired vehicles ($165 title + $151 registration + $94 vanity fee).
Contact Information
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department, 501 S. Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756
Phone: (800) 252-8980
TTY: (866) 258-2917
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, 1021 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, Illinois 62702
Phone: (217) 782-5562
Air Team Call Center: (844) 258-9071
Official Website: Illinois EPA
