When an individual purchases a vehicle in Illinois, there are certain laws and responsibilities which must be followed.

Purchasing from a Dealer

There are certain laws a dealer must follow when selling a new or used vehicle. Within 20 days of purchase, a dealer must send the following to the Secretary of State’s office:

1. Application for Vehicle Transaction(s).
2. Properly signed Certificate of Title or Certificate of Origin.
3. Separate payments for title/license plate fees and sales tax on the vehicle. Sales tax varies depending on the city or county where the vehicle is purchased.

Purchasing from a Private Owner

If a vehicle is purchased from someone other than a dealer, within 20 days of purchase the Secretary of State’s office must receive the following:

1. Application for Vehicle Transaction(s).
2. Properly signed Certificate of Title in the seller’s name.
3. Payment of title/license plate fees.
4. Payment of Vehicle Use Tax.

If the selling price is less than $15,000, the tax is based on the model year of the vehicle. If the selling price is $15,000 or more, the tax is based on the selling price of the vehicle. A RUT-50 tax form must be submitted along with the correct tax payment to Illinois Department of Revenue.

Purchasing Out of State

If a vehicle is purchased out of state, the following items must be sent to the Secretary of State’s office to obtain a Certificate of Title and license plates:

1. Application for Vehicle Transaction(s).
2. Payment of title/license plate fees. The amount is shown on the application.
3. Certificate of Origin signed by the dealer if the vehicle is new, or a properly assigned Certificate of Title if the vehicle is used. For both new and used vehicles, the owner also must have a Bill of Sale.
4. Recent vehicle registration ID card if the owner is transferring license plates.
5. Payment of sales or Vehicle Use Tax.

Vehicle Registration and Title

When a new owner registers a vehicle, he/she is providing the state with a record of that vehicle. Registration allows the owner to legally use the vehicle on Illinois roadways. To register a vehicle in Illinois, the owner must have an Illinois Certificate of Title. This document proves ownership. All vehicles and mobile homes must have a Certificate of Title whether or not they are registered.

Registration fees

Registration fees must be paid annually. A $20 late fee is assessed on registrations renewed more than one month past the expiration date. Vanity/personalized plates and some other plate categories carry additional fees in addition to the following fees:

• Passenger vehicle and B-truck (8,000 pounds or less): $101
• Motorcycle: $41
• Autocycle: $71
• Replacement plate (1): $6
• Replacement plates (2): $9
• Replacement sticker: $20

Fees are subject to legislative change. For up-to-date fee information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com. When the owner(s) receive the license plates/sticker, they also receive a vehicle registration ID card which must be carried in the vehicle or with the owner when driving.

Sources and references:

1. Illinois Vehicle Code, Chapter 3: Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles
2. Illinois Vehicle Code, Chapter 3, Article VIII: Registration and License Fees