Illinois Vehicle Registration
Vehicle registration information and downloading forms is made simple with 4DMV.com’s useful Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle Guides. Driving the roadways of Illinois is exciting, provided that you are legally on the road. Matters concerning your vehicle, such as title and vehicle registration, must be taken care of before you can legally drive on the road. Because it may not always be easy to find the information you are looking for through the Illinois DMV site, 4DMV.com has compiled an easy-to-follow guide that will direct you with all your driving-related needs, providing you with the information you need to know, directing you to the documents that you will need to download your forms.First-Time Vehicle Registration
First-time vehicle registration is necessary when:- Purchase a car, whether new or used
- Have received a vehicle as a gift
- Or moved to a new state
Get Insurance
Illinois requires that all registered vehicles must be insured. When applying for your first time vehicle registration, it will not be necessary to provide the Illinois DMV examiner proof of your auto liability insurance, however, you cannot legally drive without it, and your insurance card must be carried with you at all times while you are driving. If you are in the market for liability insurance, visit 4DMV.com’s Insurance Center where we will bring you all the state specific information you need to know as well as connect you with the most reputable insurance providers in Illinois.Prepare the Vehicle Registration Paperwork
Depending on where you purchased your vehicle will depend on the paperwork you are responsible for. In Illinois, when you purchase your vehicle from an auto dealer, they most often handle the paperwork associated with the vehicle which includes the vehicle’s registration and titling.If you purchased your automobile from a private party, then you will be responsible for taking care of the vehicle registration and titling and all other paperwork involved with the transfer of ownership on the vehicle. For vehicles that were purchased out of state, or if you are new to the state and need to register your out of state vehicle, then you will also need to handle the paperwork yourself.
In order to apply for your new registration, you will need to:
1. Fill out a Form VSD-190 titled Application for Vehicle Title and Registration
2. Gather the vehicle’s title which has been signed over to you (for more information visit our Title Transfers Section or our Replacing a Lost Title Section)
3. Fill out a Form RUT-50, if you have recently relocated to Illinois from another state
Fill out a Form RUT-25 which is the tax form that is used when you purchase your vehicle from an auto dealer, or if you have purchased your vehicle from a private party or recently moved to the state, you will need to fill a Form RUT-50
Each form can be obtained at your local Secretary of State office which is where you will complete your vehicle registration application. After your first time registration, you will then receive a notice for a smog check which will become part of your paperwork.
If you are registering an out-of-state vehicle in Illinois that has a current lease, refer to the State's New Resident Brochure.
If you are purchasing a used car, 4DMV.com greatly recommends that you purchase a vehicle history report on the vehicle prior to making your decision. A vehicle history report will ensure that you have valuable information pertaining to the vehicle’s past.
Calculate Fees
With first time vehicle registration, you will be responsible for paying a vehicle registration fee of $99, provided you are only getting the standard license plate. Specialty and personalized plates will have additional charges. For more information on personalized or specialty plates visit our specially titled sections, Specialty Plates and Personalized Plates.First Time Fees
Titling your vehicle is also necessary and can be done when you complete your vehicle registration. The title fees include the vehicle use tax and will make the overall cost of your vehicle’s registration higher then when you simply renew your vehicle registration. For those that are registering an out of state vehicle for the first time, they will not be required to pay a use tax provided that the car was registered in your previous state for a minimum of three years.Additional Fees
Occasionally your vehicle registration, title, license plate or sticker can become lost, damaged or stolen and you will need to replace them. For a list of applicable replacement fees, visit Basic Fees.Applying For Your Vehicle Registration at the Secretary of State (SOS) Office
Once you have gathered all your paperwork you will then be ready to complete the process of registering your vehicle at your local Secretary of State office that provides motor vehicle services. To find an office near you, visit the Driver Services Facilities webpage. You can also complete your vehicle registration by mail. Simply gather all the required paperwork and include the applicable fees and mail them to:
- Secretary of State
- Vehicle Services Department
- 501 S. Second St. Room 014
- Springfield, IL 62756
License Plates
When you apply for your new vehicle registration in person, you can receive your new license plates at the time you register, provided you are not ordering personalized or specialty plates. If you opt for personalized or specialty plates, then you will receive your plates in the mail. For more information, visit 4DMV.com’s License Plates & Placards Section.Affix Your Stickers
Once you have applied for your first time registration, you will receive your stickers which must be affixed to your plates. Should you be applying in person you will receive your plates once you have been issued your vehicle’s registration papers or should you apply by mail then you will receive the stickers in the mail.Be Safe on The Roadways
Now that you are an official Illinois driver, it is time to ensure that you are safe on the Illinois roadways.At the top of your road safety checklist should be a roadside assistance program which will provide you with the security of knowing that help is right around the corner should you break down on the side of the road. You should also ensure that you carry an auto emergency kit in the trunk of your car or the cab of your truck at all time. And, if you happen to use your cell phone while driving it is a wise idea to get a hands-free headset so that you can always keep your concentration on the road. For all motorists that are transporting minors, the proper child restraints should be used when transporting the child. Another important item on your safety checklist is a good mechanic to ensure that your car is always in top running condition.