When you buy a vehicle, the paperwork has deadlines. The title proves you own it, registration lets you drive it on Illinois roads, and in Illinois the plates belong to you, not the car.
Deadline for the Secretary of State to receive title and registration paperwork after a purchase
Handbook p. 98 ↗Buying from a dealer: within 20 days the dealer sends the SOS:
- An Application for Vehicle Transaction(s)
- A properly signed Certificate of Title or Certificate of Origin
- Separate payments for title/plate fees and sales tax (tax varies by city or county)
Buying from a private owner: within 20 days the SOS must receive:
- An Application for Vehicle Transaction(s)
- The Certificate of Title, properly signed, in the seller's name
- Title and license plate fees
- Vehicle Use Tax (with a RUT-50 form to the Illinois Department of Revenue)
Vehicle Use Tax (private sale)
| Selling price | Tax is based on |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,000 | The vehicle's model year |
| $15,000 or more | The selling price |
Buying out of state, send the SOS:
- An Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) and the title/plate fees
- A dealer-signed Certificate of Origin (new) or properly assigned title (used)
- A Bill of Sale (new or used)
- Your recent registration ID card if transferring plates
- Sales or Vehicle Use Tax
Know the rule
To register a vehicle in Illinois you must have an Illinois Certificate of Title, which proves ownership. All vehicles and mobile homes must have a title, whether or not they are registered.
Handbook p. 98 ↗Know the rule
Registration fees are paid every year. A $20 late fee applies to registrations renewed more than one month after expiration.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
With your plates or sticker you get a vehicle registration ID card. Carry it in the vehicle or with you when driving.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
Passenger vehicles, trucks and vans must display two plates, front and rear. Frames may not cover any plate information, and plate covers are not allowed.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
Motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, semitrailers and apportioned buses display one plate on the rear. Truck-tractors and apportioned straight trucks display one plate on the front.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
In Illinois, license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. When you sell a vehicle, remove and keep the plates.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Know the rule
A Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) is displayed where the rear plate goes. It is valid 90 days from issue and may be reissued if plates don't arrive. Remove and destroy it when your plates come.
Handbook p. 99 ↗Put it into practice
You sell your old car to a neighbor. Take your license plates off before they drive away. In Illinois the plates stay with you, the owner.