- Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
- Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
- Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
- Tax form is required only for Class 1 boats purchased from a dealer
- Check or money order for the tax amount due
- New watercraft purchased out of state:
- Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
- Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
- Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
- Tax form
- Copy of Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement
- Check or money order for the tax amount due
- Used watercraft obtained from an individual:
- Watercraft Registration/Title Application form
- Original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin
- Check or money order payable with registration fees depending on the boat class
- Tax form only for Class 1 boats
- Copy of Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement
- Check or money order for the tax amount due
Boat registration is completed at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources offices. Registration fees are divided into the following classes:
- Class 1 fee is $28
- Class 2 fee is $60
- Class 3 fee is $160
- Class 4 fee is $210
Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Filing a police report for a lost car registration is not a mandatory requirement in Illinois, but drivers are highly advised to do so in order to prevent identity theft.
In some cases, filing a report for a lost or stolen car registration absolves the applicant of fee payment. Applicants will also be protected from potential fraud or other law violations that can come out of misusing of the missing car registration copy.
Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
There is no specific requirement for drivers movingout of state to return their license plates to the IL DMV.
When you intend to move elsewhere, it is advisable that you check the vehicle registration regulations of the new country to confirm what is needed and avoid being without personal transport.
Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
No, in the state of Illinois it is not required to submit a damaged car registration copy to the Secretary of State Facility.
When you get a new car registration, the old copy is declared invalid and will no longer be usable. It is advisable that you keep an eye on the damaged copy in order to avoid having it lost or stolen.
Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Motor-driven cycles and motorcycles are required to have a proper car registration and car title in order to be legally operated on the roads of Illinois.
Motorized scooters need to be registered if they fall under the category of carriers of a federal safety certification label, in addition to having a vehicle identification number (VIN). The motorized scooter will get a specificlicense plateas well. If you make a switch to another grade of two-wheel vehicle, you must return the old license plate to the Secretary of State.
Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
All standard motor vehicles in Illinois qualify for smog inspection unless considered exempt. The smog inspection is done by using a standardized emissions test and is regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Drivers who own vehicles included in the list below are exempt from smog inspections when they register vehicles:
- Vehicles that run on Diesel or on electricity
- Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
- Antique vehicles and custom vehicles
- Vehicles for ceremonial purposes
- Non-profit vehicles
- Vehicles older than 1995
- Farm vehicles and implements of husbandry
- Vehicles with smog inspection certificate from another state
- Vehicles with Junking Certificate
- Vehicles for sporting activities
- Implements of warfare
Smog inspections are done at Test Stations using the On-Board-Diagnostics System.
How can I renew my vehicle registration?
In order to renew your car registration in Illinois, you can use four different methods:
- Online License Plate Renewal
- Touch Tone Phone System renewal at 866-545-9609
- Mail renewal to:Illinois Secretary of StateVehicle Services Department501 S. 2nd. St., Rm. 011Springfield, IL 62756-6666
- In person at Secretary of State Facilities
How can I transfer my registration to another state?
When you are moving to another state, you will need to follow the local rules of the new state you reside in.Out of state car registration almost always has specific rules with localized license plates, registration renewal fees and expiry dates.
How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
There are three options you can choose from when applying for a disabled person parking placard or plate, including:
- Online
- In person at the Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
- In person at a Secretary of State Facility
To prove qualification for a disabled parking placard or plate, follow these steps:
- Provide medical proof of one of the six medical conditions
- Submit Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates form
- Present a copy of the old car registration
- Present ID card or drivers license
- Bring car title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for new vehicles
- Pay $29 fee
Illinois also operates on an electronic Pick-a-Plate system, which you can use to complete the car registration for the disability placards faster.
How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
Although you are not required to file a police report in Illinoisby law, in the eventthat your car registration has been stolen, it is highly recommended that you do so.
Filing a report at an Illinois police station will save you from potential violators who can misuse your car registration, stickers or plates for illegal action. Timely report will keep your driving record impeccable and your car registration history safe.
How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
If your registration has been stolen, damaged, or lost, you can apply for a car registration replacement to get new stickers and a new registration card. To complete the application procedure, drivers are required to submit certain documents and applicable fee payments to the Secretary of State Facility using one of the following methods:
- In person at a local Secretary of State Facility
- Mail to:
- Office of the Secretary of StateVehicle Records Processing Division501 S. 2nd St., Room 424Springfield, IL 62756-6666
Incomplete applications are returned to the sender. Make sure to include extra fees for replacement plates if you apply for them.
How do I obtain car registration?
Getting a car registration in Illinois can be done using one of the following methods:
- In person at a nearby Secretary of State Facility
- Online via the Electronic Registration and Title System (ERT)
- Call toll free 1-800-252-8980
You can submit the application and the accompanying documents either in person or online.
If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Make sure to renew your car registration as close as possible to the date when you receive your reminder notice in order to avoid any delays or fines you may suffer due to late renewals.
Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
Vanity and personalized plates in Illinois are multi-year plates and can be displayed on the following vehicles:
- Passenger vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Recreational vehicles
- Recreational trailers
- B-trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or less
In the event that you have lost your personalized plates, you can request a standard vanity or personalized plates by submitting the Vanity & Personalized License Plates Request Form to a local Secretary of State Facility.
Availability of plate combinations cannot be given over the phone. If your plate request is available, you will receive an application to be completedand returned along with the appropriate fees within 45 days.
Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
In Illinois, your vehicle registration must be kept in your car at all times to prove that your vehicle complies with all road and traffic regulations in the event that a police officer requests it.
What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
The most common reasons for having to request a car registration replacement in Illinois include:
- Lost registration card
- Damaged registration card
- Mutilated/destroyed registration card
- Stolen registration card
Additionally, do note that changes in car title must be reflected on the car registration.
What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
In Illinois, drivers are required to pay certain fees in order to apply for acar registration. There are two date-related registration categories available in Illinois:
- Calendar car registration fees
- Fiscal year car registration fees
Both of these refer to specific vehicle categories including:
- $101 fee for passenger vehicles
- $41 fee for motorcycles
- Pro-rated fees for commercial and farm vehicles
Exact rates for all of the above according to weight are stipulated in the Registration Fees. License plates cost extra.
What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
Driversreplacing a car registration in Illinois, must be prepared to pay certain fees, along with submitting the required documentation. The fees that are required for car registration replacement in Illinois include:
- Replacement stickers: $20
- Replacement car registration card: $3
- Replacement license plates:
- $6 for one plate
- $9 for two plates
Drivers who are interested in getting personalized or vanity platescan calla Secretary of State Facility and inquire about the applicable fees. Fees for personalized or vanity plates are usually higher and may require presenting additional documents.
What are the required fees to renew my registration?
Basic fees forvehicle registration renewalare the same as for new registrations; however, you will also need to bear costs for license plates renewal.
License plates fees depend on the vehicle category:
- B-Trucks:
- Standard $101
- Personalized $108
- Vanity $114
- Motorcycles:
- Standard $41
- Personalized $48
- Vanity $54
- Passenger vehicles:
- Standard $101
- Personalized $108
- Vanity $114
- Persons with disabilities:
- Standard $101
- Personalized $108
- Vanity $114
- RT (Recreational Trailers):
- 3,000 lbs or less $18
- 3,001 lbs – 8,000lbs $30
- 8,001 lbs – 10,000 lbs $38
- 10,001 lbs and over $50
- RV (Recreational Vehicles):
- 8,000 lbs or less $78
- 8,001 lbs – 10,000 lbs $90
- 10,001 lbs and over $102
Specialty personalized and vanity plates have specific costs, which can be checked if you get in touch with Secretary of State Facilities.
What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
To obtain aduplicate car registration in Illinois,drivers are required to submit the following documents in person at a local Secretary of State Facility, by mail, or online:
- Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
- Electronic Registration and Title (ERT)
- $20 replacement fee for stickers
- $3 for registration card
- Relevant fees for duplicate license plates
- Proof of identity
- Drivers license
Depending on the type of plates you wish to get, license plate fees may vary.
What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
Drivers applying for a newcar registrationin Illinois are required to submit certain documents, which may include:
- Application for Vehicle Transactions form (VSD 190)
- Proof of identity
- Car title with correct buyer’s name, odometer reading and VIN number
- Tax Form RUT-50
- Bill of Sale if purchased from a dealer
- Sales tax Transaction Return Form if purchased from a dealer
- Check or money order for tax payment
- Pay relevant title and registration fee in amount of $101
What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
In order torenew an expired car registration, drivers are required to collect and submit the following documents:
- Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190)
- Electronic Registration and Title (ERT)
- Payment for $101 renewal fee
- Old car registration copy
- Renewal notice
What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
In Illinois, an auto registration renewal noticebegins processing approximately 30 days after an application is submitted.
Registration renewals that have been applied for later, but need to be issued earlier, will be given priority. The usual date for sending out the registration stickers for the next month is 22nd of the current month.
If you have yet to receive your registrationstickers a week before your old sticker expires, call 800-252-8980 for more information.
When does my car registration expire?
Thecar registration system in Illinois is established on an annual basis. The dates from which you will need to calculate the annual period depend on the type of vehicle being registered and on the calendar/fiscal year system discernment. The different car registration expiration dates are as follows:
- Multi-year plate registrations:For categories with staggered expiration dates, registration expires at midnight one year after the last day of the month of purchase. Passenger vehicles and B trucks expire in December. Company owned B trucks expire in June.
- Two-year plate registrations: Registration period begins on Jan. 1 of everyeven-numbered year and ends on Dec. 31 of every odd-numbered year.
- One-year plate registrations: Registration expires at midnight onDec. 30 or at midnight on June 30.
Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
To fulfill certain criteria for obtaining car registration copies, you may need to get in touch with tax offices.
The Illinois Department of Revenue is responsible for tax collection issues and serves to help individuals and companies to file their taxes in compliance with local and federal regulations. The department has a well-developed E-Services online system on which citizens can manage their accounts, file returns and make payments.
Apart from a Taxpayer Answer Center available on 800 732-8866 or 217 782-3336, there are six bigger regional offices in the following cities:
- Chicago
- Des Plaines
- Marion
- Fairview Heights
- Rockford
- Springfield
Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
To replace a car registration in Illinois, drivers are required to fill out the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190). This application is used for car registration, titling changes, and transfers.
Applicants can download the application online and are required to submit a completed copy to a Secretary of State Facility.
Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
The Secretary of State of Illinois will send you a renewal notice usually about 60 to 90 days prior to the registration expiration date. A renewal code and a personal identification number (PIN) code is provided on the back of the notice.
You are still urged to keep track of the expiration date yourself in the event that you do not receive a renewal notice.
Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Expiry dates depends on the type of vehicle registration and is connected to calendar dates which are usually as follows:
- Midnight on Dec. 30 for calendar year registrations
- Midnight on June 30 for fiscal year registrations
