What You Need to Register a Car in Illinois
To register a car in Illinois, you need to visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your vehicle title, proof of ownership, a completed process form, and proof of residency. The Secretary of State's office processes all vehicle registrations in Illinois — there is no separate DMV. You will pay a registration fee based on your vehicle's age and weight, and you will receive license plates and a registration card in the mail within two to three weeks.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility itself, but the wait time varies by location and time of day. Busier offices can have waits of an hour or more, especially on weekday mornings and late afternoons. Going early on a weekday morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter lines.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your vehicle title, proof of ownership, a completed Form VSD 190, and proof that you live in Illinois to register a car.
- Registration fees depend on your vehicle's model year and gross vehicle weight rating, and you can find the exact amount on the Secretary of State website before you go.
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person — registration cannot be done by mail or online for new registrations.
- Your license plates and registration card arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can drive with a temporary permit while you wait.
Gather Your Documents Before You Go
Start by collecting the documents the Secretary of State requires. You need the original vehicle title or a certified copy if you do not have the original. If you bought the car from a dealer, the dealer usually gives you a temporary title document that is valid for 30 days while the permanent title is processed. If you bought it from a private seller, the seller must sign the title over to you before you can register it.
You also need proof of ownership. This is typically the bill of sale from your purchase, a receipt, or a dealer invoice. If the vehicle is financed, bring a copy of your loan agreement or a letter from your lender showing they hold a lien on the vehicle. Bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current Illinois address dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with your current address also works.
read and complete Form VSD 190 (process for Vehicle Registration) from the Secretary of State website before you go. You can print it and fill it by hand, or fill it on your computer and print it. Bring the completed form with you. You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Calculate Your Registration Fee
Illinois registration fees are based on two things: your vehicle's model year and its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR is listed on a label inside the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. Newer vehicles cost more to register than older ones, and heavier vehicles cost more than lighter ones.
The Secretary of State website has a fee calculator where you enter your vehicle's year and GVWR, and it shows you the exact amount you will owe. Fees typically range from about $150 to $300 for passenger cars, but can be higher for trucks and SUVs. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — all are accepted at Secretary of State facilities. Some locations may have limits on card transactions, so calling ahead to confirm is wise if you are paying a large amount.
Visit a Secretary of State Facility
Find the Secretary of State office nearest you on the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can search by city or ZIP code. Some larger cities have multiple locations. Check the office's hours before you go — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. A few locations offer Saturday hours, though these tend to be busier.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive early if you can — the first hour the office opens usually has the shortest wait. When you reach the counter, hand over your documents and your completed Form VSD 190. The staff member will review everything, confirm your fee amount, and process your registration. They will give you a temporary registration permit that is valid for 30 days while your permanent plates are made.
Ask the staff member for a receipt showing your registration was processed. Keep this receipt until your plates and registration card arrive in the mail. If something goes wrong with your order, the receipt helps you track it down.
What Happens After You Leave the Office
Your license plates and registration card are made at a central facility and mailed to your address. This usually takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can legally drive your vehicle using the temporary permit during this time. Do not remove the temporary permit from your windshield until your permanent plates arrive.
Once your plates arrive, install them on your vehicle and keep your registration card in your car. You are required by law to have both visible. If your plates or registration card do not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's office with your receipt. They can look up your order and resend materials if needed.
Special Situations and Exceptions
If you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered in another state, you will need to surrender your out-of-state title or bring a letter from that state's DMV saying the title is in transit. Some states mail titles directly to Illinois, so ask your previous state's DMV whether they will do that. If they will, bring a letter confirming it.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender owns it until you pay off the loan), the lender's name must appear on the Illinois title. You cannot register a vehicle with a lien unless the lender is listed. Contact your lender and ask them to send a lien letter to the Secretary of State, or bring the letter with you to your appointment.
If you are registering a vehicle in someone else's name — for example, a parent registering a car for an adult child — that person must be present at the Secretary of State office with a photo ID. The Secretary of State will not register a vehicle for someone who is not there to sign the paperwork.
Renewing Your Registration Each Year
Illinois registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type. Your registration card shows your expiration date. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility.
To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the notice. To renew online, visit the Secretary of State website and use their online renewal system — you will need your registration card number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Renewing online is the fastest method and takes about five minutes. You will receive your new registration card by mail within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my car without a title?
No, you must have the original title or a certified copy. If you lost your title, contact the Secretary of State and request a duplicate. You will need to provide proof of ownership (like a bill of sale or loan agreement) and pay a fee. A duplicate title takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
What if I just moved to Illinois and need to register my out-of-state car?
You have 30 days from the date you establish residency in Illinois to register your vehicle. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of residency in Illinois, and your bill of sale or proof of ownership. The Secretary of State will issue you an Illinois title and plates. Your out-of-state plates are no longer valid once you register in Illinois.
Do I need an emissions test before I register?
It depends on your vehicle's age and where you live. Vehicles registered in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, or Will County must pass an emissions test before registration. Vehicles in other Illinois counties do not need an emissions test. Check the Secretary of State website to see if your county requires one.
What if my vehicle has a salvage title?
A salvage title means the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company. You can register a salvage vehicle in Illinois, but it will be branded as salvage on your registration. Bring your salvage title and proof of ownership to the Secretary of State. Some insurance companies will not insure salvage vehicles, so check with your insurer before you register.
Can someone else pick up my plates for me?
No, you must be present at the Secretary of State office to register your vehicle. The person registering must sign the paperwork in front of a staff member. However, once your plates arrive by mail, anyone can install them on your vehicle.