What you pay for Illinois car registration

Illinois charges a registration fee based on the vehicle's age and type. The fee covers the cost of your license plate and the state's administration of vehicle registration. You pay this fee when you first register a vehicle in Illinois and again each time you renew — typically every two years for passenger cars.

The amount you owe depends on whether your vehicle is new, used, or several years old. A new passenger car costs more to register than a five-year-old sedan. Trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules. Illinois also charges a separate title fee when you first register a vehicle or transfer ownership, which is a one-time cost.

Registration fees are not the same as property tax on vehicles. Illinois does not charge annual vehicle property tax the way some states do. The registration fee is what you pay to the Secretary of State to legally drive on Illinois roads.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois registration fees vary by vehicle age and type, with new cars costing more than older ones.
  • You renew registration every two years for most passenger vehicles, and the fee is due at that time.
  • A title fee applies once when you first register a vehicle or buy a used car in Illinois.
  • You can renew registration online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a driver services facility.
  • Registration fees do not include emissions testing or safety inspections, which may be required separately depending on your vehicle and county.

Registration fee amounts for different vehicle types

Passenger cars registered for the first time in Illinois pay a base registration fee that increases with the vehicle's model year. A brand-new car costs more than a car that is three years old. The fee structure is designed so that older vehicles pay less.

Motorcycles, trucks, and recreational vehicles each have their own fee schedules. A motorcycle registration costs less than a passenger car. A pickup truck or commercial vehicle may cost more, depending on its weight and use classification. The Secretary of State publishes the full fee schedule on its website, organized by vehicle type and year.

When you renew a registration that is already active, you typically pay the same fee as the original registration for that vehicle type and age. If your vehicle is now older, the fee may decrease at renewal time. You will see the exact amount due on your renewal notice, which arrives by mail before your registration expires.

Title fees and when you pay them

A title fee is separate from registration and applies when you first own a vehicle in Illinois. If you buy a used car from a dealer or private seller, you pay the title fee to transfer ownership into your name. If you bring a vehicle into Illinois from another state, you pay the title fee as part of the registration process.

The title fee is a one-time charge. You do not pay it again when you renew your registration in two years. You only pay it again if you sell the vehicle to someone else or if you let your registration lapse and then re-register the same vehicle later.

Some vehicles are exempt from title fees — for example, vehicles owned by the federal government or certain nonprofit organizations. Most private owners and businesses pay the standard title fee.

How to renew your registration and pay the fee

Illinois sends renewal notices by mail about 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice shows your current registration number, the vehicle information, and the fee amount due. You have three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal is the fastest option. Go to the Secretary of State website, enter your vehicle information and driver's license number, and pay by credit card or debit card. You will receive your new registration by mail within one to two weeks. Online renewal is open until the day your registration expires.

By mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the form. Mail processing takes longer — allow at least two weeks for your new registration to arrive. In person, visit any driver services facility with your renewal notice and payment method. You will receive your new registration when ready or within a few days.

If you miss the renewal important date, your registration becomes expired and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You can still renew after expiration, but you may face a late fee. Renewing online or by mail before the important date avoids this penalty.

Additional fees and requirements beyond registration

Registration fees cover only the license plate and the state's administrative costs. Depending on your vehicle and where you live in Illinois, you may owe other fees or need to complete other requirements.

Emissions testing is required in the Chicago area and some other regions. This is a separate test performed at a certified facility, and you pay a testing fee directly to that facility — not to the Secretary of State. You must pass the emissions test before you can renew your registration in those counties.

Safety inspections are not required in Illinois for passenger vehicles, but some municipalities or lenders may require them. If your vehicle needs repairs to pass inspection, those costs are separate from registration fees.

Vanity plates (custom license plates with your chosen letters or numbers) cost more than standard plates. The additional fee is added to your registration fee at renewal time.

What happens if you do not pay the registration fee

If your registration expires and you do not renew it, your vehicle is no longer legally registered in Illinois. Driving an unregistered vehicle is a violation, and you can be stopped and cited by law enforcement. Your vehicle may also be towed if parked in certain locations.

If you cannot pay the registration fee by the important date, contact the Secretary of State office to discuss your situation. Some circumstances may allow for a brief extension, though this is not may provide. Renewing late will add a late fee to your bill.

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name and pay the title and registration fees. You are not responsible for fees after you transfer ownership, but you should notify the Secretary of State that you no longer own the vehicle to avoid confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a new car in Illinois?

The fee depends on the vehicle type and model year. A new passenger car costs more than a used one. The Secretary of State website lists exact amounts by vehicle type. You also pay a separate title fee when you first register the vehicle.

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired registration, but you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard registration fee. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until it is renewed. Renew as soon as possible to avoid additional penalties.

Do I have to renew in person or can I do it online?

You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online is fastest — you will have your new registration within one to two weeks. In-person renewal at a driver services facility gives you your registration when ready. Mail renewal takes the longest.

What if I move to a different state — do I get a refund?

Illinois does not refund registration fees if you move out of state. Once you pay the fee, it covers your registration period in Illinois. If you move, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state and follow that state's registration process.

Are there any discounts on registration fees for seniors or low-income drivers?

Illinois does not offer a general discount on registration fees based on age or income. Some vehicles may may have access to for reduced fees — for example, electric vehicles or vehicles owned by certain organizations. Check the Secretary of State website or contact a driver services facility to see if your vehicle qualifies.