Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Illinois

as a non-US resident

Illinois

Address requirements

Proof of Illinois residency is required to register a vehicle in Illinois.

Identity requirements

Illinois Driver’s License, Illinois State ID Card, Utility or rent bills in the applicant’s name, Illinois Auto Registration card, Residential lease in the applicant’s (or parent’s name), Statement of benefits history from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Statement of benefits from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Voter’s Registration Card, Property Tax Bill required to register a vehicle in Illinois

Average cost to own a vehicle

8.5% of the vehicle's value

Plus registration fees of:

$196

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.

In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.

These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Illinois address required to own a vehicle in Illinois.

Proof of Residency at Address

Proof of Illinois residency is required to register a vehicle in Illinois.

Identity

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:

Sales tax
Registration fees

Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.

These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.

Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

8.5% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$196

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:

Emissions, safety, and VIN inspections required for most gasoline powered passenger vehicles every 2 years for vehicles newer than 1996 and older than 4 years for the following counties (Chicago Metro Area): Cook, Dupage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair