The cost to register a standard passenger vehicle in Illinois for the first time is $151, which includes a $150 registration fee and a $1 document fee. However, the total amount you pay can vary significantly based on your vehicle's age, type, and your county of residence due to additional taxes and local fees. The most significant variable cost is the vehicle use tax, which is calculated as a percentage of your car's value.
The primary factor in the cost is the vehicle use tax, which replaces the sales tax for out-of-state purchases or is paid upon initial Illinois registration. This tax is 6.25% of the vehicle's fair market value. For newer cars, this can add a substantial amount to the total. Additionally, your specific county will add its own title fee.
Here is a breakdown of the common fees for a new passenger vehicle:
| Fee Type | Standard Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Registration Fee | $151 | Standard for passenger vehicles. |
| Vehicle Use Tax | 6.25% of value | Based on the car's fair market value. |
| Title Fee | $155 | Standard fee for a new title. |
| County-Specific Title Fee | $5 - $20+ | Varies by county; e.g., Cook County is $15. |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $6 | If applicable. |
| License Plate | $7 | For a single plate. |
| Electronic Filing Fee | $1 | For transactions processed online. |
For renewals, the cost is much simpler. The standard renewal fee is $151 for a passenger vehicle, plus any applicable local fees. If your vehicle is over 10 model years old, you qualify for a reduced registration fee of $10 for a two-year period. All registration and title transactions are handled through the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). It's best to use the fee calculator tool on the official Illinois SOS website to get a precise estimate for your specific situation.
