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Illinois car registration fee calculator

Illinois charges a flat $151 a year to register a passenger car ($251 for an electric vehicle) and $165 for a title. The tax depends on how you buy: dealers charge 6.25% plus local tax on the price minus your trade-in, while private sales pay a flat Private Party Vehicle Use Tax set by price and age.

$
What you paid. For a private sale with no price stated, use the fair market value.
$
A dealer subtracts your trade-in before tax. The old $10,000 cap ended January 1, 2022.
%
6.25% state plus any local taxes where the dealer is located. Chicago residents buying in the Chicago area may also owe a 1.25% Chicago home rule use tax.
Only matters if the price is under $15,000; then the tax depends on the car's age.
IL · TAG OFFICE ESTIMATERates checked October 12, 2026

Enter the vehicle price to see your estimate.

    ESTIMATED TOTAL$0.00

    Estimate only. Confirm with the Illinois Secretary of State.

    Illinois vehicle fees at a glance (2026)

    Registration (passenger)$151/yr
    Electric vehicle fee+$100/yr
    Certificate of title$165
    Plate transfer$25
    Dealer sales tax6.25% + local, minus trade-in
    Private-sale tax (2026 chart)$100 – $10,100
    Family transfer tax$15

    What this estimate does and does not include

    • Private-sale tax comes from the Department of Revenue's 2026 chart (Form RUT-50). Under $15,000 it depends on the car's age ($100 to $465); from $15,000 it depends on the price ($850 to $10,100). No trade-in deduction is allowed on this tax.
    • Some cities and counties add a local private party vehicle use tax. It depends on where you live and is not included (not available).
    • Transfers from a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child pay $15. Step-relatives, in-laws and grandparents/grandchildren do not qualify.
    • New residents who had the car titled in another state for more than three months owe no Illinois tax, but must still file the tax form.
    • Private-sale tax is due within 30 days of the purchase.
    • When you transfer plates, we have not confirmed whether the $100 electric vehicle fee is charged at the transfer or at your next renewal, so it shows as not available.
    Official sources · Last checked October 12, 2026

    Illinois registration questions

    How much is car registration in Illinois?

    $151 a year for a standard passenger car. Electric vehicles pay an extra $100, so $251. A new title is $165, so registering a car you just bought costs $316 in Secretary of State fees, before tax.

    How much tax do I pay buying a used car from a private seller in Illinois?

    A flat amount from the Department of Revenue's chart, not a percentage. For example, a $20,000 car is $1,100, and a 2018 car bought for $8,000 is $140.

    Is there still a $10,000 cap on trade-in credit in Illinois?

    No. According to the Department of Revenue, the $10,000 limit applied only to sales from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

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