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Illinois Guide

How to Gift a Car in Illinois

Last verified: October 2026 against Illinois SOS and IDOR sources

Illinois still requires Form RUT-50 for a gifted car. Close family members pay $15; other gifts are taxed on the vehicle’s fair market value using the regular tables.

Here is how to transfer a gifted car.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Sign over the title

    The person giving the car signs the title over to you.

  2. 2

    Check whether the $15 family rate applies

    A transfer from your spouse or civil union partner, parent, brother, sister, or child (including adopted children) is taxed $15 on Form RUT-50.

  3. 3

    Otherwise, use fair market value

    A gift or transfer with no price from anyone else is taxed on the vehicle’s fair market value, using Table A (under $15,000) or Table B ($15,000 and up).

  4. 4

    File Form RUT-50 within 30 days

    File the form and pay the tax within 30 days of receiving the vehicle.

  5. 5

    Apply for the title and plates

    Apply at a Secretary of State facility with the title, Form RUT-50, and the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190). The title is $165 and passenger plates are $151 a year.

What to bring

  • The title, signed over by the giver
  • Form RUT-50 with the $15 family rate or the table amount
  • Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190)
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • Payment for the title fee and plates

Estimate your Illinois costs

For a family transfer, the tax is $15 rather than the table amount. For other gifts, enter the vehicle’s fair market value as the price.

Open the full Illinois calculator

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Illinois.

51 Jurisdictions Active
Illinois Form RUT-50 Tax Table
$
7 years old
Illinois tag options
1-Year Term (Illinois registers for one year)
EV surcharge rules
Lien fee: $0.00
Illinois: Non-Deductible
$

Illinois Notice: Illinois taxes the full agreed vehicle price. Trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

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Estimated taxes & fees

Estimated taxes & fees

Jurisdiction

Illinois

Estimated taxes & fees
$1,166.00

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee
1Illinois Vehicle Use Tax (Form RUT-50 Table)

Form RUT-50 Table B flat tax ($15,000–$19,999.99 bracket)

$850.00
2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$165.00
3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00
4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$151.00

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Illinois rates last verified: October 2026
Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with the Illinois Department of Revenue or the Illinois Secretary of State.

Illinois taxes private-party purchases on Form RUT-50 with flat amounts: Table A by vehicle age under $15,000, Table B by price at $15,000 and up, and $25 for motorcycles.

Purchases from a spouse or civil union partner, parent, brother, sister, or child are taxed $15 instead.

Passenger registration is $151 a year; electric vehicles pay $100 more.

County & Local Tax Note: Illinois taxes private-party purchases with the flat amounts on Form RUT-50: Table A by vehicle age under $15,000, Table B by price at $15,000 and up. Chicago and Cook County residents also owe local vehicle use taxes based on the vehicle’s age: Chicago $50 to $80 (none at 15 years or older), Cook County $90 to $225. For motorcycles, Chicago charges $15 and Cook County $90.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this Illinois SOS and IDOR process.

Yes, but between close family it is only $15: spouse or civil union partner, parent, brother, sister, or child. Other gifts are taxed on fair market value using the RUT-50 tables.

Sources

Last verified: October 2026. Rules change, so check with Illinois SOS and IDOR before you go.

More Illinois guides

How to Title a Private Car Sale in IllinoisForm RUT-50, the flat tax tables, the 30-day deadline, and fees.Titling a Car in Illinois After Moving From Another StateThe 30-day deadline, the VSD-190, tax, and fees.
Illinois Private Party Car Tax Calculator