How to Title a Private Car Sale in Illinois
Last verified: October 2026 against Illinois SOS and IDOR sources
Illinois taxes a car bought from a private seller with flat amounts on Form RUT-50, not a percentage of the price.
Here is the order to do it in, what it costs, and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Get the signed-over title
The seller signs the title over to you. Note the odometer reading and the purchase date.
- 2
Work out the tax on Form RUT-50
Under $15,000, the tax depends on the vehicle’s age (Table A): $465 for a vehicle up to 1 year old, down to $100 for one over 10 years old. Age is the year you apply for the title minus the model year.
At $15,000 and up, the tax depends on the price (Table B): $850 for $15,000 to $19,999.99, rising to $10,100 at $1,000,000 or more. Motorcycles pay a flat $25.
- 3
File within 30 days
File Form RUT-50 and pay the tax within 30 days of buying the vehicle.
- 4
Apply for the title and plates
Complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190) and apply at a Secretary of State facility with the title and Form RUT-50.
The title is $165. Passenger plates are $151 a year ($41 for motorcycles), and electric vehicles pay $100 more.
- 5
Check for local taxes
Chicago residents owe $50 to $80 more by vehicle age (none at 15 years or older), and Cook County residents $90 to $225. For motorcycles, Chicago charges $15 and Cook County $90.
Form RUT-50 Table A (under $15,000)
- 1 year old or newer: $465
- 2 years: $365; 3 years: $290; 4 years: $240; 5 years: $190
- 6 years: $165; 7 years: $155; 8 years: $140; 9 years: $125; 10 years: $115
- Over 10 years: $100
What to bring
- The title, signed over by the seller
- Form RUT-50 with the tax payment
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190)
- Proof of liability insurance
- Payment for the $165 title fee and plates