Free Illinois Car Bill of Sale
Illinois is unusual — private-party vehicle tax (RUT-50) is NOT a percentage. It's a flat age-based schedule ranging from $465 (under 1 year) to $25 (11+ years old). The Illinois Secretary of State (not a DMV) handles title transfers via Form VSD 190, and Chicago/Cook County residents pay significant local use tax on top.
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Illinois Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Illinois charges a graduated private-party vehicle use tax (RUT-50) based on vehicle age — NOT a straight percentage. A car under 1 year old: $465 tax minimum. Tax drops sharply for older vehicles (e.g., 11+ years: $25 flat). Chicago, Cook County, and some RTA counties add 1.25%–2.25% local tax on top.
Inspection Requirements
Most Illinois counties exempt from emissions testing. Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Will counties require biennial emissions tests. No statewide safety inspection.
Illinois Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify current Illinois emissions certificate if in one of 9 emission-test counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Will).
- Complete bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price, and signatures.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure on title.
- Seller signs Illinois title over to buyer.
- Seller removes license plates (Illinois is a "plates to owner" state — you keep them).
- Buyer completes Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction).
- Buyer mails VSD 190 + RUT-50 (private party tax) + title + $155 title fee + registration to Illinois SOS, OR visits an SOS facility.
- Buyer pays RUT-50 age-based tax: $25–$465 depending on vehicle age, plus Chicago/Cook/RTA local tax if applicable.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming tax is 6.25% — it's not for private party sales. RUT-50 is age-based and often much lower than a percentage tax, especially for older cars.
- Leaving plates on the sold car — Illinois plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
- Missing emissions in Cook/collar counties — biennial testing required and the transfer is delayed without it.
- Missing RUT-50 on a gift transfer — even gifted vehicles need RUT-50 (with $15 minimum gift tax).
Pro Tip
Illinois is a "plates to owner" state with age-based tax, not percentage tax. Know your RUT-50 tax bracket, remove your plates, handle emissions if in the 9-county zone, and file VSD 190. Chicago and Cook County residents factor in local add-on taxes.