Free Illinois Trailer Bill of Sale
Illinois titles ALL trailers — there's no weight exemption. Even the smallest utility trailer uses the same VSD 190 + RUT-50 process as cars. The age-based RUT-50 tax often works in favor of used trailer buyers: an 11+ year old trailer is $25 flat tax.
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Trailer titling rules trip up many sellers — GVWR thresholds, separate boat trailer titles, and state notarization requirements all vary. Our step-by-step writing guide walks you through the fields DMVs commonly ask for. Read: How to Write a Bill of Sale (Step-by-Step) →
Illinois Trailer Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
See state rules
Title Required
Yes
All Illinois trailers require title regardless of weight. The smallest utility trailer gets the same VSD 190 process as a 40ft fifth wheel.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Trailers use RUT-50 age-based tax (same schedule as cars) — $25 for trailers 11+ years old up to $465 for brand new.
Inspection Requirements
No state inspection for recreational trailers. Commercial trailer inspections handled by IL DOT under separate rules.
Illinois Trailer Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify VIN on trailer (tongue or frame rail).
- Complete bill of sale with VIN, type, length, weight, sale price.
- Seller signs IL trailer title over; removes plates (plates-to-owner rule applies).
- Buyer completes VSD 190 at SOS or by mail.
- Buyer pays RUT-50 age-based tax ($25–$465) + Chicago/Cook local tax if applicable.
- No emissions or inspection required for recreational trailers.
- Homemade trailers need IL SOS VIN assignment before title.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming small trailers don't need titles — Illinois titles ALL trailers regardless of weight.
- Forgetting plates-to-owner rule on trailers.
- Skipping RUT-50: even if tax is only $25, the form is required for every trailer transfer.
- Selling a homemade trailer without SOS-assigned VIN — buyer can't title it.
Pro Tip
IL trailers: every trailer titled, every sale uses VSD 190 + RUT-50, plates belong to the owner. Simple but comprehensive.
Illinois Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQs
Do all Illinois trailers need titles?
Yes — Illinois titles every trailer regardless of weight. From a 500-lb utility trailer to a 15,000-lb fifth wheel, all use VSD 190 through the Secretary of State. This is unusual — most states have weight thresholds.
How much is tax on a used trailer in Illinois?
Illinois trailer tax uses RUT-50 age-based schedule: $465 (under 1 year), $290 (1–3), $155 (3–6), $90 (6–10), $25 (11+). For older used trailers, this is often cheaper than percentage-based states.
Do I keep my plates when selling a trailer in Illinois?
Yes — plates-to-owner applies to trailers too. Remove the plates, transfer them to your next trailer, or surrender them at an SOS office.