Car ownership costs in Illinois
What it costs to own a car in Illinois beyond the sticker price — sales tax, annual registration, vehicle property tax, inspection requirements, and title fee.
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified. This figure is a knowledge estimate we have not yet confirmed against the official source, so this page is not indexed. Treat it as a rough guide only and verify with your state DMV or department of revenue.
- Vehicle sales tax
- 0.0625%
- Illinois state sales tax on vehicles is 6.25%. Chicago residents pay a combined rate near 10.25%. Trade-in credit capped at $10,000.
- Annual registration fee
- ~$101/yr
- Annual registration $101 for passenger vehicles.
- Vehicle property tax
- No vehicle property tax
- No annual personal property tax on vehicles.
- State inspection
- Required
- Emissions testing required in the Chicago metro area. Annual or biennial depending on vehicle age. Cost ~$20.
- Title fee
- ~$150
- One-time fee at purchase. Amount may vary.
- Example: $35,000 vehicle
- Sales tax: $22
- + $101/yr registration + no property tax
How state fees affect your car's true cost in Illinois
When you buy a vehicle in Illinois, the first state cost you'll face is the sales tax of 0.0625%. On a $35,000 vehicle, that's roughly $22 due at the time of purchase — in addition to the dealer's price.
After the purchase, Illinois charges an estimated $101 per year to register the vehicle. Annual registration $101 for passenger vehicles.
Illinois does not impose a personal property tax on vehicles — which is a meaningful advantage over states that do, where owners can pay 0.5%–2% of the vehicle's value annually.
Illinois requires periodic vehicle inspections. Emissions testing required in the Chicago metro area. Annual or biennial depending on vehicle age. Cost ~$20. Inspection fees are typically $20–$70 depending on the station and vehicle type.
Calculate your full 5-year ownership cost in Illinois
The TCO calculator pre-fills Illinois's sales tax and registration fee. Add your purchase price, loan terms, fuel type, and insurance to see the complete picture.
Open TCO calculatorFrequently asked questions
What is the car sales tax in Illinois?
The vehicle sales tax rate in Illinois is 0.0625%. On a $35,000 vehicle that works out to roughly $22 at the time of purchase. Illinois state sales tax on vehicles is 6.25%. Chicago residents pay a combined rate near 10.25%. Trade-in credit capped at $10,000.
How much is vehicle registration in Illinois?
The estimated annual vehicle registration fee in Illinois is around $101 per year. Annual registration $101 for passenger vehicles.
Does Illinois have a vehicle property tax?
No. Illinois does not impose an annual personal property tax on vehicles. No annual personal property tax on vehicles.
Is a vehicle inspection required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires periodic vehicle safety (and in some areas emissions) inspections. Emissions testing required in the Chicago metro area. Annual or biennial depending on vehicle age. Cost ~$20.
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