Illinois Motorcycle Registration
Although the nature of riding a motorcycle can be very different than that of driving a car, the titling and registration process for a motorcycle or scooter is almost identical to registering a car or truck. Here the important things to remember to do after purchasing your first motorcycle.
Taxes and Fees for Registering a Motorcycle in Illinois
The title process for a motorcycle requires a hefty fee, and you’ll have to pay for a registration fee as well. Don’t be too miffed though – renewals for your registration are typically cheaper than the initial fee. Registration renewals can easily be done through the mail in the future, so you won’t always have to go to the Secretary of State office in person to get everything done.
Motorcycle purchases are also subject to sales tax. If you have purchased the bike from a dealership, they collected the tax from you during the purchase. If the sale was from a private party, however, the tax will be assessed and collected when you title it. Taxes vary depending on the motorcycle and location where it was purchased, but you can get an idea of how much you will be paying by consulting the Illinois Sales Tax Rate Reference Manual.
The Initial Registration Process for Motorcycles
Motorcycles use their own titling system to prove ownership, just like cars. When you go to register your bike for the first time, you must bring your title with you along with your license. You will need several critical pieces of information about the bike:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Make, model, year of manufacture
- A present odometer reading
With this info, you’ll need to complete all of the following at the Secretary of State office:
- Application for Title or Registration
- Tax Form RUT-50, along with the payment due in the form of a check or money order
- Title and registration fees, again as a check or money order
Unfortunately, none of them are available for download, so be prepared to do some paperwork in person.
After providing all of the above, you will be given your new plates and tags, and your title will be sent to you in the mail shortly. Congratulations, your bike is now fully registered!
You can learn more about registering your motorcycle in the official Illinois Vehicle Title and Registration pamphlet.
