TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Driver License
New residents may drive with a license issued from their home state for a grace period of 90 days. To obtain a new driver license, you must visit a Driver Services facility to surrender your out-of-state license and pass a vision screening, written exam, and possibly a driving exam. Proper identification must be presented to verify your full name, date of birth, social security number, Illinois residency, and written signature.

Residents who are not at least 18 years old must complete a state-approved driver education course and pass all three parts of the driver license exam. Illinois has adopted a Graduated Licensing program for drivers under the age of 18. While 16-year-olds who have successfully completed driver education can apply for a driver license, the graduated program establishes additional training requirements during the instruction permit phase. For more information or answers to specific questions on driving in Illinois, contact:

Illinois Secretary of State
Driver Service Department
800-252-8980
www.cyberdriveillinois.com

 

Vehicle Registration & Title
Newcomers have 30 days to apply for Illinois title and registration for their vehicles after establishing residence in the state, provided that the vehicle(s) were properly registered in another jurisdiction. Registration requirements include a copy of the current vehicle registration and title. If you recently purchased and have not titled or registered the vehicle you are bringing into Illinois, you must complete a tax form. For more information or answers to specific questions on registering and titling, contact the Driver Service Department.

To locate the driver services facility nearest you, consult the blue pages under state government offices and Secretary of State or the Motorist Services section of the Illinois Gateway. You can also contact the Driver Service Department by telephone or consult the website directory:

Driver Service Department
800-252-8980
www.cyberdriveillinois.com

 

Mandatory Insurance
Liability insurance is required by Illinois law for all motor vehicles that must display license plates and are being driven. This includes cars, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks and buses. Trailers are not required to have liability insurance. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact:

Mandatory Insurance Division
217-524-4946
www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html

 

Emissions Testing
Illinois requires that a vehicle be emissions tested every two years beginning at four years old. You will receive a notice from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) if your car or truck is registered in a location where testing is required. For more information or an online list of zip codes covered by the law, contact:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
217-782-3397
www2.illinois.gov/epa

Vehicle Safety Regulations
Illinois law requires that the driver and front seat passengers wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt. Those who are transporting children under age eight are responsible for properly securing the child in an appropriate child restraint system, including a booster seat. Children at least eight years old but under age 16 must be properly secured in a seat belt regardless of their position in the vehicle. Children under age eight who weigh more than 40 pounds can be secured in a rear seat wearing a lap belt only when no shoulder belt is available. If a combination lap and shoulder belt is available, the child must be secured in a booster seat. No one can operate any 1965 or later model vehicle unless the front seats are equipped with two sets of safety belts. For more information or answers to specific questions, contact:

Illinois State Police Department
Traffic Safety
https://isp.illinois.gov

Watercraft Registration
To register your watercraft for the first time in Illinois, you must submit a boat application, required documents, and the appropriate fee. Applications are available from Department of Natural Resources offices, boat dealers, or online. For more information on registering your boat or snowmobile, contact:

Department of Natural Resources
Watercraft Registration
www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boating