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✔ Article reviewed by Ethan Orenstein. Bringing motorcycles back from the dead since 2013. Learn More.

3 Wheel Motorcycle License, Registration, and Insurance in Illinois

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Ready to get on the road with your trike or autocycle?

Keep reading for an overview of the licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for 3-wheel motorcycles in Illinois.

Do you Need a Motorcycle License for a Trike in Illinois?

You will need to hold a valid 2-wheel or 3-wheel-restricted motorcycle license in order to ride a trike in Illinois. 

For more information, please check out our guide on how to get a motorcycle license in Illinois.

Do you Need a Motorcycle License for an Autocycle in Illinois?

In Illinois, a motorcycle license is not required to operate an autocycle like a Slingshot. A valid Illinois driver’s license is all you need to legally drive one.

Illinois 3 Wheel Motorcycle License Test

In order to get a trike motorcycle license, you’ll need to:

  • Pass a motorcycle knowledge exam. 
  • Pass a motorcycle skills test. 

If you complete an approved motorcycle training course, you will satisfy the IL SOS requirements for a skills test and written exam. 


Completing your requirements on a 3-wheel motorcycle will limit you to riding 3-wheel motorcycles only. 

A 2-wheel motorcycle license allows you to ride 3-wheel motorcycles as well. 

Prepare for your DMV tests with our Illinois motorcycle permit practice test

Be sure to refer to your state’s motorcycle operator handbook and the 3-wheel motorcycle supplement from MSF. 

How to Register a Trike or Autocycle in Illinois

Illinois title and registration for 3-wheel motorcycles, trikes, and autocycles is a similar process to that of 2-wheel motorcycles. 

In general, you’ll need the following items and information:

  • Proof of ownership (Title, MCO, previous registration documents, Bill of Sale).
  • An application for registration and title. 
  • Proof of completion of any necessary safety inspections. 
  • Proof of insurance coverage. 
  • Payment for your license plates, registration fees, and taxes. 

For more details on registering and titling your trike or autocycle, please refer to our guides on the following topics:

Illinois Insurance Requirements for 3-Wheel Motorcycles and Autocycles

Motorcycle insurance is requirement to register and ride a trike in IL. 

Minimum liability requirements are 25/50/20.

The right insurance coverage is a good idea to protect yourself, your financial health, and your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, or damage. 

Get more details in our guide to motorcycle insurance here. 

Need a quote? Find the right autocycle or trike insurance policy with our free quote tool

Learn more about trike insurance.

Note that state laws and regulations are subject to change, for any questions or further details about 3-wheel motorcycles in Illinois, please contact the DMV or visit their official website. 

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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