Need to register or title your motorcycle? We'll walk you through each step. First, let's take care of your motorcycle insuance.
Now is a great time to compare quotes to see if you qualify for a lower rate. Why pay more for insurance if you don't have to? Switch today and save!
⚠️ ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. Click below for a free insurance quote.
Please answer the questions below to get started:
This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in Illinois and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.
Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Illinois.
Illinois Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles
- Does Illinois have an equipment/safety inspection?
- Not required.
- Does Illinois require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
- Not required.
- Does Illinois require a title for old motorcycles?
- Yes, Illinois requires all motorcycles to be titled.
Title and Register a Motorcycle in Illinois
To title and register your motorcycle project in Illinois, you’ll need the following:
- Signed over motorcycle title
- Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
- Application for Vehicle Transaction
- Tax Form RUT-50
- Registration, title, plate fees, and taxes.
Find more information about Illinois motorcycle registration and registration renewal.
How to Register a Motorcycle with no Title in Illinois
You have the following options if you’ve bought a motorcycle with no title:
Option 1: Bikes from IL
Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:
Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Illinois.
Option 2: Bikes from out of state
If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:
- Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
- Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.
Option 3: Register in a No-Title State
Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.
- Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
- Transfer your registration to your own state.
Illinois Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Illinois requires motorcycles to meet the following requirements:
- Rearview mirrors.
- Handlebars must not be higher than rider’s head height.
- Passenger footrest required when riding with a passenger.
- Daytime headlight required.
Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.
This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.
i bought a motorcycle from a family friend, the bike belonged to her husband who passed away a few years ago. she can’t find the title and there were no plates on the bike. How do I apply for the title? I do have a bill of sale and death certificate.
It may be worth giving the SOS a call. If they don’t seem to have an answer, check out our page and the comments on Vermont motorcycle registration. If the bike meets the criteria, this may be an option for you.
I purchased a 05 Kawasaki Ninja 636 from private sale. Previous owner did not have title, they are unable to get new duplicate/replacement. I have the previous Bill of Sale, the Current B.o.S, and the old FL VIN/Title number. I have had the motorcycle for over 2 months, and I have not been able to get it registered still. Any help?
Registering in Vermont may be your best bet. Please check out our page on that topic and the comments section for more information. Good luck!
I own a HD 883, that I bought new in 1988. I have title. It has been in storage for last 10 (?) years and no current IL plates. I want to refurbish and run again. How to get IL plates? Do not remember when it was last registered before going into storage. Thanks.
You should be able to complete a new registration application to get new plates. Since the title is already in your name, you should have everything you need.
If i buy a motor off a private party do i need the title to that motor to be legal?
In most cases (except for maybe some older bikes, i.e. pre 1970) the title is going to follow the frame. You should still get a Bill of Sale that includes any unique engine number information to document the transaction just in case.
I have a old flh titled as a 1971 title matches vin number on engine the frame is older a 69 i believe and has no vin. I have owned the bike for 27 years. I am trying to sell it and someone is telling me that its not legal and there is no way to make it so what is the reality here
No VIN at all on the frame (and no accompanying ownership documents for it) is going make things difficult for the buyer if they try to title and register the bike in their name.
However, with the title you do have and a bill of sale for the transaction, you should be able to sell the bike with no problem. You should be explicit about the frame VIN in the sale.
Can a motorcycle be registered if it never had a title? (owner has MCO but never got a title for it)
Yes, an MCO should work in place of the title. Be sure to get a Bill of Sale along with it. Contact the SOS to verify if you’ll need anything else, but you should be good.