Illinois Car Sales Tax Calculator
Determine exact Illinois motor vehicle sales tax, official DMV title and license fees (TTL), and dealer documentation fee caps under 35 ILCS 120/ & 815 ILCS 375/11.1.
Vehicle & Tax Parameters
Calculates in real time as you adjust inputs or click presets.
Worked Scenario: Buying a $30,000 Vehicle in Illinois
Here is how the numbers break down when purchasing a $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in allowance in Illinois:
| Line Item | Calculation Rule | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Agreed Price | Base vehicle purchase price | $30,000.00 |
| Less Trade-In Allowance | Deducted from vehicle equity | -$5,000.00 |
| Taxable Purchase Amount | Price minus trade-in (Credit applies) | $25,000.00 |
| Illinois Sales Tax (6.25%) | $25,000.00 × 6.25% | $1,562.50 |
| Dealer Documentation Fee | Statutory legal cap of $377.63 for 2026 under 815 ILCS ... | $377.63 |
| DMV Title & Registration | Official state titling and plate fee | $316.00 |
| Total Out-the-Door Due | Net balance + tax + fees | $27,256.13 |
Illinois Motor Vehicle Tax Laws & Regulations
When purchasing a car in Illinois, understanding how your state assesses tax and regulates dealer fees ensures you never overpay at the dealership signing table. Primary legal authority is codified under 35 ILCS 120/ & 815 ILCS 375/11.1.
1. Sales Tax Assessment & Surtaxes
Under 35 ILCS 120/ & 815 ILCS 375/11.1, Illinois imposes a 6.25% state sales tax. Municipal and county home-rule taxes increase combined rates up to 9.50% in Chicago and Cook County.
2. Trade-In Tax Deduction Rules
Full trade-in credit permitted. The previous $10,000 trade-in credit ceiling was repealed, restoring full trade-in tax deductions for Illinois vehicle buyers.
3. Dealer Documentation Fees & Ceilings
Statutory legal cap of $377.63 for 2026 under 815 ILCS 375/11.1 (indexed annually based on the BLS Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (IADA-published 2026 cap)). Learn how this compares with other jurisdictions in our complete Dealer Doc Fees by State Directory.
Local DMV & County Fee Variations in Illinois
While state tax rates provide the baseline, local county surtaxes and DMV plate fees vary across Illinois jurisdictions:
| County / Metropolitan Area | Combined Vehicle Tax Rate | DMV Plate & Title Fee | Typical Dealer Doc Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County (Chicago) | 9.50% combined | $151 plate + $165 title + city sticker | $377.63 (Capped) |
| DuPage County (Wheaton) | 7.25% - 8.25% | $151 plate + $165 title | $377.63 (Capped) |
| Lake County (Waukegan) | 7.00% - 8.00% | $151 plate + $165 title | $377.63 (Capped) |
| Will County (Joliet) | 7.00% - 8.50% | $151 plate + $165 title | $377.63 (Capped) |
| Kane County (Geneva) | 7.50% - 8.50% | $151 plate + $165 title | $377.63 (Capped) |
| Winnebago County (Rockford) | 8.25% - 8.75% | $151 plate + $165 title | $377.63 (Capped) |
Cross-Border & Private-Party Buying Rules
If you purchase a vehicle from an out-of-state dealership, you pay motor vehicle sales tax to Illinois when titling the car in your home jurisdiction. Read our transactional guide on buying a car out of state to avoid paying duplicate sales tax.
For private-party transactions between individual buyers and sellers, review our guide on private party vs. dealer vehicle sales tax to understand state valuation rules and required bill of sale documentation.
Need a National View?
Compare statutory rates across all 50 states or recalculate with custom dealer parameters: