Moving to Illinois

On cost, Illinois sits a little below the national average.

• The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 95.1, ranked 24th.
• Housing is the low component at 84.7, and utilities are slightly above average at 102.6.
• Property tax runs the other way.
• The Tax Foundation puts the effective rate on owner-occupied housing at 1.88 percent, tied with New Jersey for the highest in the country.
• The state income tax is a flat 4.95 percent.
• The state sales tax is 6.25 percent, and the average combined state and local rate is 8.96 percent.

A few rules are worth knowing early.

• Emissions testing applies only in the Chicago and Metro-East St.
• Louis areas, and your plate renewal notice tells you whether your car must test.
• A FOID card is required for an Illinois resident to legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
• If you buy a home, the General Homestead Exemption lowers its assessed value, by up to $10,000 in Cook County.

Get an Illinois driver's license within 90 days

You can drive on a valid license from another state for 90 days after you move here. Apply in person at a DMV. Express facilities do not process out-of-state transfers. Surrender your out-of-state license. Expect a vision screening and a written exam. You may also have to take a drive exam. Read the Rules of the Road before you go.

Title and register the car within 30 days

Apply for an Illinois title and registration within 30 days of moving here. Complete Form VSD-190 and bring the out-of-state title. If a lender holds the title, bring a copy of the title or out-of-state registration and a copy of the loan agreement. The title fee is $165, and passenger plates are $151. A car titled and registered in another state at least three months before you moved is exempt from Illinois tax. You still file Form RUT-25 or RUT-50 to show the exemption.

Emissions tests apply in the Chicago and Metro-East areas

Illinois tests vehicle emissions in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas. Most gasoline vehicles from model year 1996 or newer are tested once they are four years old. After that, even model years test in even years and odd model years in odd years. A vehicle newly registered in a test area may need a test. Your plate renewal notice says whether you must test before you renew. Diesel and all-electric vehicles do not test.

Carry at least 25/50/20 liability insurance

The minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for injury or death of one person and $50,000 for more than one person. The minimum for damage to property is $20,000. The state checks insurance electronically. If it cannot confirm coverage, it checks again after 30 days. If that check also fails, it mails you a suspension letter. You then have 30 days to prove coverage through your insurance agent. If you cannot, it suspends the registration. To reinstate it, buy insurance and pay a $100 fee. The minimum fine for driving uninsured is $500.

Claim the General Homestead Exemption if you buy a home

The General Homestead Exemption applies to a home you own and live in as your main residence. It lowers the equalized assessed value of the home. The maximum is $10,000 in Cook County and $8,000 in the counties next to Cook. In all other counties it is $6,000. Ask your county assessment office how to apply.

Register to vote before the deadlines

You must live in your precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day. Regular registration closes 27 days before the election. Online registration stays open until 16 days before. After regular registration closes, use grace period registration in person at a designated site. Bring two forms of ID, and one must show your current address.