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Illinois Out-the-Door Car Price Calculator

Get your real Illinois total — including 6.25% state tax, the Chicago/Cook County surtax, the highest title fee on our list, and EV surcharge.

Illinois' Chicago Surtax — and the Country's Highest EV Fee

Illinois' base state sales tax on vehicles is 6.25%. Most of the state adds a modest local rate averaging around 2%, bringing typical combined totals to about 8.25%. But if you're buying in Chicago or greater Cook County, the combined rate jumps to roughly 10.25% — one of the highest vehicle tax rates in the country.

That gap matters: on a $35,000 car, the difference between the statewide average (8.25%) and the Chicago rate (10.25%) is $700 in extra tax. If you live near the city line, it can be worth comparing dealerships just outside Cook County.

Illinois also charges the highest EV registration surcharge in our dataset — $248 per year for battery electric vehicles, well above neighboring states. This is meant to offset the gas tax revenue EVs don't generate, but it's a cost EV shoppers should factor into their total before they buy.

On the fee side, Illinois' $150 title fee is also the highest of any state we cover — though the state does bundle license plates into the registration fee at no extra charge, which offsets some of that gap.

Illinois Fee Breakdown

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Title Fee	$150	Highest title fee among states we cover
Registration Fee	$151	License plates included at no extra charge
State Tax	6.25%	Applies to full purchase price after trade-in credit
Local Tax (statewide avg)	~2%	Chicago/Cook County combined rate is ~10.25%
EV Registration Surcharge	$248/year	Highest EV surcharge in our dataset
Dealer Doc Fee	No statutory cap	Negotiate — Illinois sets no legal ceiling

Chicago vs. the Rest of Illinois — A Real Cost Comparison

Area	Combined Rate	Tax on a $35,000 Car
Rest of Illinois (avg local)	~8.25%	$2,887.50
Chicago / Cook County	~10.25%	$3,587.50
Difference	+2 percentage points	$700 more in Chicago

Estimates based on state 6.25% plus average or Chicago-specific local rate. Confirm your dealership's exact municipality before finalizing a deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the car sales tax in Illinois?

Illinois' base state sales tax on vehicles is 6.25%. Most of the state adds roughly 2% in local tax, for a combined rate near 8.25%. In Chicago and Cook County, the combined rate rises to about 10.25% — among the highest in the country.

Why is Chicago's car tax rate so much higher?

Chicago and Cook County layer city and county sales tax on top of the state rate, similar to how many major metros add local vehicle taxes. The difference amounts to about $700 in extra tax on a $35,000 purchase compared to the statewide average.

How much is the Illinois title fee?

$150 — the highest title fee among the states we cover. However, Illinois includes license plates in the registration fee at no additional cost, which helps offset the higher upfront title cost.

Does Illinois charge an EV surcharge?

Yes, and it's steep — $248 per year for battery electric vehicles, the highest EV registration surcharge in our dataset. This is a meaningful ongoing cost EV buyers should include when comparing total cost of ownership.

Does Illinois tax trade-ins?

Yes. Your trade-in value is subtracted from the purchase price before Illinois calculates sales tax, at both the state and local level, lowering your total tax bill.

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