Illinois Trailers, Motorcycles & Specialty Registrations

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond passenger cars, the Illinois Secretary of State registers everything from utility trailers to motorcycles, RVs, antique cars, and the state's distinctive B-truck and farm-plate categories. Most of these use the same VSD 190 form as a passenger car, but the fees and renewal cycles can be very different.

Motorcycles

Illinois requires a Class L (motorcycles up to 150cc) or Class M (full motorcycle) endorsement on the rider's driver's license, plus a separate motorcycle registration. The motorcycle fee is $41 per year for a standard plate and $50 for the title. The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program — required for riders under 18 — runs a free Basic RiderCourse at community colleges across the state and waives the SOS road test on completion.

Trailers

Illinois divides trailers into eight weight classes (TA through TH) based on gross weight:

TA (≤3,000 lbs): $18 per year, common small utility trailers.
TB (3,001-5,000 lbs): $30 per year.
TC (5,001-8,000 lbs): $50 per year.
TD (8,001-10,000 lbs): $58 per year.
TE (10,001-14,000 lbs): $106 per year.
TF (14,001-20,000 lbs): $158 per year.
TG (20,001-32,000 lbs): $290 per year.
TH (32,001+ lbs): $400+ per year, typically commercial.

Trailers also need a title via VSD 190 if the gross weight is more than 3,000 pounds. Smaller utility trailers (under 3,000 lbs) are issued a registration only — no title — but must still display a current plate sticker.

RVs and motor homes

Illinois categorizes RVs as RV plates and registers them based on gross vehicle weight. A typical Class A or Class C motor home (12,000-25,000 lbs) costs $78 to $278 per year. RVs require the standard title via VSD 190, plus an RUT-50 Vehicle Use Tax return for private-party purchases. Towed travel trailers use the trailer weight classes above. RVs converted to or from a passenger vehicle (skoolies, custom builds) require a salvage inspection through the Illinois State Police before titling.

Antique and historic vehicles

An Illinois antique vehicle plate is available for cars 25 years or older that are used "primarily for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and similar uses." The fee is $50 every 5 years, far less than annual passenger registration. Antique-plate vehicles cannot be used as everyday transportation and may not exceed 1,000 miles per year of general driving. A separate Expanded Use Antique plate allows broader on-road use for an additional fee.

B-trucks and farm plates

Illinois has a unique B-truck classification for trucks up to 8,000 pounds — the lightest commercial truck class — with a fee of $153 per year. Farm trucks (FA through FH classes) are restricted to within 150 miles of the farm and have a reduced fee schedule of $130 to $1,675 depending on weight. Farm-plate vehicles can carry only farm products, supplies, or family members; they cannot be used for personal transportation off-farm.

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs)

Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-highway motorcycles register with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, not the SOS. The fee is $30 every 3 years for snowmobiles and ATVs. OHVs cannot be operated on public roads except for short crossings or specifically designated routes.

Salvage and rebuilt vehicles

A salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares the vehicle a total loss. To return the vehicle to the road, the owner must complete repairs, pass a State Police salvage inspection, and apply for a Rebuilt Salvage title using the VSD 190. Rebuilt salvage vehicles cannot be re-titled to a clean title in Illinois; the salvage history stays on the record permanently.

For more on commercial trucking categories, see the national commercial license page.