Fee schedule from Illinois's official rules above.
Illinois RV Registration: The Fee Breakdown
Illinois RV (motorhome) plates are weight-based: $78 up to 8,000 lbs, $90 up to 10,000 lbs, $102 above that. Non-motorized recreational trailers use a separate, cheaper RT-plate schedule ($18-$50 by weight). A first-time title is a separate $250 fee.
| Gross Weight | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 8,000 lbs | $78 |
| 8,001-10,000 lbs | $90 |
| 10,001+ lbs | $102 |
Illinois vs. Other Popular RV States — Registration Cost
| State | Annual-Equivalent Fee (~20k lb Class A) | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | ~$102 | Yes |
| Texas | ~$205 | None |
| South Dakota | ~$396 (0-9 yrs) | None |
| Florida | $58.85 flat | None |
| California | $200–600+ | Yes |
Estimates for a representative ~20,000 lb, $80,000 Class A motorhome, expressed as an annual-equivalent where a state bills less often than yearly.
Is Illinois a Full-Timer Domicile State?
Illinois is not commonly chosen as a full-timer domicile state. It has a state income tax, and most full-time RVers instead register in South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, or Wyoming for a combination of lower costs, tax advantages, and established residency services.
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois RV Registration
How much does it cost to register an RV in Illinois?
In Illinois, RV registration typically ranges from $78 to $102 per year depending on your RV's gross weight — see the fee schedule above for your specific bracket. Always confirm the current fee with your state DMV before registering.
Is Illinois's RV registration fee based on weight, value, or a flat rate?
Illinois uses a weight-based registration fee — the heavier your RV's gross weight, the more you pay. It ranges from $78 at the lightest bracket up to $102 for the heaviest RVs in our schedule above. It does not depend on your RV's purchase price or current value.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?
Yes, Illinois levies a state income tax. If minimizing overall tax burden as a full-time RVer is your priority, states with no income tax (like South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, or Wyoming) are usually a better domicile choice, even if their registration fee is higher.
Is Illinois a good state for full-time RVer domicile?
Illinois isn't typically recommended as a full-timer domicile state. Most full-time RVers instead choose South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, or Wyoming, which offer a combination of low registration costs, no state income tax, and established mail-forwarding services for establishing residency without a fixed address.
What else should I know about registering an RV in Illinois?
Illinois RV (motorhome) plates are weight-based: $78 up to 8,000 lbs, $90 up to 10,000 lbs, $102 above that. Non-motorized recreational trailers use a separate, cheaper RT-plate schedule ($18-$50 by weight). A first-time title is a separate $250 fee.