Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Illinois. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
State numbering.
The
boat registration number prefix for this state is "IL".
Title certificate.
All
registered boats are titled except those documented with the
Coast Guard.
Registration certificate.
All boats must be registered except sailboards,
boats used exclusively as a ship's lifeboat,
boats while competing in any race approved by
the Department, non-powered boats owned and
operated on water completely impounded on land
belonging to the owner of the watercraft (this
does not apply to waters controlled by a club or
association), or a canoe or kayak which is owned
by an organization which is organized and
conducted on a not-for-profit basis with no
personal profit inuring to anyone as a result of
the operation. Registration is also required for Coast Guard documented vessels.
Boat registrations are renewed every three
years.
Sales &
use tax.
Boats
purchased new or used from manufacturer's lending institutions
or dealers are subject to tax. Tax
is also owed when a watercraft (class 2,3,4 and personal watercraft
[PWC], i.e. jet-skis) is acquired by gift, donation, transfer,
or non-retail purchase if the watercraft will be used in
Illinois.
Loan perfection.
Security
interests are recorded on the state title for non-documented
boats. Titles are sent to the lender. A preferred vessel
mortgage is required if the boat is documented with the Coast
Guard.
Registration agency.
Illinois
Department of Natural Resources.
Boat record search.
The
Department of Natural Resources will confirm certificates in
hand by telephone. A written
request must be submitted for printed information. Expedited
title reports can also be obtained from a public boat record
vendor. Boat registration records are maintained for
approximately 10 years.
Hull number inspection.
None
required.
Ownership designations.
"Joint
Tenants" and "Joint Tenants With Right of Survivorship" are
recognized.
Residency requirements.
Residency is
not required for the owner if Illinois is the boat is located in
Illinois.
Outboard motors.
Titles and
registrations are not issued on outboard motors.
Notary
public.
A $5,000 bond
is required and the notary must use an inked stamp seal.
Visitation period.
60 days.
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and vessel transaction needs.
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