Illinois: titling an imported car

Illinois' rule asks for Customs, EPA and DOT paperwork, but the rule text is old (1986) and may not reflect current practice for 25-year-old cars.

Sources checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice; rules change.

At a glance

• Import ease (where verified): Process documented; 25-year treatment not stated in the sources read. Rule text dates from 1986; 25-year treatment not stated.
• Kei / mini-truck: No kei or mini-truck rule found in the sources read. No kei or mini-truck rule found in the official pages read.

What the official sources say

1. For imported vehicles not built to U.S. emission/safety standards, Illinois requires Customs Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1 (or EPA emission test report), an EPA approval or exemption letter, and a DOT compliance letter.
   Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.140
2. A foreign document of ownership (English or translated), or an MCO, is required; a bill of sale is required if the seller is not a U.S. citizen and the sale occurred abroad.
   Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.140
3. If Customs informally admitted the vehicle as conforming or exempt, the applicant supplies HS-7, EPA 3520-1 and the informal entry form (each showing conforms/exempt) instead of the EPA and DOT letters.
   Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.140
4. The first Illinois resident to buy an imported non-conforming vehicle must obtain an Illinois title.
   Source: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.140

Not verified (do not rely on ImportClock for these)

• The rule's source note says it was added effective Jan 6, 1986 and cites 1985 federal regulations; whether the Secretary of State applies it unchanged to 25-year-old cars today was not verified.
• Illinois emissions-testing (Chicago/Metro-East) rules and fees were not verified.
• The Secretary of State pages on title/registration were not read for imports.

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