McHenry County, IL Car Tax & Registration (2026)
In McHenry County, a dealer car purchase is taxed at about 7% (the countywide base — cities can be higher), on top of the statewide $165 title and $151 registration fees. For a private-party purchase, McHenry County uses Illinois's flat statewide tax table (RUT-50) — no extra county tax. McHenry County requires emissions testing in certain ZIP codes.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in McHenry County
- Dealer sales tax: ~7% base (varies by city/ZIP)
- Private-party tax: flat RUT-50 table (statewide)
- Title: $165 · Registration: $151 (statewide)
- Emissions: required in some ZIPs
How the tax works
Dealer purchases are taxed at your registration-address rate, which varies within McHenry County by city — resolve your exact rate on the Illinois DOR Tax Rate Finder. Private-party sales use the state RUT-50 flat table (based on the vehicle's price and age), shown on our Illinois title & tax page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the car sales tax in McHenry County, IL?
Dealer purchases are taxed at about 7% (countywide base; cities can be higher). Private-party sales use Illinois's flat statewide RUT-50 table.
Does McHenry County require emissions testing?
McHenry County requires emissions testing in certain ZIP codes.
How much is car registration in McHenry County?
Title is $165 and registration is $151 statewide. The county-specific part is the dealer sales-tax rate (~7%) on a purchase.