Total Cost of an Auction Car in Illinois (2026)
An $8,000 Copart win titled in Illinois lands near $10,059 before transport and repairs: $1,409 in Copart fees, $500 of Illinois 6.25% state rate and a $150 title fee. The same car at IAAI comes to $9,593.
Illinois worked example: three hammer prices
| Hammer | Copart fees | IAAI fees | IL tax | IL title | All-in Copart | All-in IAAI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $809 | $528 | $188 | $150 | $4,147 | $3,866 |
| $8,000 | $1,409 | $943 | $500 | $150 | $10,059 | $9,593 |
| $15,000 | $1,534 | $1,378 | $938 | $150 | $17,622 | $17,466 |
Auction fees: standard buyer schedules with online bid, gate/service, environmental and documentation fees, no storage (Copart, IAAI). Tax is applied to the hammer price only.
Illinois tax and title on an auction buy
Illinois state rate is 6.25%. Cook County and Chicago push effective rates over 10%. Trade-in credit capped at $10,000 (post-2020 rule).
- Rate used above: 6.25% state rate.
- Local add-on: up to 4.50% more in some Illinois jurisdictions, or $135 on $3,000, $360 on $8,000, $675 on $15,000.
- Title transfer in Illinois: $150. Registration and plate fees are separate and not in our data; your DMV sets them.
Check your own numbers in the Illinois vehicle sales tax calculator.
Buying in Illinois as a licensed dealer
Illinois dealer licenses come from Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department (Dealer & Remitter Licensing).
Every licensing fact with its official source: Illinois dealer license guide.
Manheim and transport
Manheim sets its buyer fee per auction location, so there is no single number to put in a Illinois table. Online Simulcast buys add Manheim's standard $50 Simulcast buyer fee on top (Manheim). Transport depends on distance and carrier; price it per car and add it last.
Tools for Illinois buyers
FAQ
What does a $3,000 Copart car really cost in Illinois?
About $4,147: the $3,000 bid, $809 in Copart fees, $188 Illinois tax (6.25% state rate) and a $150 title fee. Transport, registration and repairs come on top.
Is IAAI or Copart cheaper on a $15,000 car in Illinois?
On the standard schedules we use, IAAI comes to $17,466 and Copart to $17,622 at a $15,000 hammer, Illinois tax and title included. The Illinois side of the bill is the same at both; only the auction fees differ.
How is sales tax charged on an auction car in Illinois?
Illinois state rate is 6.25%. Cook County and Chicago push effective rates over 10%. Trade-in credit capped at $10,000 (post-2020 rule).
Know the Illinois resale before you bid
The cost side is above. Check what the car sells for in Illinois before you commit.
Estimates, not a quote. Auction fee schedules change and some yards add surcharges; state tax and title figures are from our state tax file. Confirm with the auction and your DMV.