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Hey all, if anyone in Illinois is looking to get an "IL" number on their machines, I just did and it was suprisingly easy. Took a little bit of negotiating with the Dept of Natural Resources in Springfield, but got it done....heres how it was explained to me.
I wanted to register my Max, anyway possible, just something where the serial number would come back to me if either I was stopped on a trail, or if it was stolen. State of Illinois requires all ATVs to have a title...UNLESS it is a watercraft deemed "exempt" from having to have a title. I dont honestly know if mine was exempt or not, or how it was determined, but in any case, no title was required. Secretary of States office, told me since I bought mine out of state, and needed a new title for it, I would be required to have an insurance bond to prove value of vehicle. after the bond, and all of Illinois's fees, i was looking at the $300 mark....NO THANKS! So I called DNR to have it registered as a water craft. Heres how it went
After talking to Melissa and Sharon at the DNR office in Springfield, and explaining what I had--First I had to call previous state to see if there was an original title for it...there was not. I also had to have them run the number on my machine to make sure it wasnt stolen....nope. So after some talking they told me I would have to call my local State Police head quarters and request a water craft inspection. An officer would come out and inspect, fill out a form, and give me paper work to mail in. Set the appointment for the next day. That night I went to Gander Mountain and bought all of the requirements the DNR says a boat has to have to operate on Illinois Water ways (life jacket, fire extinguisher, whistle or sounding device, and I think a rope) I took it all back after the inspection cause im broke right now. But to clear up any thoughts about whether it is required to have an IL number, heres how it was explained by this particular officer. According to him, he says an amphibious water craft is NOT required to have an IL number or boat registration, AS LONG as the tires are the source of propulsion. IF you want to mount a trolling motor or out board, then yes you have to have an IL number. now he did say since these are few and far between in this area, it is soully up to the inspecting officer as to what he wants to do. So anyway back to the inspection.....he checked all of the stuff I was required to have (what I bought from Gander), had me start it, and then said It needs to have a "hull identification number". since it did not come from the factory with one, the state DNR will issue me one that I will have to affix to the right rear of the atv. They will also issue me a registration sticker along with an IL number that I need to put on the "bow" of the "vessel" lol final cost $22 which will make me legal for 3 years, then I have to renew. Only draw back is, whenever I am on a PUBLIC water way, I am required to have all required equipment I...i'll go buy it again when I have more money. So anyone kickin around the idea, Its easy and cheap to do.
Now I do not have a bow and stern light, he said how it sits now, I am allowed to be out from dusk to dawn, but if I put on the lights, or just buy the cheap boat flashlights with some duct tape, I can be out all hours of the night. I asked if I had any restrictions, and he said, just as long as you have a life jacket for all on board. He said I am allowed on any part of the Illinois River, but said if he sees me out and about in the channel, he may pull up and see how its goin, then call me an Idiot hahaha he says " I wouldnt recommend being in the channel with this thing"
I wanted to register my Max, anyway possible, just something where the serial number would come back to me if either I was stopped on a trail, or if it was stolen. State of Illinois requires all ATVs to have a title...UNLESS it is a watercraft deemed "exempt" from having to have a title. I dont honestly know if mine was exempt or not, or how it was determined, but in any case, no title was required. Secretary of States office, told me since I bought mine out of state, and needed a new title for it, I would be required to have an insurance bond to prove value of vehicle. after the bond, and all of Illinois's fees, i was looking at the $300 mark....NO THANKS! So I called DNR to have it registered as a water craft. Heres how it went
After talking to Melissa and Sharon at the DNR office in Springfield, and explaining what I had--First I had to call previous state to see if there was an original title for it...there was not. I also had to have them run the number on my machine to make sure it wasnt stolen....nope. So after some talking they told me I would have to call my local State Police head quarters and request a water craft inspection. An officer would come out and inspect, fill out a form, and give me paper work to mail in. Set the appointment for the next day. That night I went to Gander Mountain and bought all of the requirements the DNR says a boat has to have to operate on Illinois Water ways (life jacket, fire extinguisher, whistle or sounding device, and I think a rope) I took it all back after the inspection cause im broke right now. But to clear up any thoughts about whether it is required to have an IL number, heres how it was explained by this particular officer. According to him, he says an amphibious water craft is NOT required to have an IL number or boat registration, AS LONG as the tires are the source of propulsion. IF you want to mount a trolling motor or out board, then yes you have to have an IL number. now he did say since these are few and far between in this area, it is soully up to the inspecting officer as to what he wants to do. So anyway back to the inspection.....he checked all of the stuff I was required to have (what I bought from Gander), had me start it, and then said It needs to have a "hull identification number". since it did not come from the factory with one, the state DNR will issue me one that I will have to affix to the right rear of the atv. They will also issue me a registration sticker along with an IL number that I need to put on the "bow" of the "vessel" lol final cost $22 which will make me legal for 3 years, then I have to renew. Only draw back is, whenever I am on a PUBLIC water way, I am required to have all required equipment I...i'll go buy it again when I have more money. So anyone kickin around the idea, Its easy and cheap to do.
Now I do not have a bow and stern light, he said how it sits now, I am allowed to be out from dusk to dawn, but if I put on the lights, or just buy the cheap boat flashlights with some duct tape, I can be out all hours of the night. I asked if I had any restrictions, and he said, just as long as you have a life jacket for all on board. He said I am allowed on any part of the Illinois River, but said if he sees me out and about in the channel, he may pull up and see how its goin, then call me an Idiot hahaha he says " I wouldnt recommend being in the channel with this thing"
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