625 ILCS 45/3-5
The purchaser of a watercraft shall, within 15 days after acquiring same, make application to the Department for transfer to him of the certificate of number issued to the watercraft giving his name, address and the number of the boat. The purchaser shall apply for a transfer-renewal for a fee as prescribed under Section 3-2 of this Act for approximately 3 years. All transfers will bear September 30 expiration dates in the calendar year of expiration. Upon receipt of the application and fee, together with proof that any tax imposed under the Municipal Use Tax Act or County Use Tax Act has been paid or that no such tax is owed, the Department shall transfer the certificate of number issued to the watercraft to the new owner.
Unless the application is made and fee paid, and proof of payment of municipal use tax or county use tax or nonliability therefor is made, within 30 days, the watercraft shall be deemed to be without certificate of number and it shall be unlawful for any person to operate the watercraft until the certificate is issued.
Non-powered watercraft are exempt from this Section.
625 ILCS 45/3-5