How to Apply for a Car Title in Illinois: A Simple Guide
Why You Can Trust EverQuote
EverQuote powers millions of shopper requests every month, teaming up with industry-leading insurance specialists to address real-world challenges faced by people every day. We partner with the largest insurance providers in the nation, and our content is carefully crafted by experts and reviewed by licensed insurance agents for accuracy and relevance.
If you purchase a vehicle or need to apply for a duplicate title in Illinois, you’ll have to complete an Illinois application for a title. If this is your first time completing an Illinois application title or you haven’t done so in a while, you may need some help. Below, you’ll learn all about the process, including all the documents you'll need to complete an application for a title in Illinois and more.
Necessary Documents for the Application
When you complete an application for Illinois title and license, an application for duplicate title Illinois, or an application for corrected title Illinois, gathering all the necessary documents is your first step. Having these documents ready beforehand helps streamline the application process and mitigates the chances of a delay.
The documents you'll need include:
- Original title to the vehicle: A vehicle title proves vehicle ownership, so you can legally put the title into your name and get a car registration. Without the title, the original owner must apply for a duplicate title and pay a $50 processing fee.
- Proof of Illinois auto insurance: To register a vehicle for on-road driving and obtain license plates, you must have at least liability insurance.
- Completed title application: You must complete the title and registration application. If you complete this online, print out the finalized transaction details to prove you completed this step.
- Tax forms: You'll also need the appropriate tax forms. We’ll cover all the required tax forms and when you’ll need them later.
- Payment form: You must pay certain fees and taxes to receive your title. The Illinois Department of Revenue and Secretary of State only accept checks or money orders on mail-in applications. If you do an in-person transaction, you can also pay in cash.
- Death certificate: If the original owner has died, you will need this certificate to transfer the title.
Understand the Importance of the Current Vehicle Title
The original vehicle title is key to the Illinois title application process. It provides the required evidence that you or the seller legally own the vehicle you're attempting to title.
A clear title also proves the vehicle has no liens, such as outstanding loans or unpaid mechanical repairs.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Collect Proof of Identity and Residency
You must also prove that you live in Illinois and are eligible to own a vehicle registered in the state. The two ways you prove this are:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement that clearly displays your name and current address
Familiarize Yourself With Relevant Tax Forms
Illinois has strict tax rules for purchasing a vehicle. Understanding these rules is critical in the Illinois vehicle title application process. Depending on where you purchased the vehicle and its sales tax requirements, you must complete at least one tax form.
The forms you may need include:
- RUT-25: If you purchased the vehicle from a car dealership, you'll need to familiarize yourself with this form.
- ST-556: If you purchased the vehicle from a car dealership and it requires you to pay sales tax, you'll need to familiarize yourself with this form.
- RUT-50: If you purchased the vehicle from a private party, you'll need to familiarize yourself with this form.
Ensure the Title Is Signed Correctly
When you purchase a vehicle in Illinois, the seller must sign the title and add the date you finalized the sale. The buyer must also sign the title when submitting the application. Overlooking this critical step can result in your application being denied. You also want to make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the vehicle.
Explore Online Versus In-Person Title Transfer Options
You can complete an Illinois vehicle title application online or in person. Each process has benefits, such as:
- Online applications don't require traveling to the nearby Secretary of State office for a vehicle title application.
- In-person applications allow you to ask questions and clarify any doubts with Department of Motor Vehicle officials.
Remember that regardless of the process you choose to complete the application, you must still submit the completed application and payment in person at the Secretary of State's office or by mail.
Understand Associated Taxes and Fees
Along with the application itself, you want to understand any associated taxes and fees. You may encounter several costs when applying for a vehicle title in Illinois, including:
- Title fees
- Registration fees
- Sales tax on the vehicle
- Vehicle use tax
You should research these fees and budget for them before initiating your certificate of title.
Final Submission: What To Do After Completing the Application
You can submit your application for vehicle transaction once you’ve gathered and completed all the required title application documentation.
If applying online, print the completed application receipt, then take it, your payment, and any other required documents to the nearest Secretary of State facility within seven days for processing or mail it to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd. St., Room 014
Springfield, IL 62756
If you used a paper title application from a local Secretary of State office, you can submit it like an online application.
Applying for a Vehicle Title in Illinois? Make Sure You’re Also Getting the Best Car Insurance Rate
Car insurance is a requirement to title a vehicle for road use in Illinois, so make sure you’re getting the best possible rate by comparing multiple Illinois car insurance quotes for free today.