Illinois Title Transfer: A Complete Guide for Buyers & Sellers
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Title transfer in Illinois includes transfer of ownership and current title to a new owner.
This guide to Illinois car registration explains title applications, title transfer fees and registration fees, online title transfers, licensed dealers, and more for anyone transferring vehicle ownership from a previous owner to a new one. In addition to documents, fees, and timelines, it will help you with special situations such as private sales, inherited vehicles, and out-of-state transfers.
Required Documents for a Title Transfer in Illinois
You will need to organize several required documents for an Illinois car title transfer, including:
The original title
A completed Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190) form
Proof of insurance
Tax form RUT-50
A signed bill of sale
If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must also provide an odometer disclosure statement to verify total mileage for your Illinois title transfer.
Title Transfer Fees and Deadlines
The fee to transfer license plates and title is $190 when buying and selling cars in Illinois. After purchasing a vehicle, you have 20 days to complete the car title transfer in Illinois.
Transferring a Title for a Private Sale
Many of the same rules apply when transferring a title for a private sale in Illinois: You still need to pay fees, complete the required forms, and submit documentation to the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois officials caution buyers to make sure the title is signed and dated and has not been altered and to confirm that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches that on the vehicle itself.
Here are some additional considerations when performing an Illinois DMV title transfer:
Make sure that license plates are removed before completing the sale. The plates belong to the car owner rather than the vehicle. Interestingly, it is illegal in the state of Illinois to drive a car with someone else's license plates on it.
As the buyer in a private sale, you must ensure the title is put in your name within the 20-day grace period. (A dealership will handle this for you when you purchase from a car dealer.)
Complete the Notice of Sale form located at the bottom of the title and send it to the Illinois Secretary of State's Vehicle Services Department, 055 Howlett Building, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756 at the time of sale.
Both buyer and seller should maintain a copy of the bill of sale for their records.
The Illinois DMV can also be a good resource for questions about titles, license plates, and more.
Title Transfers for Gifts, Inherited Vehicles, and Out-of-State Transfers
Special circumstances such as gifting, inheritance, and out-of-state transfers, require additional consideration if you plan to transfer a title in Illinois.
Title transfers for gifted vehicles: If you are gifted a vehicle in the state of Illinois, you will use RUT-50 Instructions for Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction to report the gift.
Title transfers for inherited vehicles: If you have recently inherited a vehicle in Illinois, you must provide a certified copy of letters that show the estate's legal representation, the Application for Vehicle Transaction VSD-190, and a current odometer reading. If the title had joint ownership and you are the surviving owner, you automatically become the owner. However, you still must apply for a title in your name only within 120 days of the other owner's death. You will provide a copy of the death certificate, the original title, the Application for Vehicle Transaction VSD-190 with "corrected title" noted and the decedent's name removed. You will need to pay applicable state taxes in both cases.
Out-of-state title transfers: If you are planning a move to Illinois, you must complete the tax form RUT-25 for Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return within 30 days of moving to the state.
Handling Titles With a Lien or Lost/Damaged Titles
If you would like to remove a lien on your title, you will need to submit a clearance letter or contract from the lienholder proving the lien has been paid in full or a court order for a duplicate title without the lienholder's name.
If your title is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate title by filling out the Application for Vehicle Transaction VSD-190 and checking the box for Duplicate Title near the top of the form. You cannot, however, get a duplicate title within 15 days of the issuance of an original title or 30 days from the issuance of a duplicate title.
Avoiding Common Title Transfer Mistakes
Many common title transfer mistakes can be easily avoided with preparation and organization. Make sure you have everything in order before you proceed.
Incomplete paperwork: Review all your required documents so everything is complete and ready to go.
Missing signatures: Are both signatures on the title, and are they legible?
Incorrect fees: Review the latest fee structure so you pay the right amount for your title transfer.
Save on Car Insurance After Your Title Transfer
Illinois car insurance is a must for drivers in the Land of Lincoln. After you have completed your title transfer, it is a great time to research car insurance prices and options in Illinois. EverQuote offers a free online comparison tool that makes it easy to review offers and find the ideal car insurance for your current and future driving needs.
Visit EverQuote today to find affordable and flexible insurance options.