As long as you have a certificate of title and a few other key documents, you can complete a title transfer in Illinois at a Secretary of State facility.

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Aug 29, 2023

Table of Contents

What is a title transfer?
Car title transfer in Illinois
Registering a car in Illinois
Finding insurance for your vehicle
FAQs

Load full table of contents

If you’re transferring ownership of a vehicle in

Illinois

, you’ll need to complete a title transfer. You can start the process online but you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to complete the transfer. The base fee is $150.

Unfortunately, you can’t just hand over the keys when buying or selling a vehicle. You need to make everything official by transferring the title. You may also need to do this if you’re donating or inheriting the vehicle, or if you are

registering a car

in Illinois for the first time.

The process usually includes filling out some basic paperwork, visiting the DMV (or using the online portal), and paying a small fee.

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What is a title transfer?

car title

is what dictates ownership of the vehicle. So when you transfer the title of a car, you’re transferring its ownership.

Transferring a title consists of two steps—one for the seller and one for the buyer:

The seller must release ownership of the car by signing the title

The buyer must take the signed title to the

DMV

(Secretary of State facility), where the state will issue a new title and registration

You may need to submit additional paperwork to complete the title transfer process, depending on your situation. This could be a bill of sale, a transfer of ownership form, or an odometer disclosure. Registration will cost extra (more info on that below).

Who does the title transfer?

In a private purchase, the buyer and seller must decide who will complete the title transfer process. The document must be signed by both parties and then filed with the proper body.

If you purchase a car from a dealership, on the other hand, the dealer is responsible for submitting all the paperwork. This convenience is one reason many people prefer to buy via a dealership.

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Reasons for a title transfer

The most common reasons to do a title change are a change of residency or because they are buying or selling a car.

You may also need to do a title change in one of the following situations:

Donating a vehicle

Gifting a vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle

Paying off a vehicle loan

Car title transfer in Illinois

In Illinois, be sure to submit the title transfer as soon as possible after the change of ownership. Otherwise, you risk being charged with a late-filing fee. But don’t worry, you can easily complete the title transfer process at a

Secretary of State

office.

Here’s what you need to bring when transferring a title:

Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190) - available online

Proof of ID and residency

The vehicle title, properly assigned (or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin) with Seller’s signature

Bill of sale or proof of payment from the Seller that includes sale price

Odometer disclosure from Seller

Seller’s Report of Sale (VSD 703)

Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (only available at an SOS office)

RUT-50 tax form (if applicable)

VIN

Lien release, if applicable

Proof of insurance

Fees and taxes

Note that you are required to register and title your vehicle in Illinois when you establish residency there.

The base fee for a title transfer in Illinois is $150. Once you’ve submitted all required documentation, you can expect to receive the new title within 3 to 4 weeks.

One exception is if the transfer is from a deceased owner to a joint owner (someone who was already on the original title). The fee for this is just $15.

Pro Tip Speed up your Illinois title transfer process by starting the forms online at home.

Registering a car in Illinois

After a title transfer, you also need to register your vehicle. Whereas title transfer is about ownership, registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets.

Registration is done annually in Illinois. Note that before you can register, you must be able to show an Illinois title and proof of auto insurance that meets

Illinois' minimum coverage requirements

The base registration fee is $101 in Illinois. This is discounted to $24 for seniors. The EV fee is discounted to $35 for a two-year registration.

Other fees may apply based on the fuel type, license plate type, county of residence, or driving record.

Finding insurance for your vehicle

Hold up, you’re not quite done yet! Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you have car insurance on your new vehicle.

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FAQs

What if my car has a loan?

Start by reaching out to your lender. They may need to do the title transfer on your behalf if the vehicle is still financed. Otherwise, they can advise how the transaction should be handled.

Where do I sign to transfer the title?

The title should have two lines—one for buyers and for sellers. Sign on the appropriate line. If there is more than one person in each party (e.g., two buyers or sellers), both people should add their signature to the relevant line.

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