What you need to get a title and register a car in Illinois

In Illinois, a title is the legal document proving you own the vehicle. Registration is the annual permit that lets you drive it on public roads. You need both, and they come from the same place: the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The title is permanent (you keep it as long as you own the car); registration renews every year or every two years depending on your vehicle type.

The process differs depending on whether you're buying a used car, a new car, or transferring ownership from someone else. In every case, you'll work with the Secretary of State's office, either in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail. You cannot register or title a vehicle without proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof that the vehicle has passed an emissions test (in most Illinois counties).

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois titles and registration both come from the Secretary of State's office, and you cannot register a car without a valid title in your name.
  • You must present a valid photo ID, proof of ownership (bill of sale or previous title), and an emissions test certificate before the Secretary of State will issue a title.
  • Registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
  • If you buy a used car from a private seller, you have 30 days to title and register it in Illinois; after that, you face late fees and cannot legally drive it.
  • New cars from dealerships are usually titled and registered by the dealer before you take possession, but you should verify this before signing paperwork.

Getting a title for a used car you bought privately

When you buy a used car from a private seller in Illinois, the seller must give you the title (also called the certificate of ownership). Check that the title is signed by the previous owner in the space marked "Seller's Signature" and that their name matches the registered owner line. If the title is not signed, the seller must sign it before you leave. Do not accept a title with blank signature lines.

Take the signed title, your photo ID, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 30 days) to any Illinois Driver Services facility. You will also need an emissions test certificate from an approved testing station. Most Illinois counties require this test; Cook County (Chicago) and a few collar counties have different rules, so check the Secretary of State website for your county. The emissions test costs between $20 and $30 and is valid for 30 days.

At the Driver Services facility, fill out form VSD 190 (process for Issuance of Title). Pay the title fee (currently $150 for a used vehicle, though this can change). The title will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You cannot legally drive the car on public roads until you have the title and registration in your name, even if you have a bill of sale.

Registering a used car after you receive the title

Once you have the title in your name, you can register the vehicle. Registration is separate from the title and must be renewed annually or biennially (every two years) depending on your vehicle type. Most passenger cars renew annually; some vehicle classes renew every two years.

You can register online through the Secretary of State's website if you have the title number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Online registration takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person registration because there is no facility fee. Your registration sticker will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can also register in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail if you prefer, though both take longer and cost more.

Registration renewal can happen up to six months before your current registration expires. If your registration expires and you have not renewed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Late renewal carries a penalty fee on top of the regular registration cost.

Getting a title and registration for a new car from a dealership

When you buy a new car from an Illinois dealership, the dealer is responsible for titling and registering the vehicle on your behalf. Before you sign the purchase agreement, ask the dealer whether they will handle the title and registration or whether you need to do it yourself. Most dealerships include this service in the sale, but some may charge a separate fee or require you to handle it.

If the dealer is handling it, they will submit the paperwork to the Secretary of State within a set timeframe (usually 10 business days). You should receive the title and registration in the mail within three to four weeks. Do not drive the car off the lot without at least a temporary registration document from the dealer. If the dealer says you must handle the title and registration yourself, ask for the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) and the bill of sale before you leave.

If you must title the car yourself, follow the same process as a used car: bring the MCO (instead of a previous title), your ID, proof of residency, an emissions test certificate, and form VSD 190 to a Driver Services facility. New cars are exempt from emissions testing in their first model year, so you will not need a test certificate for a brand-new vehicle.

Transferring a title when someone else owned the car

If you inherit a vehicle, receive one as a gift, or buy one from an estate, the title transfer process is the same as buying from a private seller, with one exception: you will need additional documents proving the transfer is legal. For an inheritance, bring the death certificate and a copy of the will or court order showing you are the heir. For a gift, bring a signed gift affidavit (form VSD 190 includes this section) from the previous owner stating the vehicle was given to you with no money exchanged.

Bring these documents along with your ID, proof of residency, the signed title, an emissions test certificate, and form VSD 190 to a Driver Services facility. The title fee is the same as for any used vehicle. The Secretary of State will issue a new title in your name.

What happens if you miss the 30-day important date

Illinois law gives you 30 days from the date of purchase to title and register a vehicle. If you do not submit the title process within 30 days, you cannot legally drive the car on public roads, and you will owe a late fee when you finally do title it. The late fee is in addition to the regular title and registration fees.

If you are stopped by police while driving an unregistered vehicle, you can receive a citation. The fine varies but is typically $100 to $500 depending on how long the vehicle has been unregistered. If the vehicle is unregistered for more than 90 days, the Secretary of State may send you a notice demanding you title and register it or face additional penalties.

If you have a legitimate reason for the delay (illness, military deployment, loss of documents), contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about a waiver. Waivers are not may provide, but they are sometimes granted for documented hardship.

Renewing registration and keeping your title current

Registration renewal is straightforward and can be done online, by mail, or in person. You can renew up to six months before your current registration expires. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option: log into the Secretary of State's website, enter your title number and VIN, pay the renewal fee (currently $150 for a standard passenger vehicle, though this varies by vehicle type), and your new registration sticker will be mailed within one to two weeks.

Your title does not expire and does not need to be renewed as long as you own the vehicle. However, if your title is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a duplicate. Bring your ID and proof of residency to a Driver Services facility and fill out form VSD 190. The duplicate title fee is currently $25.

Keep your title in a safe place at home, not in the vehicle. You will need it if you sell the car, trade it in, or transfer it to someone else. If you lose it, a duplicate takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail, so you cannot drive the car during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online if I just moved to Illinois?

Yes, if you have a valid Illinois title. If you moved from another state, you must first get an Illinois title by bringing your out-of-state title, your ID, proof of residency in Illinois, an emissions test certificate, and form VSD 190 to a Driver Services facility. Once you have the Illinois title, you can register online.

What if the previous owner did not sign the title?

Do not accept the car. The title must be signed by the previous owner in the seller's signature line. If the seller refuses to sign, the sale is not complete and you should not take possession of the vehicle. If you have already taken possession, contact the Secretary of State's office for guidance on how to proceed.

How long does it take to get a title in the mail?

Titles are mailed within two to three weeks of approval. If you need to drive the car before the title arrives, ask the Secretary of State for a temporary registration document at the time you explore. Some Driver Services facilities can issue a temporary sticker on the spot.

Do I need an emissions test for a vehicle over 25 years old?

No. Vehicles manufactured 25 or more years before the current year are exempt from emissions testing in Illinois. You will still need all other documents (title, ID, proof of residency, and the process form), but you can skip the emissions test.

What if I buy a car in another state and want to register it in Illinois?

You must first get an Illinois title. Bring your out-of-state title, your ID, proof of Illinois residency, an emissions test certificate, and form VSD 190 to a Driver Services facility. Once the Illinois title is issued, you can register the vehicle. You have 30 days from the date you establish Illinois residency to complete this process.