What ComEd Transfer Service Does
ComEd Transfer Service is not a vehicle title transfer program. ComEd is an electric utility company in Illinois. If you have received mail or a notice mentioning ComEd in connection with a vehicle title, it is likely a scam or misdirected communication.
Vehicle title transfers in Illinois are handled by the Illinois Secretary of State, specifically through the Department of Vehicle Services. You cannot transfer a title through ComEd, and ComEd will not process vehicle documents. If someone has told you to contact ComEd for a title transfer, or if you received a notice claiming ComEd handles titles, do not send money or personal information.
The confusion sometimes arises because ComEd sends bills and notices to Illinois residents, and scammers occasionally use utility company names to appear legitimate. Real title transfers require contact with the Secretary of State's office or an authorized Illinois Secretary of State facility.
Key Takeaways
- ComEd is an electric utility company and does not handle vehicle title transfers under any circumstances.
- Illinois vehicle titles are transferred through the Secretary of State's Department of Vehicle Services, not through any utility company.
- If you received a notice claiming ComEd processes titles, it is likely fraudulent and you should not respond to it.
- You can transfer a title in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or through an authorized third-party service in Illinois.
- Contact the Secretary of State directly at 217-782-6212 if you are unsure whether a notice about your title is legitimate.
Where to Actually Transfer Your Illinois Vehicle Title
The Illinois Secretary of State is the only government body that processes vehicle title transfers. You have three main routes: in-person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail to the Springfield office, or through an authorized third-party service such as a currency exchange or title service company.
In-person visits are fastest. You can walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your documents, complete the transfer form (VSD 278 for a standard title transfer), and receive confirmation the same day. Locations are listed on the Secretary of State website under "Facilities." Bring your current title, proof of ownership, a completed process, and a valid ID.
By mail, send your documents to the Secretary of State, Department of Vehicle Services, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Processing takes two to four weeks. Include a cover letter stating what you need, your contact information, and a check or money order for the transfer fee (currently $150 for a standard title transfer, though fees vary by transaction type).
Third-party services such as local currency exchanges or title companies can submit paperwork on your behalf, though they charge a service fee on top of the state fee. This route is useful if you cannot visit a facility in person or prefer not to mail original documents.
Documents You Need for a Title Transfer
The exact documents depend on your situation—whether you are transferring a title after a purchase, adding or removing a name, or handling a title after inheritance. The Secretary of State website lists specific requirements for each transaction type.
For a standard transfer after buying a used vehicle, you will need the current title (signed by the seller), a completed process for Illinois Vehicle Registration (VSD 278), proof of ownership, your driver's license or ID, and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
If the title has a lien (meaning a lender still owns part of the vehicle), you may need additional documentation from the lender. If the vehicle was inherited, you will need a death certificate and proof of heirship. Contact the Secretary of State before mailing documents if your situation is unusual, so you do not send incomplete paperwork and have to resubmit.
Recognizing Title Transfer Scams
Scammers sometimes impersonate utility companies, government agencies, or title services to steal money or personal information. Red flags include requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency; pressure to act when ready; requests for your Social Security number or bank account details before you have initiated contact; and notices that arrive unexpectedly claiming you owe money or must transfer a title urgently.
ComEd will never contact you about a vehicle title. The Secretary of State does not send unsolicited notices demanding when ready payment for title transfers. If you receive a suspicious notice, do not click links or call numbers in the message. Instead, contact the Secretary of State directly at 217-782-6212 or visit the official website (cyberdriveillinois.com) to verify whether you actually have a pending transaction.
If you have already sent money or information to someone claiming to be ComEd or a title service, contact the Illinois Attorney General's office at 877-999-6642 to report the scam. Provide details about how you were contacted and what information you shared.
How Long a Title Transfer Takes
In-person transfers at a Secretary of State facility are completed the same day, though you may wait in line. You will receive a receipt confirming the transfer, and your new title will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.
Mail-in transfers take longer. The Secretary of State typically processes mailed documents within two to four weeks, then mails your new title. Total time from mailing your documents to receiving your title is usually four to six weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle with your receipt, but you should not sell it or transfer it again until the new title arrives.
Third-party services vary in speed. Some submit documents within a few days and receive the new title in the same timeframe as a mail submission. Others may take longer if they batch submissions. Ask the service how long they typically take before you pay their fee.
What Happens If Your Title Is Lost or Damaged
If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State. The process is the same as a regular title transfer: visit a facility in person, mail a request, or use a third-party service. You will need to complete form VSD 278 and provide proof of ownership and identity.
A duplicate title costs the same as a standard transfer fee. It will be marked "duplicate" and is legally equivalent to the original. If your title was stolen, consider reporting the theft to local police and providing the report number to the Secretary of State, though this is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ComEd involved in vehicle titles in any way?
No. ComEd is an electric utility company and has no connection to vehicle titles, registration, or the Secretary of State. If anyone claims ComEd handles titles, it is a scam.
Can I transfer a title online in Illinois?
The Secretary of State does not offer online title transfers. You must visit a facility in person, mail documents, or use an authorized third-party service. Some third-party services have online portals where you upload documents, but the state itself does not process titles online.
What if I bought a car from a private seller and they won't sign the title?
Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6212 to report the issue. They can advise you on your options, which may include filing a complaint or pursuing the matter through small claims court. Do not pay the seller again or sign documents they provide without consulting the Secretary of State first.
Do I need a notary to transfer a title in Illinois?
Notarization is not required for most standard title transfers. However, if the title is old, damaged, or if the seller is not present, the Secretary of State may request a notarized statement. Check the specific requirements for your transaction type on the Secretary of State website before you visit or mail documents.
What if I moved to Illinois and need to transfer my out-of-state title?
You must obtain an Illinois title within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of residency, your driver's license, and a completed VSD 278 form to a Secretary of State facility. The process is the same as a standard transfer, and you will receive an Illinois title.