What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
To transfer a car title in Illinois, you file Form VSD 278 (process for Illinois Certificate of Title) with the Illinois Secretary of State's office, along with the signed title from the previous owner, proof of ownership, and a completed odometer statement. The process takes about two to four weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a Secretary of State facility for faster processing. The fee is $95 for a standard title transfer, plus $5 for the duplicate title if you need one.
The exact steps depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. Each route has different document requirements and timelines, but all of them funnel through the same Secretary of State office.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form VSD 278 along with the signed title, proof of sale, and an odometer statement to the Illinois Secretary of State.
- The $95 transfer fee is separate from registration; you will need to register the vehicle at the same time or shortly after.
- Private sales require a bill of sale signed by both parties; dealership purchases usually include the title work in the sale price.
- Processing takes two to four weeks by mail, but you can visit a Secretary of State office in person for same-day or next-day service in many cases.
- If the previous owner's name is misspelled or the title is damaged, you will need to request a corrected or duplicate title before transferring.
Documents You Need for a Private Sale
When buying a car from a private seller in Illinois, gather these documents before you go to the Secretary of State office: the original title signed by the seller in the designated transfer section, a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller (you can use the form provided by the Secretary of State or write your own), your driver's license or state ID, and proof of your Illinois address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).
The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both parties. Keep a copy for your records. If the seller cannot locate the original title, they can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before the sale, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline.
If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name appears on the title. The seller must pay off the loan before transferring the title, or the lienholder must sign the title release. A title with an active lien cannot be transferred to you.
Documents You Need for a Dealership Purchase
When you buy from a dealership, the dealer typically handles the title transfer as part of the sale. You will sign the title process (Form VSD 278) at the dealership, and they will submit it along with the previous owner's title and their dealer documentation. You still need to provide proof of your Illinois address and a valid ID.
The dealership will charge you the $95 title transfer fee, though some include it in the final sale price and others list it separately. Ask before you sign the purchase agreement. The dealer will also handle registration at the same time, so you should receive your plates and registration card within two to four weeks.
If you are financing the vehicle, the lender will be listed as the lienholder on the new title. This is normal and does not delay the transfer.
Transferring a Title After Inheritance
If you inherit a vehicle, the process differs slightly. You will need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, a copy of the will or court order showing you as the beneficiary, and Form VSD 278. Some counties require additional probate documentation; contact the Secretary of State's office or your local probate court to confirm what applies in your situation.
There is no title transfer fee for inherited vehicles in Illinois, but you will still pay the standard registration fee when you register the car in your name. Processing takes the same two to four weeks as a standard transfer.
Where and How to Submit Your Documents
You can submit your title transfer documents by mail, in person, or through a third-party service. By mail: Send Form VSD 278, the signed title, your bill of sale or proof of purchase, and the $95 fee (check or money order) to the Illinois Secretary of State, Cyberdriveillinois.com lists the current mailing address. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date received.
In person: Visit any Secretary of State facility in Illinois with the same documents and payment. You can find the nearest office and hours on the Secretary of State website. Same-day or next-day service is often available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring cash, check, or card if the office accepts it.
Through a third-party service: Some title services and auto tag agencies in Illinois are authorized to process transfers on your behalf. They charge a fee (typically $25 to $50 above the state fee) but can often complete the work faster. Search "Illinois title service" or "auto tag agency" in your area to find one nearby.
What Happens If the Title Has Problems
If the seller's name is misspelled on the title, the title is water-damaged or illegible, or the title is missing a required signature, you cannot transfer it as-is. The current owner must request a corrected or duplicate title from the Secretary of State before the sale. This takes one to two weeks and costs $5 for a duplicate or $10 for a corrected title.
If the title shows a lien that has been paid off, the lienholder must file a release with the Secretary of State, or the seller must request a corrected title showing the lien removed. Do not proceed with the purchase until the title is clean. A clouded title can create legal problems for you later.
If you discover a problem after you have submitted your transfer documents, contact the Secretary of State's office when ready. They can hold your process while the issue is resolved, rather than rejecting it outright.
Registration and Plates After Title Transfer
Transferring the title and registering the vehicle are two separate transactions, though they often happen at the same time. Once your title transfer is approved, you will receive a new title in your name. You then need to register the vehicle and obtain Illinois license plates.
If you completed the title transfer at a Secretary of State office in person, you can often register the vehicle and receive temporary plates the same day. If you transferred by mail, you will need to register separately, either by mail or in person. Registration requires proof of insurance, your driver's license, and proof of address. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's weight and age; it typically ranges from $150 to $300 annually.
You cannot legally drive the vehicle on Illinois roads until both the title transfer and registration are complete. If the dealership handled everything, they will provide temporary plates that are valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the new title after I submit my documents?
By mail, expect two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. In person at a Secretary of State office, you may receive a temporary title the same day and the permanent title by mail within one to two weeks. Third-party services can sometimes expedite this to five to seven business days, but they charge extra.
Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?
No. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the title is in your name and the vehicle is registered. If you buy from a dealership, they will provide temporary plates valid for 30 days. For private sales, you should arrange for the car to be towed or transported until the transfer is done, or ask the seller to keep their registration active until yours is approved.
What if the seller lost the title and cannot find it?
The seller must request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before you can transfer it. This costs $5 and takes one to two weeks. You cannot transfer a vehicle without the original or a duplicate title, so this delay is unavoidable. Plan for an extra two weeks in your timeline if the seller does not have the title in hand.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
No. Illinois does not require a notarized bill of sale for private vehicle sales. The signatures of both the buyer and seller are sufficient. However, having it notarized adds an extra layer of proof and costs only $5 to $15, so some people do it anyway.
What if I buy a car from out of state and want to register it in Illinois?
You will need to obtain an Illinois title first. If the out-of-state title is valid, you can submit it along with Form VSD 278 to the Illinois Secretary of State, just as you would for an in-state purchase. If the out-of-state title does not meet Illinois requirements, you may need to request a certified copy or a corrected title from that state before Illinois will accept it. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State office for guidance on your specific situation.