What you need to do to transfer a car title in Illinois

To transfer a car title in Illinois, you fill out Form VSD 278 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Certificate of Title), submit it to your county's Secretary of State office with the signed title and a fee, and wait for the new title to arrive in the mail. The process takes about two to three weeks once the office receives your paperwork. You do not need to appear in person — you can mail everything or use an authorized title service.

The specific steps depend on whether you are buying a used car from a private seller, trading in at a dealer, inheriting a vehicle, or correcting information on an existing title. Each situation requires slightly different documents, though the form and fee remain the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form VSD 278 to your county Secretary of State office along with the signed title, proof of ownership, and the current transfer fee.
  • The signed title must come from the previous owner — if it is already signed to you, you are ready to submit; if it is blank or signed to someone else, you need to resolve that first.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks by mail; some counties offer in-person service that may be faster, but you can handle the entire transfer without visiting an office.
  • If you buy from a dealer, the dealer often handles the title transfer on your behalf, but you should confirm this before leaving the lot.
  • If the title is lost, damaged, or has the wrong name on it, you still use Form VSD 278 but may need additional documents like a police report or proof of identity.

Documents you need for a standard private sale transfer

For a straightforward purchase from a private seller, gather the original title signed by the seller, your proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). The seller must sign the back of the title in the designated area — if they sign it blank or to the wrong person, you will need to contact them again to correct it.

You also need the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the odometer reading. Both appear on the title itself, so you do not need to look them up separately. Write down the odometer reading from the instrument cluster at the time of sale; the seller should do the same and sign next to it on the title.

If you are financing the vehicle, your lender may need to be listed as a lienholder on the new title. Ask your lender for the exact name and address they want on the title, and include that information when you submit Form VSD 278.

How to complete and submit Form VSD 278

read Form VSD 278 from the Illinois Secretary of State website or pick up a copy at your county office. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number in the "New Owner" section. Enter the vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN, odometer reading) exactly as it appears on the current title. Sign and date the form.

Attach the original signed title to the back of the form. Do not send a photocopy — the office needs the original. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee; as of 2024, the fee is $95, but confirm the current amount with your county office because fees can change. Make the check payable to the "Secretary of State."

Mail the complete package to your county's Secretary of State office. You can find the address on the Illinois Secretary of State website under "Regional Offices." Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the new title returned by mail, or the office will mail it to the address you provide on the form.

Dealer transfers and what dealers handle for you

When you buy from a licensed dealer, the dealer is required by Illinois law to handle the title transfer as part of the sale. You should not need to visit the Secretary of State office yourself. The dealer collects the signed title from the previous owner, submits Form VSD 278, and pays the transfer fee. The new title arrives at the dealership and is given to you.

Before you leave the lot, confirm in writing that the dealer will handle the transfer and ask when you should expect the new title. Get the dealer's name and a phone number so you can follow up if the title does not arrive within four weeks. If the dealer does not complete the transfer within 30 days, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Secretary of State's office.

Even though the dealer handles the paperwork, you are responsible for ensuring the title is transferred into your name. If weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the dealer when ready and ask for proof that they submitted the process.

Transferring a title when the owner has died

If you inherit a vehicle, the process depends on whether the estate goes through probate. If probate is required, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate and either a court order or letters testamentary showing you have authority over the estate. If the deceased person's will names you as the beneficiary, bring that document along with the death certificate.

If the estate is small enough to avoid probate under Illinois law (generally under $40,000 in total assets), you may be able to transfer the title with just the death certificate and a signed statement from the executor or next of kin. Contact your county Secretary of State office to ask what documents they require for your specific situation, because requirements vary.

Submit Form VSD 278 with the original title, the death certificate, and whatever court documents or statements your county requires. The fee is the same as a standard transfer.

What to do if the title is lost, damaged, or has the wrong name

If the title is lost or too damaged to read, you can still transfer ownership using Form VSD 278, but you must also submit a police report showing the title was lost. File the report with your local police department and bring a copy to the Secretary of State office or include it with your mailed process.

If the title has the wrong name on it — for example, a misspelling or a name that does not match your current legal name — you need to correct it before transferring. Submit Form VSD 278 marked as a "Corrected Certificate" process, along with the original title and proof of your legal name (marriage certificate, court order, or updated driver's license). The office will issue a corrected title in the right name, and then you can proceed with the transfer to the new owner.

If the previous owner's signature is missing or illegible on the title, contact them and ask them to sign a separate document authorizing the transfer. Some counties accept a notarized statement from the previous owner if they cannot sign the title itself. Call your county office to ask what they will accept.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Once your county office receives your process, processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive the new title in the mail at the address you provided on Form VSD 278. The title will show your name as the owner and include any lienholder information you provided.

If you included a self-addressed, stamped envelope, the office may return the new title faster. Some counties offer walk-in service at their offices, and submitting in person can sometimes speed up processing, though you should call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

If you do not receive the title within four weeks, contact your county Secretary of State office with your process date and ask for a status update. Have your driver's license number and the vehicle VIN ready when you call.

Using a title service to handle the transfer

Illinois allows you to use an authorized title service to submit your process on your behalf. These services charge a fee (typically $50 to $150 on top of the state fee) but handle the paperwork and mailing for you. You still need to gather the documents and sign Form VSD 278, but the service takes it from there.

Title services are useful if you do not have time to visit an office or if you are uncomfortable mailing original documents. Some car dealerships use title services, and you can also find independent services online or at local tag agencies. Confirm that any service you use is authorized by the Illinois Secretary of State before handing over your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the new title arrives?

Yes. Once you own the vehicle, you can drive it legally with your proof of purchase and the old title. You do not need to wait for the new title to arrive. However, you should carry proof that you submitted the transfer process in case you are stopped by police.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

If the seller refuses to sign, the sale is not complete and you do not own the vehicle. Do not give them money. If you have already paid, contact a lawyer about your options — this is a civil matter, not something the Secretary of State can resolve.

Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time as transferring the title?

Title transfer and vehicle registration are separate processes in Illinois. You must transfer the title first, then register the vehicle with the Secretary of State. You can do both at the same time by submitting both applications together, or you can register later. However, you cannot legally drive without current registration, so register within the required timeframe.

What if I buy a car from out of state?

If you buy from a private seller in another state, you still transfer the title through Illinois. Bring the out-of-state title to your county Secretary of State office along with Form VSD 278 and the required fee. The office will issue an Illinois title. If the out-of-state title is in a lien holder's name, contact your lender to confirm they will accept the transfer.

How much does a title transfer cost?

The state fee for a title transfer in Illinois is $95 as of 2024. If you use a title service, add their fee on top. Some counties may charge a small additional fee for in-person service, so confirm with your county office. Fees can change, so check the Secretary of State website before submitting.