An Illinois bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of a vehicle
The bill of sale proves who owned the car, who owns it now, and what was paid for it. Illinois does not have a single state-mandated form, but the document must contain specific information for the transfer to be valid. You can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store or online. The key is that both parties sign it, and you keep a copy for your records before you hand over the keys.
The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer itself. The title is the legal ownership document held by the Secretary of State; the bill of sale is your proof of the transaction. You will need the bill of sale when you explore for a new title in your name, and the seller will need it to show they no longer own the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois law does not require a specific bill of sale form, but the document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale for their records before the title transfer happens.
- The bill of sale is not the same as the title; you will need both documents to complete the ownership transfer with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- If you are buying a used vehicle, ask the seller for a bill of sale even if they offer to handle the paperwork, because it protects you if a lien or other claim appears later.
What information must be on an Illinois bill of sale
The document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or the existing title. It must also show the year, make, model, and color of the vehicle. Write down the odometer reading as it appears on the instrument cluster on the day of the sale.
Include the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and the seller. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion—for example, "Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00)". Add the date the sale took place. Both parties must sign and print their names. If the seller is not the registered owner (for example, if a spouse or co-owner is signing), that person must also sign.
If there is a lien on the vehicle—meaning a bank or finance company still holds a claim against it—note that on the bill of sale. The seller should disclose whether the lien will be paid off before or after the sale. This protects the buyer from inheriting a debt.
Where to get a bill of sale form in Illinois
You do not have to use an official state form because Illinois does not issue one. You can read a template from the Secretary of State website, write one yourself using the required information above, or purchase a pre-printed bill of sale from an office supply store, pharmacy, or online retailer. Many online legal document services also offer Illinois-specific templates.
If you write your own, use clear, straightforward language and include all the required details. Handwritten bills of sale are legal in Illinois as long as both parties sign them. Type or print legibly so there is no confusion later about the terms or the vehicle details.
When to sign the bill of sale and what happens next
Sign the bill of sale on the day of the sale, before money changes hands and before the keys are handed over. Both the buyer and the seller should sign in front of each other so there is no dispute about who agreed to what. Make at least two copies—one for the buyer and one for the seller. Keep your copy in a safe place.
After the sale, the buyer takes the bill of sale and the existing title to the Secretary of State's office or submits them online through the Illinois eSolutions portal to request a new title in their name. The seller does not need to do anything else, but keeping a copy of the signed bill of sale protects them if questions arise later about the sale or the vehicle's condition.
Why a bill of sale matters even if you think the title is enough
The title shows ownership, but the bill of sale shows the transaction itself—who paid what, when, and under what condition. If a buyer later claims the car was sold with hidden damage or the seller claims they were never paid, the bill of sale is the written evidence of what was agreed to on the day of the sale.
For the buyer, a bill of sale protects you if the seller still owes money on the vehicle and a lender tries to repossess it. The bill of sale proves you purchased it in good faith and paid the agreed price. For the seller, it proves you transferred ownership and received payment, which protects you from liability if the buyer gets into an accident or racks up parking tickets after the sale.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" without specifying the amount. Do not skip the VIN or use only the license plate number—the VIN is the unique identifier that ties the document to the specific vehicle. Do not let one party sign without the other present, and do not sign a bill of sale that has blank spaces the other party might fill in later.
Avoid vague language about the vehicle's condition. If the car has known problems, write them down on the bill of sale so the buyer cannot later claim they were not told. If the sale is "as is" with no warranty, state that clearly. Do not accept a bill of sale that lists a different price than what you actually paid—this is sometimes done to avoid taxes, but it creates a false record and can cause problems when you register the vehicle.
What to do if you lose your copy of the bill of sale
If you are the buyer and you lose your copy before you transfer the title, contact the seller and ask for another signed copy. If the seller will not provide one, you can still transfer the title using the existing title document alone, but you lose the written proof of the sale price and condition. This makes it harder to dispute claims later.
If you are the seller and you lose your copy, ask the buyer for a duplicate. If neither of you has a copy and a problem arises—for example, the buyer claims you misrepresented the vehicle—you have no written evidence to defend yourself. This is why keeping the original signed copy in a safe place matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not require a notary's signature on a bill of sale. Both the buyer and seller signing and printing their names is enough. However, having a notary witness the signatures adds an extra layer of proof if the document is ever questioned, and some buyers request it for peace of mind.
What if the seller will not give me a bill of sale?
Ask for one in writing before you hand over money. If the seller refuses, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale is your protection. If you have already bought the car without one, write one yourself, have the seller sign it, and keep it with your title paperwork. If the seller refuses to sign after the sale, you have a serious problem that may require legal help.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state if I am buying a car in Illinois?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information: VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. However, using an Illinois bill of sale is simpler because it is formatted for Illinois Secretary of State requirements. If you use an out-of-state form, make sure the VIN and other details match the vehicle exactly.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am inheriting a vehicle from a family member?
No. Inheritance is not a sale, so a bill of sale does not explore. Instead, you will need the title, a death certificate, and a will or court order showing you are the heir. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State for the specific documents needed to transfer a title due to death.
What if the bill of sale price does not match what I actually paid?
Do not sign it. The bill of sale must show the true sale price. If the seller asks you to write down a lower price to reduce taxes or registration fees, refuse. A false bill of sale is a false document, and it can cause problems when you register the vehicle or if you need to prove ownership later.