Illinois title transfer fees and what they cover
Illinois charges a flat $150 title transfer fee when you buy a used vehicle and register it in your name. This fee goes to the Secretary of State and covers the cost of issuing a new title document in your name. The $150 is separate from registration fees, which are based on the vehicle's weight and model year.
If you're transferring a title because you inherited a vehicle, received one as a gift, or are transferring ownership between family members, the $150 fee still applies. Illinois does not waive the title transfer fee for these situations, though some other costs may differ depending on your relationship to the previous owner.
You'll also need to pay the Secretary of State's registration fee, which varies. Registration fees in Illinois depend on the vehicle's gross weight rating and how old it is. A newer passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for the first year, but this amount changes annually and by vehicle type. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the Secretary of State website or by calling your local Secretary of State office.
Key Takeaways
- The title transfer fee in Illinois is a flat $150, charged by the Secretary of State whenever you register a used vehicle in your name.
- Registration fees are separate from the title fee and depend on your vehicle's weight and model year, ranging from roughly $150 to $200 for most passenger cars.
- You must pay both the title transfer fee and the registration fee at the same time when you submit your title process.
- Payment is made to the Secretary of State, either in person at a local office, by mail, or through an authorized dealer or currency exchange.
Where and how to pay the title transfer fee
You can pay the $150 title transfer fee at any Secretary of State office in Illinois. There are multiple locations throughout the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Most offices accept cash, check, or card payments, though policies vary slightly by location.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your title process and payment to the Secretary of State. Include a check or money order for both the $150 title fee and your registration fee. Mail it to the address listed on the process form, and allow extra time for processing—typically two to four weeks.
Some people use an authorized currency exchange or a licensed dealer to handle the title transfer on their behalf. These services charge an additional fee (usually $25 to $50) for processing, but they handle the paperwork and payment to the Secretary of State. This route is faster if you cannot visit an office yourself.
Documents you need to bring with the fee
When you pay the title transfer fee, you must also submit the original title from the previous owner, signed and dated by them. If the title is lost or damaged, you'll need to request a duplicate from the Secretary of State first, which costs an additional $10 and takes time.
You'll also need to complete Form VSD 190, the process for Illinois Title. This form asks for your name, address, the vehicle's VIN, and details about the previous owner. You can read it from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at any office. Some dealers provide this form already filled out, but you are responsible for reviewing it for accuracy before submitting payment.
Bring a valid ID and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement works). If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle much of this paperwork, but you still pay the $150 fee directly to the Secretary of State, either through the dealer or on your own.
Timing and processing after you pay
After you submit your payment and documents, the Secretary of State typically issues your new title within two to four weeks if you explore in person or through a dealer. Mail-in applications take longer—usually four to six weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle with a temporary registration receipt, which the Secretary of State provides when you pay.
You will receive your new title by mail at the address you provided on the process. Check it carefully when it arrives to make sure your name, the VIN, and all other details are correct. If there are errors, contact the Secretary of State when ready to request a correction.
Your registration is valid for one year from the date you pay the fee. After that, you'll pay an annual renewal fee (different from the title transfer fee) to keep your registration current. The renewal fee is also based on your vehicle's weight and model year.
Title transfer fees for inherited or gifted vehicles
If you inherit a vehicle or receive one as a gift, you still pay the standard $150 title transfer fee. However, you may not owe sales tax on the transfer, which can save you money. Illinois exempts certain family transfers from sales tax, but the title fee itself does not change.
For an inherited vehicle, you'll need the original title plus a copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or probate document). For a gift, you need the original title signed by the giver and a statement that no money changed hands. Bring these documents along with your $150 payment to the Secretary of State.
The registration fee for an inherited or gifted vehicle is calculated the same way as any other used vehicle—based on weight and model year. There is no discount or exemption from the registration fee.
What happens if you don't pay the title transfer fee
If you buy a vehicle and do not transfer the title into your name, you remain unregistered in Illinois. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Police can stop you for driving an unregistered vehicle, and you can receive a citation and fine.
Additionally, if the vehicle is involved in an accident and you are not the registered owner, your insurance may not cover the damage. Insurance companies require that the policyholder be the registered owner of the vehicle. Delaying the title transfer puts you at financial and legal risk.
The title transfer must be completed within a certain timeframe after purchase. Illinois law requires that you transfer the title within 30 days of buying the vehicle. After 30 days, you may face additional penalties or be unable to register the vehicle without extra paperwork and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title online in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not currently offer online title transfers. You must explore in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or through an authorized dealer or currency exchange. The Secretary of State website has information about all three options and where to find offices near you.
Is the $150 title fee the same for all vehicle types?
Yes, the $150 title transfer fee is the same whether you are transferring a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV. However, registration fees vary by vehicle type and weight, so your total cost will differ depending on what you're registering.
What if the previous owner's signature is missing from the title?
You cannot complete the title transfer without the previous owner's signature. Contact them and ask them to sign the title in front of a notary public. If you cannot reach them or they refuse, you may need to contact the Secretary of State about your options, which could include a court process.
Do I have to pay the title fee even if I'm transferring between my own vehicles?
If you already own both vehicles and are straightforward transferring one to another person in your household, you still pay the $150 fee to change the registered owner's name on the title. The fee applies whenever ownership changes, regardless of the relationship between the parties.
What if I lose my new title after it arrives?
You can request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State for $10. This is faster and cheaper than a full title transfer. You can explore for a duplicate in person, by mail, or through a dealer, and it typically arrives within two to four weeks.