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

A title switch in Illinois means transferring ownership of a vehicle from one person to another. The Illinois Secretary of State handles all title transfers through the Department of Vehicle Services. You cannot legally drive a car you own without updating the title in your name, and you cannot sell a car without transferring the title to the buyer.

The process requires you to submit specific documents to the Secretary of State, pay a fee, and wait for the new title to arrive by mail. The timeline is typically two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your complete process. If you buy or sell a vehicle, inherit one, or receive one as a gift, you will need to complete a title transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois requires you to transfer the title within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle, or you may face penalties and cannot legally register it.
  • You must submit the signed title certificate, an process form (VSD 190), proof of ownership, and payment to the Secretary of State's Department of Vehicle Services.
  • The current title holder and the new owner must both sign the title certificate in the designated spaces on the back.
  • You can submit your title transfer documents by mail, in person at a Secretary of State office, or through an authorized vehicle dealer or currency exchange.
  • The new title will be mailed to the address you provide on your process, and you should not drive the vehicle as the registered owner until you receive it.

Documents you need to submit for a title transfer

The current owner and the new owner must both sign the back of the original title certificate. The signature section is clearly marked on the certificate itself. Both parties must sign in blue or black ink; pencil is not accepted. If the title is lost or damaged, you will need to request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before you can transfer it.

You also need to complete Form VSD 190, which is the process for Illinois Vehicle Registration. This form asks for the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's information, the new owner's information, and the address where the new title should be mailed. The form is available on the Secretary of State website and can be printed or filled out by hand.

Proof of ownership is required. This can be the current title certificate, a bill of sale, a gift letter (if the vehicle is being given as a gift), or court documents (if the vehicle is being transferred through an estate or divorce). A bill of sale should include the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.

Payment for the title transfer fee must accompany your process. The fee varies depending on the type of transfer and whether the vehicle is new to Illinois or already registered in the state. Check the Secretary of State website for the current fee amount, as it may change.

Where to submit your title transfer process

You can submit your documents by mail to the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Vehicle Services. The mailing address is listed on Form VSD 190 and on the Secretary of State website. Include all required documents, the completed form, and payment in a single envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

You can also submit your process in person at any Secretary of State office. Bring the original title, the completed form, proof of ownership, and payment. The staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. This route is faster than mail because you receive confirmation when ready.

Some authorized vehicle dealers and currency exchanges in Illinois are authorized to process title transfers on behalf of the Secretary of State. They charge a service fee in addition to the state fee. This option is convenient if you have a dealer or exchange near you, but verify that the location you choose is authorized before you go.

What happens after you submit your process

Once the Secretary of State receives your complete process, they will process it and mail the new title certificate to the address you provided. This typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you should not drive the vehicle as the registered owner. If you need to move the vehicle, have it towed or transported by someone else, or use a temporary permit if one is available.

The new title will arrive by mail with your name as the owner. Check it carefully for errors in your name, address, VIN, or other details. If there are mistakes, contact the Secretary of State when ready to request a correction. Do not drive the vehicle until you have received the new title and verified that all information is correct.

If your process is rejected or incomplete, the Secretary of State will return it with an explanation of what is missing or incorrect. You will then need to resubmit with the required corrections. This can add several weeks to the process, so double-check all documents and signatures before you mail or submit your process.

Title transfers when buying a used car from a private seller

When you buy a used car from a private individual, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate and provide it to you. You should also ask for a bill of sale, which documents the sale price and date. This protects both of you if there are questions later about the transaction.

Inspect the title before you hand over money. Make sure the seller's name matches the name on the front of the title, that there are no liens listed (a lien means the bank or another creditor still has a claim on the vehicle), and that the title is not marked as salvage or rebuilt unless you are intentionally buying a salvage vehicle. If the title has problems, do not complete the purchase until they are resolved.

After you buy the car, you have 30 days to submit your title transfer process to the Secretary of State. If you do not transfer the title within this window, you may face late fees or be unable to register the vehicle. Complete the transfer as soon as possible after purchase.

Title transfers for inherited vehicles or gifts

If you inherit a vehicle, you will need a copy of the death certificate and the will or court documents showing that the vehicle is yours. The current title must be signed by the executor of the estate or the person authorized to transfer the property. Submit these documents along with Form VSD 190 and payment to complete the transfer.

If someone gives you a vehicle as a gift, the current owner must sign the back of the title and provide it to you. You should also ask for a gift letter that states the vehicle is being given to you at no cost. This letter should include the VIN, the date of the gift, and signatures from both the giver and the recipient. Submit the title, gift letter, and Form VSD 190 to the Secretary of State.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive the car before the new title arrives?

Driving without a title in your name is illegal in Illinois. You cannot register the vehicle or legally operate it on public roads. If you are stopped by police, you may be cited. Wait until you receive the new title before driving the vehicle as the registered owner.

Can I transfer a title if there is a lien on the vehicle?

A lien means a bank or creditor has a legal claim on the vehicle until a loan is paid off. The lienholder must sign the title or provide written consent to the transfer. Contact the lienholder to find out what documents they need from you. The transfer cannot be completed until the lien is released or the lienholder approves the new owner.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

If the seller refuses to sign the title, you do not legally own the vehicle and should not pay for it. A title transfer requires the current owner's signature. If you have already paid and the seller will not cooperate, you may need to contact a lawyer or law enforcement. Do not take possession of the vehicle without a signed title.

How much does a title transfer cost in Illinois?

The fee depends on the type of transfer and the vehicle's status. Check the Secretary of State website for current fees, as they may change. If you use a dealer or currency exchange, you will pay an additional service fee on top of the state fee.

Can someone else submit my title transfer for me?

Yes, you can authorize someone else to submit your process on your behalf. They will need all the required documents, a signed power of attorney form, and payment. The Secretary of State website has a power of attorney form you can use. Make sure the person you authorize understands exactly what documents to submit and where.