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

To change a car title in Illinois, you file a form with the Secretary of State's office and pay a fee. The most common reasons are adding or removing a name after marriage or divorce, correcting a mistake on the existing title, or transferring ownership between family members. 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 service.

Illinois does not issue a new physical title document for every change — the Secretary of State updates your record in their system, and you receive a corrected title in the mail. You will need the current title, a completed process form, proof of your identity, and payment. If the change involves removing someone's name or adding a spouse, you may also need legal documents like a divorce decree or marriage certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Secretary of State's office handles all title changes in Illinois, not your local DMV or county clerk.
  • You must submit the current title, a completed process form (either in person or by mail), a copy of your ID, and the required fee.
  • Adding a spouse's name requires a marriage certificate; removing a name after divorce requires a certified copy of the divorce decree.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail or same-day in person at a Secretary of State facility.
  • If your title was issued before 1995 or is damaged, you may need to request a duplicate title first before making changes.

Where to file your title change request

You can file a title change at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility across Illinois. The main office is located in Springfield, but there are regional offices in Chicago, Champaign, and other cities. You can find the complete list of locations and hours on the Secretary of State's website.

If you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your documents to the Secretary of State's office. Mail your completed form, current title, copy of your ID, and payment to the address listed on the process form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks; in-person filing is usually completed the same day or within a few business days.

Forms and documents you will need

The form you need depends on what you are changing. For most title changes, you will use the process for Corrected or Duplicate Title (Form VSD 190). This form covers corrections, name changes, and adding or removing owners. You can read it from the Secretary of State's website or pick up a copy at any Driver Services facility.

Along with the form, bring the current title, a copy of your government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and payment. If you are adding a spouse's name, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you are removing a name after divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. If the title is damaged or illegible, you may need to request a duplicate title first using Form VSD 189.

The current fee for a corrected or duplicate title in Illinois is $95. Payment methods vary by location — call ahead if you are visiting in person to confirm whether they accept cash, check, or card.

Adding a spouse's name to the title

To add a spouse's name to an existing title, file the process for Corrected or Duplicate Title and include your original or certified marriage certificate. Both spouses do not need to be present, but the person whose name is already on the title must sign the process. If both names are being added to a new vehicle, this is handled at the time of purchase through the dealer.

The Secretary of State will issue a new title showing both names. The order of names on the title does not affect ownership rights — both owners have equal claim to the vehicle. If you later divorce, you will need to remove one name using the divorce decree.

Removing a name after divorce

After a divorce, you can remove your ex-spouse's name from the title by filing the process for Corrected or Duplicate Title and providing a certified copy of the divorce decree. The decree must clearly state who keeps the vehicle. If the decree does not specify, you will need a separate court order stating the vehicle belongs to you.

Only the person whose name will remain on the title needs to file — your ex-spouse does not need to sign or be involved. The Secretary of State will issue a corrected title with only your name. This process protects you legally and ensures your ex-spouse has no claim to the vehicle.

Correcting errors on an existing title

If your title has a spelling error, wrong address, or other mistake, file the process for Corrected or Duplicate Title and explain the error in writing. Attach any documents that prove the correct information — for example, a birth certificate if your name is misspelled, or a utility bill if your address is wrong.

The Secretary of State will review your request and issue a corrected title. If the error was made by the Secretary of State's office (for example, a misspelling from the original registration), there is usually no fee. If you are requesting a correction for other reasons, the standard fee applies.

What happens if your title is old or damaged

Illinois titles issued before 1995 are paper documents that fade and wear over time. If your title is damaged, illegible, or lost, you must first request a duplicate title using Form VSD 189 before you can make any other changes. The duplicate title costs $95 and takes two to four weeks by mail.

Once you have the duplicate title, you can then file for any additional changes you need. If you need both a duplicate and a name change, you can file both requests at the same time to save processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I change the title?

Yes. Contact your insurance company and provide them with the updated title information. If you added a spouse's name, your insurer may need to update their records. If you removed a name, notify them of the change. Your policy may need adjustment depending on who is listed as the owner and driver.

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

No. If a lender holds a lien on the vehicle, their name appears on the title and you cannot remove it or change ownership without their permission. Contact your lender first — they may require you to pay off the loan before releasing the lien. Once the lien is released, you can file for a corrected title.

What if I lost my title and need to change it?

Request a duplicate title first using Form VSD 189, then file for the change you need. You can submit both requests together to speed up the process. Bring a copy of your ID and payment for both the duplicate and the change.

How long does it take to receive the corrected title in the mail?

Processing takes two to four weeks by mail from the date the Secretary of State receives your documents. In-person filing at a Driver Services facility is usually completed the same day or within a few business days. Call your local facility to confirm their current processing times.

Can someone else file the title change on my behalf?

Yes, but they will need a signed power of attorney from you, a copy of your ID, and the original or certified copy of any required legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.). The person filing must also bring their own ID. Not all facilities accept power of attorney filings by mail, so call ahead to confirm.