What an Illinois bill of sale is and why you need one
An Illinois bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another. It serves as proof that the sale took place, who bought it, who sold it, and for how much. The state does not require a bill of sale to register a vehicle, but it protects both the buyer and seller by creating a written record of the transaction.
The buyer needs a bill of sale to prove ownership when registering the vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State. The seller needs one to show they no longer own the vehicle, which protects them if the buyer later gets a ticket or is involved in an accident. Without a bill of sale, either party could face disputes about who owns the vehicle or when the sale occurred.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois does not have an official state bill of sale form, so you can use a template from the Secretary of State website or create your own document as long as it includes the required information.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records before the buyer registers the vehicle.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when explore for a title and registration with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Required information on an Illinois bill of sale
Your bill of sale must include the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which appears on the dashboard and on the vehicle's title. It also needs the make, model, year, and color of the vehicle. Without the VIN, the document will not be accepted by the Secretary of State when the buyer registers the car.
The document must show the sale price — the amount of money that changed hands. It should also include the date the sale occurred, the full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller, and the signatures of both parties. Some people add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which is useful for the buyer's records but not required by the state.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), that should be noted on the bill of sale. The seller should disclose whether the loan will be paid off before or after the sale, since the buyer cannot get a clear title until any lien is removed.
Where to find an Illinois bill of sale template
The Illinois Secretary of State does not publish an official bill of sale form. However, the Secretary of State website offers a bill of sale template that you can read and print. Search the Secretary of State website for "bill of sale" to locate the current template.
You can also create your own bill of sale as long as it includes all the required information listed above. Many people write the details by hand on a blank piece of paper, have both parties sign it, and keep copies. The state does not require a specific format — it only requires that the document contain the necessary information and be signed by both parties.
How to complete and sign the bill of sale
Fill in all the blanks with accurate information. Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the vehicle's title or dashboard. Enter the full legal names of both the buyer and seller, along with their addresses. Write out the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000 — Five Thousand Dollars") to prevent disputes later.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the document in front of each other. Some people have the signatures notarized, which adds an extra layer of proof, though Illinois does not require notarization for a bill of sale. If you choose to have it notarized, take the unsigned document to a notary public, who will watch both parties sign and then add their official stamp.
Make at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. The buyer should keep their copy with the vehicle's title and registration documents. The seller should keep their copy in case questions arise later about the sale.
What the buyer does with the bill of sale after the sale
The buyer will bring the signed bill of sale to the Illinois Secretary of State when registering the vehicle. Along with the bill of sale, the buyer will need the vehicle's title (signed by the seller), proof of insurance, and a completed process for title and registration. The Secretary of State uses the bill of sale to confirm the sale price and the details of the transaction.
The buyer should register the vehicle within a reasonable time after purchase. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in Illinois, even if you own it. The bill of sale proves ownership during the time between purchase and registration, so keep it accessible in the vehicle.
What the seller should do after the sale
After the buyer leaves with the vehicle, the seller should keep their copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. This protects the seller if the buyer later gets a parking ticket, is involved in an accident, or the vehicle is stolen — the bill of sale proves the seller no longer owns the car.
The seller should also notify their insurance company that the vehicle has been sold. Some sellers choose to file a Notice of Sale with the Secretary of State, which formally removes them from ownership records. This step is not required but adds extra protection. The Secretary of State website has instructions for filing a Notice of Sale if you choose to do so.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave blanks on the bill of sale. If a field does not explore (for example, there is no lien on the vehicle), write "N/A" or "None" rather than leaving it empty. Blank spaces can create confusion or be filled in later by someone else.
Do not use a bill of sale from another state. While most states' forms are similar, Illinois may not recognize a bill of sale from a different state. Use an Illinois template or create your own document that includes all required information.
Do not sign the bill of sale unless both parties are present. Each party should see the other sign the document. If one party signs alone and later claims they did not agree to the sale, the unsigned party has no proof of their signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to make the bill of sale valid in Illinois?
No, notarization is not required. A bill of sale is valid in Illinois as long as both the buyer and seller sign it and it includes the required information. Notarization adds extra proof but is optional.
What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale?
If the buyer lost the bill of sale, they can still register the vehicle using the title alone, as long as the title is signed by the seller. If the seller lost their copy, they should file a Notice of Sale with the Secretary of State to formally remove themselves from ownership records.
Can I use a bill of sale from a template website instead of the Secretary of State template?
Yes, as long as the template includes all required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, buyer and seller names and addresses, and signatures. The state does not require a specific form — any document with this information will work.
What if the seller still owes money on the vehicle?
The bill of sale should note that the vehicle has a lien and state whether the seller will pay off the loan before or after the sale. The buyer cannot get a clear title until the lien is removed, so this should be discussed and agreed upon before signing.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. A title is the official ownership document issued by the state. The buyer needs both the bill of sale and the signed title to register the vehicle and become the legal owner.