What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
To transfer a car title in Illinois, you submit the signed title certificate to the Secretary of State's office along with proof of ownership, a completed process form, and the transfer fee. The process takes about two to four weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a Driver Services facility on the same day. Illinois requires both the seller and buyer to sign the title document itself — not a separate form — so the signature step cannot be skipped or done later.
The specific documents and fees depend on whether you are buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. Each route has different paperwork requirements, though the core submission to the Secretary of State remains the same.
Key Takeaways
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the title certificate in person; Illinois does not accept electronic signatures or notarized copies for this step.
- You will need the original title, a completed process for Illinois Vehicle Registration (Form VSD 190), a photo ID, and proof of residency to transfer ownership.
- The transfer fee is $150 for a standard title transfer, though fees vary slightly if the vehicle is financed or if you are transferring from out of state.
- You can mail your documents to the Secretary of State's office or visit a Driver Services facility in person; in-person processing is faster if you need the new title quickly.
- If the seller cannot sign in person, you will need a power of attorney document signed before a notary, which adds time and complexity to the transfer.
Documents the Seller Must Provide
The seller must give you the original title certificate, which is a physical document issued by Illinois. This is not a printout or a digital file — it is the actual certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the seller's signature space. If the seller has lost the title, they must request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before the transfer can happen, which delays the process by one to two weeks.
The seller also needs to provide you with a bill of sale, though Illinois does not have an official form for this. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale that includes the VIN, the sale price, the date, and both signatures. You can write this on plain paper or use a template from the Secretary of State's website. This document protects both parties and is required by most insurance companies and lenders.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or finance company still owns part of it), the seller must provide proof that the lien will be paid off at the time of sale. The lienholder's name appears on the title certificate itself. If the lien is not cleared before you take ownership, you cannot legally register the vehicle in your name.
How to Complete the process and Gather Your Documents
You will need to fill out Form VSD 190, the process for Illinois Vehicle Registration. This form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, and the odometer reading. You can read it from the Secretary of State's website or pick up a copy at any Driver Services facility. The form takes about five minutes to complete and must be signed by you (the buyer).
Gather these documents before you go to submit your transfer: the original signed title, the completed Form VSD 190, a photo ID (driver's license or state ID card), and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If you recently moved to Illinois, bring a document from your previous state showing your old address and one showing your new address.
If the vehicle is financed, you will also need written consent from the lienholder. Contact your lender and ask them to send a letter stating they approve the transfer. Some lenders provide this automatically; others require you to request it. This step is separate from paying off the loan and must be completed before you submit your transfer documents.
Where to Submit Your Transfer and What It Costs
You have two options: mail your documents to the Secretary of State's office or visit a Driver Services facility in person. The mailing address is on the Secretary of State's website under "Vehicle Services." If you mail your documents, include a check or money order for $150 (the standard transfer fee) made out to the Secretary of State. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you visit a Driver Services facility in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The transfer is usually completed the same day, and you will receive your new title certificate before you leave. Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State's website. Bring all original documents — copies are not accepted for the initial submission.
The $150 fee covers the title transfer only. If you also need to register the vehicle or renew registration, those are separate fees. Registration fees in Illinois depend on the vehicle's weight and age; the Secretary of State's website has a fee calculator. If you are transferring a title for a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title, the fee is the same, but the process includes additional inspection requirements.
What Happens If the Seller Cannot Sign in Person
If the seller lives out of state or cannot meet you to sign the title, you will need a power of attorney document. This is a legal form that allows the seller to authorize someone else (usually you) to sign on their behalf. The power of attorney must be notarized — meaning a notary public must witness the seller's signature and stamp the document. The seller must obtain this from a notary in their state before sending it to you.
Once you have the notarized power of attorney, you can sign the title on the seller's behalf. Bring the power of attorney document along with all other required paperwork when you submit your transfer. The Secretary of State will accept this as proof that the seller authorized the transfer. This route adds one to two weeks to the timeline because the seller must locate a notary and mail the document to you.
Some sellers use a title service company to handle the signing and mailing of documents. These companies charge a fee (typically $50 to $150) but can speed up the process if the seller is out of state. If you use a title service, make sure they are licensed in Illinois and have experience with out-of-state transfers.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit
If you submit in person at a Driver Services facility, your new title certificate is printed and given to you the same day. You can register the vehicle when ready after. If you mail your documents, the Secretary of State processes them in the order received. Standard processing takes two to four weeks, though during busy periods (typically spring and early summer) it can take longer. You can check the status of your transfer on the Secretary of State's website using your VIN and driver's license number.
Once your transfer is approved, the Secretary of State mails your new title certificate to the address you provided on Form VSD 190. The certificate arrives as a single document with your name as the owner. If you financed the vehicle, the lender's name appears as a lienholder on the certificate, but you are still the registered owner.
After you receive your new title, you must register the vehicle with the Secretary of State if it is not already registered in Illinois. Registration is separate from the title transfer and requires its own fee and process. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on Illinois roads without current registration, even if you own the title.
Special Situations: Inherited Vehicles, Out-of-State Transfers, and Salvage Titles
If you inherited a vehicle, the process is similar but requires additional documents. You will need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court order). Some counties require the title to go through probate court before transfer, which adds several months. Contact the probate court in the county where the person died to learn about this applies to you.
If you are transferring a title from another state, you will need the out-of-state title certificate, proof of ownership from that state, and an Illinois title process. Some states' titles are not accepted by Illinois; if this is the case, you may need to obtain a duplicate title from the original state first. The Secretary of State's website lists which states' titles are accepted without additional steps.
If the vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company and then repaired), the transfer process is the same, but you must also pass a safety inspection before you can register it. Schedule this inspection at an authorized inspection station before you submit your transfer documents. The inspection costs about $50 to $75 and takes one to two weeks to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?
Yes, but you will need a certified copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir, such as a will or court order. Some counties require probate court approval before the title can transfer. Contact the probate court in the county where the person died to find out what documents you need.
What if the title has a lien on it and the seller has not paid off the loan?
The lien must be cleared before the title can transfer to you. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan and obtaining a lien release from the lender. Without this release, the Secretary of State will not process your transfer. Ask the seller to provide written confirmation from the lender that the lien will be released at closing.
How long does it take to get my new title if I submit in person?
If you visit a Driver Services facility with all required documents, your new title is printed and given to you the same day. You can then register the vehicle when ready. By mail, the process takes two to four weeks.
Do I need to have the title notarized?
No. Illinois does not require a notarized title for a standard transfer between a buyer and seller who both sign in person. A notary is only needed if the seller cannot sign in person and you need a power of attorney document.
What if I lose my title after the transfer is complete?
You can request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State by completing Form VSD 190 and paying a $150 fee. You can do this by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility. The duplicate will be mailed to you within two to four weeks.