What you need to do to transfer a car title in Illinois
To transfer a car title in Illinois, you submit Form VSD 278 (process for Illinois Certificate of Title) to the Secretary of State's office, along with the signed title from the previous owner, proof of ownership, and a fee. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a Secretary of State facility on the same day. You do not need to register the vehicle separately — the title and registration happen together in Illinois.
The specific documents and fees depend on whether you are buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. Each situation has different paperwork requirements, and missing a document means your process gets returned without processing.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form VSD 278 signed by both the previous owner and yourself, along with the original title and proof of ownership, to the Secretary of State.
- The fee is $95 for a standard title transfer, though fees vary if the vehicle is new, salvaged, or transferred after a death.
- Processing takes two to three weeks by mail or same-day in person at a Secretary of State office.
- You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new title arrives in your name, even if you have a bill of sale.
- If the previous owner's name does not match the title exactly, you will need a notarized statement explaining the discrepancy.
Documents the Secretary of State requires
The Secretary of State needs the original title signed by the previous owner in the designated signature box. If the title is lost or damaged, the previous owner must request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before you can transfer it. You also need a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price, the date of sale, and both parties' names and addresses — this proves you own the vehicle now.
Bring proof of your Illinois address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your current address. If you are buying from a private seller, you also need their driver's license number or ID number. If you are buying from a dealership, they typically handle most of the paperwork and submit it on your behalf, though you still sign the process.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or credit union owns it until you pay off the loan), the lienholder's name appears on the title. You cannot transfer the title until the lien is released. Once you pay off the loan, the lienholder sends a lien release form to the Secretary of State, and then you can proceed with the transfer.
How to submit your process
You have two options: mail your documents or visit a Secretary of State office in person. To mail, send Form VSD 278, the signed title, your bill of sale, proof of address, and a check or money order for $95 to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the new title mailed back to you. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet.
To submit in person, locate your nearest Secretary of State facility using the office finder on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Bring all original documents, your driver's license, and payment in cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt the same day, and the new title is typically mailed to you within one to two weeks. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing your process, use a check or money order. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
What happens if the previous owner's name does not match the title
If the name on the title does not match the current owner's legal name — for example, due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — the current owner must provide a notarized statement explaining the discrepancy. This statement should include the old name, the new name, the reason for the change, and the date of the change. Attach it to Form VSD 278 when you submit.
If the title shows two names and only one person is signing it over to you, you need written consent from the other owner. This consent must be notarized. Without it, the Secretary of State will reject your process.
Fees and what they cover
The standard fee for a title transfer is $95. This covers the new certificate of title and the vehicle registration for one year. You do not pay a separate registration fee — they are combined in Illinois.
Some situations have different fees. If the vehicle is new and has never been titled in Illinois, the fee is $150. If the vehicle is salvaged (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), the fee is $95 but you must also provide a salvage inspection report. If you are transferring a title after the previous owner's death, the fee is $95, but you must provide a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir or executor.
If you need the title expedited, the Secretary of State offers rush processing for an additional $25 fee. This reduces processing time to five to seven business days.
When you can legally drive the vehicle
You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new title arrives in your name. Having a bill of sale or a receipt from the seller does not give you legal ownership or the right to drive it. If you are stopped by police before the title transfer is complete, you could face a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle.
If you need to drive the vehicle before the new title arrives, ask the Secretary of State for a temporary registration permit when you submit your process. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your title is being processed. You must request it in writing or in person — it is not automatic.
What to do if your process is rejected
The Secretary of State returns incomplete applications without processing them. Common reasons include a missing signature, a missing or illegible title, no proof of address, or a check that does not match the required fee. The office includes a letter explaining what is missing.
Correct the problem and resubmit. If you mailed your process and it was rejected, the office returns your documents to the address you provided. If you submitted in person and something is missing, the staff member tells you when ready so you can fix it before you leave.
If you are unsure whether your documents are complete, call the Secretary of State's title section at 217-782-6992 before you submit. They can confirm what you need based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the previous owner is deceased?
Yes, but you need a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir or executor of the estate. The fee is still $95. If there is a will, bring a copy. If there is no will, you may need a court order declaring you the legal heir. Contact the probate court in the county where the person died for guidance.
What if I buy a car from out of state and want to title it in Illinois?
You need the out-of-state title signed by the previous owner, your bill of sale, proof of your Illinois address, and the $95 fee. Submit these to the Secretary of State along with Form VSD 278. If the out-of-state title is in a format the Secretary of State does not recognize, call 217-782-6992 to confirm what you need before you submit.
Do I need to get the vehicle inspected before I transfer the title?
No inspection is required for a standard title transfer in Illinois, unless the vehicle is salvaged or has been rebuilt after a total loss. Salvaged vehicles require a salvage inspection report from an authorized inspector. Rebuilt vehicles require a rebuilt inspection. Your insurance company or the Secretary of State can direct you to an authorized inspector if needed.
How long does the title stay valid once I receive it?
The title itself does not expire, but the registration does. Your registration is valid for one year from the date you receive your new title. You renew it annually by paying the registration renewal fee, which is separate from the title transfer fee.
What if I lose the title after I receive it?
Contact the Secretary of State and request a duplicate title using Form VSD 278. The fee for a duplicate is $95. You can submit by mail or in person using the same process as a title transfer.