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 completed odometer statement. The process takes about two weeks by mail or can be done in person at a Driver Services facility. You will also need to pay a title transfer fee, which varies depending on whether the vehicle is new to Illinois or already registered in the state.
Illinois does not allow online title transfers, so you must either mail your documents or visit a facility in person. The Secretary of State's office processes all title transfers for the state — there is no county-level option. Once your transfer is approved, you will receive a new certificate of title in the mail with your name on it.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form VSD 278 along with the signed title from the seller and proof of ownership to the Secretary of State.
- The title transfer fee depends on the vehicle's age and whether it was previously registered in Illinois, ranging from roughly $50 to $150.
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day if you visit a Driver Services facility in person.
- You cannot complete a title transfer online; you must mail documents or visit a facility, and you cannot register the vehicle until the title is in your name.
Documents You Will Need to Gather
Start by collecting the signed title from the seller. In Illinois, this is the Certificate of Title — a physical document that shows who owns the vehicle. The seller must sign the back of the title in front of a notary public or at a Secretary of State facility. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before the sale, though this adds time.
You will also need proof of ownership. If you bought the car from a private seller, bring the bill of sale signed by both parties. If you bought it from a dealer, bring the dealer's paperwork. You must also complete the odometer statement on the back of the title — this documents the vehicle's mileage at the time of transfer and is a federal requirement.
Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If someone else is signing on your behalf, bring a power of attorney document. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns part of it), you will need the lender's name and address from your loan documents.
Where to Submit Your Title Transfer
You have two main options: mail your documents to the Secretary of State or visit a Driver Services facility in person. To mail, send your completed Form VSD 278, the signed title, proof of ownership, and the fee to the address listed on the form. The Secretary of State's office will process it and mail your new title back to you, which typically takes about two weeks.
If you visit a facility in person, you can often receive your new title the same day or within a few days. Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois — you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State's website. Bring all the same documents you would mail, plus your photo ID. Some facilities accept walk-ins, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is wise.
Do not attempt to register the vehicle or get license plates before your title transfer is complete. Illinois will not issue plates without a title in your name, and you cannot legally drive the car on public roads without plates.
Understanding the Title Transfer Fee
The fee for a title transfer in Illinois depends on the vehicle's age and registration history. For a vehicle that has never been registered in Illinois, the fee is typically around $150. For a vehicle already registered in Illinois that is changing owners, the fee is usually around $50 to $75. Specialty vehicles, such as motorcycles or RVs, may have different fees.
Pay the fee by check or money order made out to the "Secretary of State" when you mail your documents. If you visit a facility in person, you can usually pay by cash, check, card, or money order — call ahead to confirm what payment methods that specific location accepts. The fee is non-refundable even if your transfer is denied.
What Happens After You Submit Your Transfer
Once the Secretary of State receives your documents, they will verify that the title is signed correctly, that the odometer statement is complete, and that your fee is included. If everything is in order, they will process your transfer and mail your new title to the address you provided on the form. This usually takes about two weeks.
If there is a problem — for example, if the title is not signed correctly or if the odometer statement is missing — the Secretary of State will mail you a notice explaining what is wrong. You will then need to correct the issue and resubmit. This can add several weeks to the process, so double-check all documents before sending them.
Once you receive your new title in the mail, you can then register the vehicle and obtain license plates. You cannot legally drive the car until you have both the title in your name and valid plates on the vehicle.
Special Situations: Liens, Out-of-State Titles, and Salvage Vehicles
If the vehicle has a lien, the lender's name will appear on the title. When you buy the car, the seller's lender must sign off on the title to release their claim. This usually happens at closing if you buy from a dealer, but if you buy from a private seller, you may need to coordinate directly with the lender. Do not complete the purchase until the lien is released and the title is clear.
If you are transferring a title from another state, you will need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of a passing Illinois emissions test (required for most vehicles). Some states' titles are not accepted in Illinois, so contact the Secretary of State if you are unsure whether your out-of-state title will be recognized.
If the vehicle is branded as salvage, flood-damaged, or rebuilt, the title will show this status. You can still transfer it, but you will need additional documentation proving the vehicle has been repaired and inspected. Contact the Secretary of State before submitting to confirm what documents are required for your specific vehicle status.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Transfer
The most common mistake is submitting a title that is not signed by the seller or is signed in the wrong place. The seller must sign the back of the title, not the front, and the signature must match the name printed on the title exactly. If the seller's name on the title does not match their ID, the transfer will be rejected.
Another frequent error is leaving the odometer statement blank or incomplete. The odometer reading must be filled in by the person who last owned the vehicle, and it must match the mileage shown on any service records or inspection reports. If the numbers do not match, the Secretary of State may request an explanation.
Submitting the wrong form or an incomplete Form VSD 278 also causes delays. Make sure you are using the current version of the form from the Secretary of State's website, and fill in every required field. If you are unsure about any field, call the Secretary of State's office before submitting rather than guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new title after I submit the transfer?
By mail, processing typically takes about two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your documents. If you submit in person at a Driver Services facility, you may receive your title the same day or within a few days, depending on the facility's workload. Call ahead to ask about current processing times at your local facility.
Can I drive the car while my title transfer is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until you have a title in your name and valid license plates. You can have the vehicle towed or transported by someone else, but you cannot operate it on public roads during the transfer process.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
If the seller refuses to sign, the sale cannot be completed. The seller's signature on the title is a legal requirement and cannot be waived. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may need to pursue legal action to recover your money or force the seller to complete the transfer.
Do I need to have the car inspected before transferring the title?
A general inspection is not required for a title transfer. However, if the vehicle is branded as salvage or rebuilt, you will need proof of inspection and repair. Additionally, most vehicles in Illinois must pass an emissions test before you can register them, which happens after the title transfer is complete.
What if I lose the title after I receive it?
You can request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State by submitting Form VSD 278 and paying a duplicate title fee. The process is the same as a transfer, and you will receive a replacement title in the mail within about two weeks.