What you need to do to transfer a car title in Illinois
To transfer a car title in Illinois, you file Form VSD 278 (process for Illinois Certificate of Title) with the Illinois Secretary of State's office, along with the signed title from the previous owner, proof of ownership, and a completed odometer statement. You can file in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or through an authorized vehicle dealer or title service. The process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, or the same day if you go in person.
Illinois does not require a vehicle inspection before title transfer, and you do not need to register the vehicle at the same time you transfer the title — though most people do both together. The fee for a title transfer is $95 as of 2024, though fees can change. If the title is from out of state, the process is the same, but you will also need to show proof that any lien on the vehicle has been satisfied.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form VSD 278, the signed title from the seller, and proof of ownership to the Illinois Secretary of State to transfer a title.
- An odometer statement is required and must show the current mileage at the time of transfer.
- You can file by mail, in person at a Secretary of State facility, or through a licensed title service or dealer.
- In-person filing takes one day; mail filing typically takes two to four weeks.
- The current title transfer fee is $95, and you do not need a vehicle inspection in Illinois.
Documents you will need to bring or send
Gather the signed title from the previous owner before you start. The title must be signed in the correct signature box — not crossed out or initialed elsewhere. If the title has two owners listed, both must sign unless one has already signed and the other is transferring their interest to the first owner.
You will also need proof of ownership. This is usually the bill of sale, a purchase agreement, or a gift letter if the vehicle was given to you. If you are buying from a dealer, they will provide this documentation. You must complete the odometer statement on Form VSD 278 itself, showing the current mileage. If the vehicle is 10 years old or older, you can write "exempt" instead of the mileage.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title), you need proof that the lien has been paid off. This is usually a lien release letter from the lender. Some lenders send this directly to the Secretary of State, so ask your lender whether you need to submit it yourself or whether they will handle it.
Where to file and how long it takes
The Illinois Secretary of State has office locations in most counties. You can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website by entering your county. If you file in person with all documents complete, you will receive your new title the same day. Bring the original signed title, not a copy.
If you mail your documents, send them to the address listed on Form VSD 278. Include a check or money order for $95 payable to the Illinois Secretary of State. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the old title returned to you, though most people do not request this.
You can also use a licensed title service or authorized dealer to file on your behalf. These services charge a fee (usually $25 to $75 on top of the state fee) but handle the paperwork and filing. This is useful if you cannot visit an office in person or prefer not to handle the filing yourself.
Transferring a title from out of state
If you are moving to Illinois and bringing a vehicle with an out-of-state title, you follow the same process: submit Form VSD 278, the signed title, proof of ownership, and the odometer statement. The out-of-state title takes the place of an Illinois title — you do not need both.
If there is a lien on the out-of-state title, you must show proof that the lien has been released. Some states issue a separate lien release document; others note the release on the title itself. Contact the lender or the state where the title was issued if you are unsure whether the lien is cleared.
You do not need to transfer the title before you register the vehicle in Illinois, but most people do both at the same time to avoid confusion. Registration is handled separately through your local Secretary of State office or online.
What happens if the title is lost or damaged
If the previous owner no longer has the title, they can request a duplicate from the Illinois Secretary of State using Form VSD 278 before signing it over to you. This costs $95 and takes two to four weeks. Once they receive the duplicate, they sign it and send it to you, and you proceed with the normal transfer process.
If the title is damaged but readable, you can still use it to transfer. If it is so damaged that the signature boxes or vehicle information are illegible, the previous owner will need to request a duplicate first. Do not attempt to transfer a title that is missing the previous owner's signature or the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Transferring a title when there are two owners
If the title lists two owners, both must sign the title in the signature box for the transfer to be valid. If only one owner signs, the transfer will be rejected. If the owners are married and the title is in both names, both must sign. If the title is in one person's name only, only that person needs to sign.
If one owner has died, the surviving owner cannot transfer the title alone. The estate or the surviving spouse may need to go through probate or use a simplified succession process, depending on the value of the vehicle and Illinois law. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State or a probate attorney for guidance in this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the car has a loan on it?
Yes, but the lender must release the lien first. Ask your lender for a lien release letter. Some lenders send this directly to the Secretary of State; others send it to you to include with your process. The title cannot be transferred until the lien is released.
What if I buy a car from a private seller and they do not have the title?
The seller must request a duplicate title from the Illinois Secretary of State before you can transfer it. This takes two to four weeks. Do not give the seller money until they have the title in hand and are ready to sign it over to you.
Do I need to register my car at the same time I transfer the title?
No, title transfer and registration are separate. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without registration, so most people handle both at the same time. You can transfer the title first and register later if needed.
How much does a title transfer cost in Illinois?
The state fee is $95 as of 2024. If you use a title service or dealer to file for you, they charge an additional fee, usually $25 to $75. Fees can change, so check the Secretary of State website for the current amount.
What if the signature on the title does not match my ID exactly?
Minor differences (like a nickname versus a full name) are usually accepted. If the signature is significantly different or you are concerned, contact the Secretary of State office before submitting. They can tell you whether the title will be accepted as-is or whether the previous owner needs to sign again.