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 proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about two 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 visit the DMV — Illinois handles titles through the Secretary of State, not a separate motor vehicle department.
The exact documents and fees depend on whether you are buying a car, inheriting one, receiving it as a gift, or transferring it between family members. Each situation has different proof requirements, and submitting the wrong paperwork will delay your title.
Key Takeaways
- Form VSD 278 is the document you submit to the Illinois Secretary of State to transfer ownership of a car title.
- You must provide the current title, a bill of sale signed by the seller, and proof of your identity and address to complete the transfer.
- The fee for a standard title transfer is $95, though fees vary slightly if the car is new, used, or inherited.
- You can mail your documents to the Secretary of State or visit a facility in person; in-person processing usually takes the same day.
- If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title or the title is damaged, you will need to request a corrected or duplicate title first.
Documents you need to gather before you start
Start by collecting the current title from the seller. If the title is in the seller's name and they still own the car, they must sign the back of the title in front of a notary public — this is not optional. If the title is already signed but blank, you can proceed without a notary. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before you can transfer it to yourself.
Next, get a bill of sale. This is a straightforward document that records the sale price, the date, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller. Illinois does not have an official bill of sale form, so you can use any bill of sale template or write one yourself. Both the buyer and seller must sign it. A bill of sale protects you by creating a record of the transaction and the agreed price.
You will also need proof of your identity and current address. A driver's license works for both. If your address on your license does not match your current address, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
The step-by-step process for mailing your title transfer
Gather Form VSD 278, the signed title, the bill of sale, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for $95 made out to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the Secretary of State can contact you if something is missing.
Mail everything to the Secretary of State's office. The address is Secretary of State, Cyberdriveillinois, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Processing by mail takes about two weeks. You will receive your new title in the mail at the address you provided on the form.
If you are transferring a title for a car you inherited, you will also need to include a copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the heir — usually a will or court document. If you are transferring a title for a car received as a gift, include a statement from the giver explaining that it was a gift, signed and notarized.
Transferring a title in person at a Secretary of State facility
If you want your title the same day, visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Bring the signed title, bill of sale, Form VSD 278, your driver's license, and $95 in cash or a check. Staff will review your documents on the spot, and if everything is correct, they will issue your new title before you leave.
Secretary of State facilities are located in most Illinois counties. You can find the nearest one by visiting the Secretary of State website and searching for "driver services facilities" or by calling 217-782-2000. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some facilities require appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Special situations that change what you need to submit
If the car is new and has never been titled in Illinois, you will need the manufacturer's certificate of origin instead of a previous title. If the car was previously titled in another state, you will need the out-of-state title and proof that you paid sales tax in that state or in Illinois. If you cannot find the out-of-state title, contact that state's motor vehicle office to request a duplicate.
If the seller's name on the title is misspelled or does not match their current legal name, the seller must request a corrected title from the Secretary of State before signing it over to you. This adds time to the process, so ask the seller to handle this before you meet to complete the sale.
If the car has a lien — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it — the lienholder's name will appear on the title. The lienholder must sign the title and provide a lien release letter before you can transfer it. Ask the seller to get this from their lender before the sale closes.
What happens after you submit your transfer
If you mailed your documents, the Secretary of State will process them and mail your new title to the address you provided. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will contact you by phone or email. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call 217-782-2000 to check the status.
Once you receive your new title, it is yours to keep. You do not need to renew it or resubmit it. Your title proves you own the car. If you later sell the car, you will sign the back of this title and hand it to the buyer, who will then submit their own transfer form.
If you plan to register the car with Illinois license plates, you will need your new title plus proof of insurance. Registration is separate from title transfer and is handled by your local Secretary of State facility or by mail.
Common reasons your title transfer gets delayed
The most common reason for delay is a missing or unsigned signature. The seller must sign the back of the title, and if it is not notarized, both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. If either signature is missing, your transfer will be returned.
Another common issue is submitting the wrong fee. The standard fee is $95, but if the car is new or if you are transferring a title for a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title, the fee may differ. Check the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-2000 to confirm the correct fee for your situation before you submit.
Submitting a damaged or illegible title also causes delays. If the title is torn, water-damaged, or faded, ask the seller to request a duplicate title first. This takes an extra week or two but prevents your transfer from being rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get the title notarized?
The seller's signature on the back of the title does not need to be notarized if you are transferring it in person at a Secretary of State facility. If you are mailing it, the seller's signature must be notarized. A notary public can be found at most banks, libraries, or UPS stores for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.
What if the seller lost the title?
The seller must request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before you can transfer ownership. They can do this by submitting Form VSD 278 with a $95 fee and proof of ownership. Once they receive the duplicate, they sign it and give it to you to complete your transfer.
How long does it take to get my new title?
By mail, processing takes about two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your documents. In person at a facility, you receive your title the same day if all documents are correct. Mail delivery adds a few more days to the timeline.
Can I transfer a title if the car has a loan on it?
Yes, but the lender must sign off first. The lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. They must provide a lien release letter and sign the title before the seller can transfer it to you. Ask the seller to contact their lender to get this done before the sale closes.
What if I buy a car from a private seller and they refuse to sign the title?
Do not complete the purchase. Without the seller's signature on the title, you cannot legally own the car. If the seller is unwilling to sign, walk away from the deal. A legitimate seller will always sign the title over to you.