What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
To transfer a car title in Illinois, you file a form with the Secretary of State's office, pay a fee, and provide proof of ownership and identification. 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. You will need the signed title certificate from the seller, a bill of sale, your driver's license or ID, and proof of insurance.
Illinois does not allow online title transfers, so you must either mail documents to the Secretary of State or visit a facility in person. The fee is $150 for a standard title transfer, though it varies slightly if the vehicle is financed or if you are transferring from out of state.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit the signed title certificate, a completed process for Illinois Title (Form VSD 190), and proof of insurance to the Secretary of State's office.
- The current transfer fee is $150, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card if you visit in person.
- If the seller's name on the title does not match their ID, or if the title is damaged, the Secretary of State may reject your submission and you will need to resubmit.
- In-person transfers at a Driver Services facility take one day; mail transfers take two to four weeks.
- If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release letter.
Gather the Required Documents Before You Start
The Secretary of State requires specific documents, and missing even one will delay your transfer. You need the original title certificate signed by the seller in the designated signature box. If the seller cannot locate the original, you can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State, but this adds time and cost.
You also need a completed process for Illinois Title, which is Form VSD 190. You can read this from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at any Driver Services facility. Fill in your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the odometer reading. The seller does not sign this form — only you do.
Bring proof of insurance. Illinois requires you to carry liability insurance before the title transfers to your name. Your insurance company will give you a declarations page or ID card showing your policy number and coverage dates. Bring the original or a certified copy.
You will also need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are not the person signing the title, bring a power of attorney document notarized by a notary public.
Handle a Lien or Loan on the Vehicle
If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. The lienholder must release their claim before you can own the vehicle free and clear. This usually happens when the seller pays off the loan, and the lender sends a lien release letter directly to the Secretary of State or to you.
Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release. Some lenders release the lien electronically to the Secretary of State; others mail a physical letter. If the seller receives a physical letter, they must sign it and include it with your title transfer documents.
If you are financing the purchase yourself, your new lender will handle the lien paperwork after the title transfers. You do not need to do anything extra — just let your lender know the transfer is in progress.
Submit Your Documents by Mail or in Person
To transfer by mail, send your signed title certificate, completed Form VSD 190, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for $150 to the Secretary of State's office. The mailing address is on the form itself. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the office can contact you if something is missing.
Mail transfers take two to four weeks. The Secretary of State will send you a new title certificate by mail when the transfer is complete. If documents are missing or incomplete, they will send a letter asking you to resubmit.
To transfer in person, visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois. Bring all original documents, your ID, and a check, money order, or credit card. The staff will review your paperwork on the spot, collect the $150 fee, and give you a receipt. You will receive your new title certificate in the mail within one to two weeks.
Find the nearest Driver Services facility on the Secretary of State website. Facilities are located in most counties, and many are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
What Happens If the Title Has Problems
If the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID, or if the name is misspelled, the Secretary of State will reject the transfer. The seller must request a corrected title from the Secretary of State before you can proceed. This takes an additional two to four weeks.
If the title is water-damaged, torn, or illegible, the Secretary of State may not accept it. The seller can request a duplicate title, but they must do this before you submit your transfer. A duplicate title costs $10 and takes about two weeks.
If the odometer reading on the title does not match the current mileage on the vehicle, write a note explaining the discrepancy and include it with your transfer documents. This is common with older vehicles or if the odometer was replaced. The Secretary of State will review your explanation and decide whether to proceed.
Understand What Happens After the Transfer
Once the Secretary of State processes your transfer, you will receive a new title certificate in your name by mail. This is your proof of ownership. Keep it in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or register it in another state.
Your vehicle registration is separate from the title. If you are keeping the same registration, you do not need to do anything. If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in Illinois, or if the registration has expired, you will need to register it at a Driver Services facility or by mail. Registration costs vary based on the vehicle's weight and age.
If you purchased the vehicle from out of state, you have 30 days to transfer the title and register it in Illinois. After 30 days, you cannot legally drive the vehicle in Illinois without an Illinois title and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer the title if the seller is out of state?
Yes. The seller can mail you the signed title certificate, and you can submit it with your other documents. Some sellers use a notary to verify their signature on the title before mailing it, which adds a layer of protection. Make sure the title is signed in the correct signature box and that the seller's name matches their ID.
What if I bought the car from a private seller and they lost the title?
The seller must request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before you can transfer it. They can do this by mail or in person at a Driver Services facility. A duplicate costs $10 and takes two to four weeks. Once they receive it, they sign it and send it to you, and you proceed with the normal transfer process.
Do I need to have the vehicle inspected before transferring the title?
No. Illinois does not require a pre-transfer inspection. However, you do need proof of insurance, and your insurance company may require an inspection before they issue a policy. Check with your insurer about their requirements.
What if the seller and I have different last names on the title?
This is not a problem as long as both names are listed on the title and both people sign it. If only one name is on the title but both people claim ownership, you will need a notarized bill of sale from both parties explaining the situation. The Secretary of State may ask for additional documentation.
How long does the title stay valid after I receive it?
Your title certificate does not expire. It remains valid as long as you own the vehicle. However, your vehicle registration expires every two years and must be renewed. Keep your title in a safe place — you will need it to renew registration, sell the vehicle, or transfer it to another state.