How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois

A Quick Guide to Illinois Title Transfer

Step 1: Get the completed title from the transferor.

In any state, the first step in transferring a title is to obtain the completed title from the transferor. The VIN, mileage, the transferor’s information, your information, and both parties’ signatures should all be included in the original title.

Step 2: Ensure that the information on the title is correct.

To simplify the process of transferring your Illinois title, ask yourself the following questions while inspecting the new title:

• Are there any unsigned co-owners, such as a friend or family member?
• Are the signatures identical to those on the title?
• Is the VIN mentioned on the title identical to the one on the vehicle?
• Is the title invalid due to mark-throughs, erasures, or correction tape? If you have an official copy of an amended title, you must provide it.
• Is the mileage information correct?
• Is the data legible?

Step 3: Create a bill of sale.

Although it is not required, the majority of people create a bill of sale when completing a substantial transaction. This document acts as a record of the transaction and, in some instances, may provide legal protection and serve as proof of ownership. It takes little time to create a bill of sale, and there are numerous free templates available online.

Step 4: Make the seller submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Due to the Federal Truth in Mileage Act, all states require sellers to document vehicle mileage when selling a vehicle. While the majority of states accept the completed title or bill of sale as proof of mileage, Illinois demands completely different paperwork.

The seller must provide the buyer with a written mileage statement, occasionally referred to as a seller’s report, prior to the transaction taking place. According to Illinois law, this document must include the following:

• Date
• Both parties’ names, addresses, and signatures
• Exact mileage
• Car color, make, model, and year
• Car identification number

Step 5: Submit an Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190).

For almost all motor vehicle services, the Secretary of State’s office needs drivers to complete an Application for a Vehicle Transaction form. You’ll bubble in the service you require in part labeled “Type of transaction.”

By utilizing a single form rather than five, the SOS streamlines these processes, allowing drivers to complete all required paperwork in one sitting. Simply put, it’s a more convenient way to handle an Illinois title transfer. Additionally, the cost of this form is determined by the service(s) requested.

Step 6: Fill out a form for Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction.

Tax Form RUT-50 should be filed and the 6.25% state sales tax should be paid to the county tax collector with any private car sale. Additional county taxes and title transfer fees are not included in this rate. The entire amount of tax collected is dependent on the model year and purchase price of the vehicle. Automobiles worth more than $15,000 are taxed differently than those worth less than $15,000.

Bear in mind that the tax rate is determined by the vehicle’s “reasonable value.” Simply put, even if you purchase a car for significantly less than its market value, you will still be taxed at the market value rate. This document is used to calculate the vehicle’s tax liability based on the purchase price or fair market value as assessed by a licensed dealer.

Step 7: Pay the Illinois title transfer fees and any other applicable charges.

Transferring a car in Illinois is too expensive. The overall cost of a standard vehicle transfer is just over $300 and maybe higher if additional paperwork is required. The vehicle title is $150; the SOS will add another $151 for registration and tag.

If you need to update your name in the SOS database, an extra $15 will be charged. Transferring vehicles from a deceased joint owner to the single living owner will be assessed a $15 application cost, a $50 title fee, and a $3 registration fee.

Step 8: Apply for a plate transfer or a new license plate.

Transferring your license plate is simple. Just accomplish the same Application for Vehicle Transaction as transferring your title and select the “Title and transfer” box. The cost of transferring your plates is $25, which will be added to the cost of registration if you do so all at once.

To apply for a new license plate, complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction form and check the “Title and plates” or “Plates alone” option. A new plate costs $29, including tax.

Step 9: Wait for your title to arrive.

By mail, it usually takes about six weeks to receive your new title. If it has been more than six weeks since you last saw your pink slip, call your local SOS office to inquire about locating your title or acquiring a copy.