Title Transfers

When a vehicle is sold, the seller must provide a cleared title to the buyer. The title is the document that certifies who legally owns the vehicle.

The buyer then takes this old title to the Vehicle Services Department of the Illinois Secretary of State. This office issues a new title in the buyer's name. This is known as a title transfer.

A title alone does not allow you to drive the vehicle on public roads; for that, you also need to register it (and, of course, hold a driver's license). You can apply for a title and registration at the same time.

The buyer must register the vehicle immediately, usually by driving directly to the local Secretary of State office offering motor vehicle services. While you must register right away, you have up to 20 business days to retitle the car or truck.

Minors and Unlicensed Applicants

There is no law prohibiting a minor from holding the title to a vehicle. However, the Secretary of State advises caution if you're selling a vehicle to someone younger than 18, because only a buyer 18 and older can be legally bound to a sales contract.

While the state requires title applicants to enter their driver's license number on their applications if they are licensed in Illinois, don't worry if you're not―you don't need a driver's license to apply for a title.

How to Transfer the Title

The seller should sign the title over to the buyer on the back of the title certificate, filling in the odometer statement. Be sure to fill in the buyer's name correctly―it will need to match the name on the application for the new title.

When applying for a new title for a vehicle you've just bought, you'll need the surrendered title you got from the seller. You'll also need one of two forms (see bellow), depending on whether you intend to register the vehicle at the same time (in most cases, you will).

Unfortunately, neither of these forms are available for download, but you can pick them up at any Secretary of State office that offers motor vehicle services. You can also call (800) 252-8980 and request that the necessary forms be mailed to you.

Title and Registration

The Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (form VSD-190) is the form you'll use to title and register your vehicle for the first time. It's also used for any transaction related to license plates:

• Title and plates

• Plates only

• Sticker only

• Title and transfer

• Transfer of plates only

• Corrected registration ID card

• Duplicate registration ID card

There are different fees for the various transactions.

Title Only

The Application for Vehicle Title (form VSD-330) is used less commonly. It applies only to title transactions―not registrations:

• Title only

• Duplicate title

• Junking certificate

• Corrected title or salvage certificate

Corrected Title

To make a correction on your registration certificate (such as a name change or to add or remove a name), you will need to submit form VSD-190. To correct the title, you will need to submit form VSD-330. You'll need both forms to correct both certificates.

Corrections Due to Death

If you owned a car jointly with a person who has passed away, you must submit a certified copy of the death certificate along with the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) VSD-190. If the estate is being probated, you'll have to provide more detailed information, such as a certified copy of letters of office, administration, testimony, or court order. For more information, see the state's Web page on Corrected Titles and the Deceased, or write to:

• Secretary of State

• Vehicle Services Department

• 501 South Second St., Room 011

• Springfield, IL 62756-6666

Corrections Due to Divorce

If you need to remove your ex-spouse's name from a vehicle title, you must submit either documentation from your former spouse releasing ownership rights to you, or a divorce decree awarding you sole ownership, along with an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) VSD-190.

Vehicles as Gifts

Vehicles given as gifts―even passing from relative to relative―are subject to sales tax. You must turn in the title and the necessary title and registration application along with the RUT-50 sales tax form―available at your local Secretary of State office. For more information about tax amounts, contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at (800) 732-8866.

Submit the appropriate paperwork in person to the nearest Secretary of State facility, or by mail to:

• Secretary of State

• Vehicle Services Department

• 501 South Second St., Room 014

• Springfield, IL 62756

Fees

The fee for a Certificate of Title is $65, whether it is an original, duplicate, or corrected title. You can submit your title application documents at any Secretary of State office offering motor vehicle services.

You can also mail your application and fees to:

• Secretary of State

• Vehicle Services Department

• 501 S. 2nd. St., Room 014

• Springfield, IL 62756

Forms and Publications

As mentioned, you can't download the title application forms themselves. However, there are a number of other
title and registration forms and guides you can get online. They can be downloaded using Adobe's free Reader software.

Of the dozens of documents listed on this page, these three publications are among the most useful and can help you fill out your application correctly:

• How to Apply for Title and Registration: Instructions in plain English.

• Title and Registration Guide: Geared more toward dealers but useful for anyone, this guide contains very detailed information.

• Title and Registration Guide Supplement: Everything you wanted to know about all the available vanity license plates.