If you’re a resident of Illinois and looking to sell your car or purchase a new one, understanding the process of car title transfer is essential. Whether you live in Chicago or the suburbs of Illinois, this guide will walk you through the steps of transferring car ownership in Illinois. From the required documents to the necessary forms, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore how to transfer car ownership in Illinois.
Requirements for an Illinois Car Title Transfer
When performing a title transfer in Illinois, you will need the following documents:
- The original vehicle title, signed by both the buyer and the seller.
- A bill of sale.
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement.
- The Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) completed by the buyer.
- Tax Form RUT-50, also completed by the buyer.
It’s important to note that these documents are necessary for private sales among individuals. If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, they will most likely take care of the process of transferring the ownership title and completing the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Is Emission Testing Required for Car Title Transfer in Illinois?
Yes, in Illinois, vehicles running on gas and manufactured in 1996 or later may require an emission test once they are four years old. This test must be conducted before updating the vehicle’s registration. However, to determine if your vehicle requires an emission test, you can use the Vehicle Eligibility Check tool and find testing locations.
If you’re selling a vehicle, make sure all the emission testing requirements are up-to-date. If you’re purchasing a vehicle, you can inquire about its emission test status.
How to Transfer Car Ownership in Illinois
The process of transferring car ownership in Illinois can vary depending on the situation. Let’s explore the steps involved in different scenarios:
Selling Your Car in Illinois
When selling your car in Illinois, follow these steps:
- Have your title ready, sign it, and complete it. Provide the signed title to the buyer.
- Prepare a bill of sale that includes the final price and date of the sale, along with an odometer disclosure.
- Fill out and submit a Seller’s Report of Sale to the Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department.
- Remove your license plates before handing over the keys to the buyer.
Car Title Transfer in Illinois: What to Do If There’s a Missing Title
If you don’t have the title for your vehicle, you need to obtain a duplicate title before selling it. To get a duplicate title, submit an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) and select “duplicate title” while paying a fee of $50.
Car Title Transfer in Illinois: Buying a Car from a Dealership
If you’re buying a car from a dealership in Illinois, the process of transferring car ownership is typically handled by the dealership itself. They will take care of the necessary paperwork and title transfer on your behalf. You will need to provide the required documents such as identification, proof of insurance, and any additional documentation requested by the dealership.
Once you’ve purchased the vehicle, the dealership will provide you with a temporary registration permit that allows you to legally drive the car while waiting for the official registration to be processed. However, the dealership will usually handle the registration process and send you the new title and registration documents by mail.
Car Title Transfer in Illinois: Buying a Vehicle from an Individual
If you’re purchasing a vehicle from an individual in Illinois, you will need to follow these steps to transfer the car title:
- Verify that the seller has properly signed and completed the title document. Make sure there are no alterations or mistakes on the title.
- Complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) form as the buyer. This form is available on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or at a local Secretary of State facility.
- Fill out the necessary information on the Odometer Disclosure Statement, which is typically included on the back of the title document.
- Prepare a bill of sale that includes the vehicle’s details, sale price, and date of sale. Both the purchaser and seller should retain a copy of the documents for their personal records.
- Visit a local Secretary of State facility or a licensed Illinois vehicle services facility to submit the required documents and pay the necessary fees. Bring your completed VSD 190 form, the signed title, the bill of sale, and payment for taxes and fees.
- Furthermore, the Secretary of State’s office will process your application and issue a new title and registration in your name. The new title will be mailed to you.
Transferring an out-of-state car title in Illinois.
If you’re bringing a vehicle with an out-of-state title to Illinois, you will need to transfer the title to an Illinois title. Here are the steps involved:
- Obtain the original out-of-state title and make sure it is properly signed by the seller.
- Complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) form as the buyer.
- Prepare a bill of sale that includes the vehicle’s details, sale price, and date of sale.
- Visit a local Secretary of State facility or a licensed Illinois vehicle services facility to submit the required documents and pay the necessary fees. Bring the completed VSD 190 form, the out-of-state title, the bill of sale, and payment for taxes and fees.
- The Secretary of State’s office will process your application and issue an Illinois title and registration in your name. You will receive the new title.
Dealerships, Out-of-State, Inherited, and Gifted Vehicles
In addition to private sales, there are specific considerations for title transfers involving vehicles purchased from dealerships, out-of-state vehicles, inherited vehicles, and gifted vehicles. Let’s briefly cover each scenario:
Buying from Dealerships
If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, they will handle the title transfer process on your behalf. Moreover, they will provide you with the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction and register the vehicle in your name. However, make sure to follow their instructions and provide any additional documentation they may require.
Out-of-State Vehicles
When bringing a vehicle with an out-of-state title to Illinois, the process is similar to transferring ownership of a vehicle with an Illinois title. However, you will need to submit the required documents, including the out-of-state title, completed VSD 190 form, bill of sale, and payment for fees and taxes, to a local Secretary of State facility.
Inherited Vehicles
If you’ve inherited a vehicle, the process of transferring the title may involve additional documentation. You will typically need to provide a copy of the will, death certificate, and an Affidavit and Certificate of Heirship (VSD 658). The exact requirements may vary, so it’s advisable to contact the Secretary of State’s office for specific instructions.
Gifted Vehicles
If you receive a vehicle as a gift, the title transfer process is similar to a private sale. Further, the donor (seller) should complete the appropriate sections on the title document, and you (the recipient) will complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) form. You will also need to provide a bill of sale, gift letter, or other documentation to support the gift transaction.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that the information provided here is a general guide to title transfers in Illinois, and there may be specific circumstances or variations that require additional steps or documentation. However, it’s always a good idea to consult the Illinois Secretary of State’s office or visit their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding title transfers in the state.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Related:
FAQs
The original vehicle title, signed by both the buyer and the seller.
A bill of sale.
An Odometer Disclosure Statement.
The Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) completed by the buyer.
Tax Form RUT-50, also completed by the buyer.
Yes, vehicles running on gas and manufactured in 1996 or later may require an emission test once they are four years old. The test must be conducted before updating the vehicle’s registration
If you don’t have the title for your vehicle, you need to obtain a duplicate title by submitting an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) and paying a fee of $50.
Obtain the original out-of-state title.
Complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) form as the buyer.
Prepare a bill of sale.
Visit a local Secretary of State facility or a licensed Illinois vehicle services facility to submit the required documents and pay the fees.