How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Illinois
Illinois has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Illinois-Specific Note
Illinois-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Illinois Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Illinois, the title transfer fee is $150 and registration costs $151 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.25% state tax on private sales; local taxes may add 1-4%. Illinois does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Illinois — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Chicagoland and Metro-East St. Louis areas
- Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price
- Title transfer within 20 days of sale
- RUT-50 form required for private party purchases
Illinois sales tax on vehicle purchases
Illinois has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. 6.25% state plus 1–4% local taxes. Private-party vehicle sales in Illinois are subject to sales tax. Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket. The title transfer fee is $150.
Illinois bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 3,087 bill of sale documents for Illinois transactions, with 83 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Illinois Vehicle Guides
- Sell Car With Suspended License in Illinois
- EV Tax Credit in Illinois
- Emissions Inspection in Illinois
- Extended Warranty Cancellation in Illinois
- Fleet Vehicle Sale in Illinois
- GAP Insurance Claim in Illinois
Each guide is written specifically for Illinois laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Illinois?
Illinois requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Illinois?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Illinois?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Illinois?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Illinois require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Illinois bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.