Car Title Errors in Illinois
How to fix a title error in Illinois — name misspellings, VIN corrections, lienholder mistakes, correction fees, and the bonded title process when the ownership chain is broken.
Title Correction Fee in Illinois
$150 title fee for most transactions including corrections
Common Title Errors
- !Misspelled owner name
- !Incorrect VIN
- !Wrong year or model
- !Missing lienholder
- !Odometer reading error
- !Title type error
How to Fix Each Error Type
Name Error
Illinois name corrections require Form VSD 190 with government ID and a written affidavit explaining the discrepancy. Submit to any SOS facility with the original title.
VIN Error
Illinois VIN corrections require a physical VIN inspection by a Secretary of State investigator. Contact the SOS Vehicle Services Department to schedule an inspection.
Lienholder Error
Illinois lien corrections are initiated by the lienholder through the SOS dealer portal. Vehicle owners cannot directly correct lienholder information without lender involvement.
Correction Process in Illinois
Illinois Secretary of State corrects titles through Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) submitted with the original title, documentation, and a written explanation of the error.
Bonded Title in Illinois
Illinois offers a Surety Bond Title for vehicles without an acceptable chain of title. A surety bond of 1.5× the vehicle value is required, held for 3 years before a clear title issues.
Illinois Note
Illinois's $150 title fee is among the highest in the country and applies to all title corrections. For simple name spelling corrections, call the SOS Vehicle Services Division first — some minor corrections may be processed administratively for a lower fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I correct a name error on a car title in Illinois?
- Illinois name corrections require Form VSD 190 with government ID and a written affidavit explaining the discrepancy. Submit to any SOS facility with the original title.
- How do I fix an incorrect VIN on a car title in Illinois?
- Illinois VIN corrections require a physical VIN inspection by a Secretary of State investigator. Contact the SOS Vehicle Services Department to schedule an inspection.
- What does a title correction cost in Illinois?
- Illinois title correction fee: $150 title fee for most transactions including corrections. Illinois Secretary of State corrects titles through Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) submitted with the original title, documentation, and a written explanation of the error.
- What is a bonded title and when do I need one in Illinois?
- A bonded title is used when the original title is missing or the ownership chain is broken. Illinois offers a Surety Bond Title for vehicles without an acceptable chain of title. A surety bond of 1.5× the vehicle value is required, held for 3 years before a clear title issues.
- Can I sell a car with a title error?
- Selling a vehicle with a known title error creates legal risk for both parties. The buyer may be unable to register the vehicle, and you may face liability for the defective title. Correct the error before selling whenever possible. If time is critical, disclose the error in writing on the bill of sale and reduce the price to reflect the clearing cost.
- What are the most common car title errors?
- The most common title errors are: (1) misspelled owner name — especially after marriage/divorce name changes; (2) transposed VIN digits from data entry; (3) wrong vehicle year or model from dealer processing; (4) missing lienholder from financing; (5) odometer disclosure errors from mileage typos. Illinois common errors: Misspelled owner name, Incorrect VIN, Wrong year or model, Missing lienholder, Odometer reading error, Title type error.
Title Fixed? Complete the Sale in Illinois
A bill of sale documents the corrected title details, sale price, and transfer — protecting both buyer and seller after the title is cleared.
Generate Illinois Bill of Sale