How to Change a Name on a Car Title in Illinois
Change your vehicle title after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change in Illinois. No lawyer required — the process uses standard Illinois Secretary of State forms.
When You Can Change the Name on a Illinois Car Title
Illinois processes name change title transactions at Secretary of State facilities. The process is straightforward with correct documentation.
Step-by-Step Process in Illinois
Update your Illinois driver's license or state ID to your new name before going to Illinois Secretary of State. You'll need the new-name ID to complete the vehicle title change.
Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate (from the county clerk), divorce decree (from the court clerk), or court order. Standard photocopies are not accepted.
Illinois uses Form VSD 190 for all title transactions including name changes. Available at any Secretary of State facility or downloadable from ilsos.gov.
Bring all documents in one trip: completed form, current title, certified name change document, and your new-name ID. Illinois requires official certified copies. Marriage certificates must be certified by the county clerk where the marriage was recorded. Divorce decrees must be certified by the clerk of the court.
Pay the $150 title fee. Your new title will arrive by mail in 15–30 days. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.
Required Documents in Illinois
- 1Vehicle Transaction(s) Application (Form VSD 190)
- 2Current Illinois title
- 3Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- 4Valid Illinois ID or driver's license in the new name
- 5Payment for title fee
Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes. Certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Other legal name changes require a certified court order.
Illinois's $150 title fee makes name changes expensive — especially if you own multiple vehicles. If possible, consolidate all vehicle title updates in one visit to avoid multiple trips. Having the new name on your driver's license beforehand simplifies the process.
Illinois Car Title Name Change FAQ
How do I change my name on my car title in Illinois after marriage?
In Illinois, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate plus Form VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application) to Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois requires official certified copies. Marriage certificates must be certified by the county clerk where the marriage was recorded. Divorce decrees must be certified by the clerk of the court.
How do I change my name on a car title after divorce in Illinois?
After a divorce, bring a certified copy of your final divorce decree (with judge's signature and court seal) to Illinois Secretary of State along with Form VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application). Illinois uses Form VSD 190 for all title transactions including name changes. Available at any Secretary of State facility or downloadable from ilsos.gov.
Does Illinois require a court order to change a name on a car title?
No. Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes. Certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Other legal name changes require a certified court order.
How much does it cost to change a name on a car title in Illinois?
$150. Illinois charges $150 for the new title — one of the highest title fees in the country. No additional name change fee beyond the title fee.
How long does a car title name change take in Illinois?
Illinois Secretary of State offices process name changes same-day. New title mailed in 15–30 days. Chicago-area offices often have longer queues — suburban locations tend to move faster.
What documents are needed to change a name on a car title in Illinois?
Required documents in Illinois: Vehicle Transaction(s) Application (Form VSD 190); Current Illinois title; Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; Valid Illinois ID or driver's license in the new name; Payment for title fee.