Private sale — What You Need to Know
A transaction between two private individuals without dealer involvement. Both parties negotiate directly and the seller transfers the title after payment.
Seller guidance
You are responsible for disclosing known defects, providing an accurate odometer statement, and delivering a clean title. Once the bill of sale is signed and funds received, remove the vehicle from your insurance and notify your DMV of the transfer.
Buyer guidance
Run a title search or VIN history report (NMVTIS, CARFAX) before handing over funds. Confirm the seller is the titled owner and the title is free of liens. Take possession of the signed title on the day of sale.
Legal note (Illinois-specific)
IL sellers must report the sale to the Secretary of State within 7 days using Form VSD 190 (Notice of Sale/Transfer). The buyer must title and register within 20 days. The buyer pays 6.25% use tax on the purchase price.
Private sale checklist
- Verify the seller name matches the title exactly
- Confirm no open liens via your state DMV or NMVTIS
- Complete federal odometer disclosure (vehicles <10 years old)
- Sign and date the bill of sale with both parties present
- Transfer title and notify DMV within your state deadline
- Seller files VSD 190 (Notice of Sale) with IL Secretary of State within 7 days
- Buyer pays RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax) — 6.25% of purchase price
- Title and registration must be completed within 20 days
Boat Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$5,000–$75,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for boat buyers
- Verify Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches registration documents
- Check for delamination, blistering, or water intrusion in fiberglass hulls
- Inspect transom for softness or rot — the most expensive structural repair
- Test all bilge pumps, navigation lights, and required safety equipment
- Confirm USCG-required PFDs, throwable cushion, and visual distress signals are present
- Verify fire extinguisher is current and properly sized for vessel length
- Test carbon monoxide detector function on cabin boats
- Confirm kill-switch lanyard operation cuts engine immediately
Common recall categories
Fuel SystemElectricalSteeringHull IntegrityPropulsion
On average, each boat model has approximately 1.8 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Arrington Private sale boat generator — when to file
Illinois requires title transfer within 20 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For private sale transactions specifically, file at Illinois DMV – Arrington (Visit https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles to find the nearest Arrington office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 20-day window and Illinois typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Arrington bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $150.00 title transfer fee plus 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Illinois DMV – Arrington; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.