Template Fields
This blank trailer bill of sale template for Illinois contains the following sections:
Seller Info
Name, address, phone, email
Buyer Info
Name, address, phone, email
Vehicle Details
Year, make, model, color, body
VIN & Odometer
17-digit VIN, current mileage
Sale Terms
Price, payment method, date
Disclosures
As-is status, known defects
Signatures
Buyer/seller lines with date
Notarization
Notary block if state requires
How to Fill Out This Template
- 1Print the blank template on US Letter paper
- 2Enter the trailer details exactly as they appear on the title
- 3Record the odometer reading at the time of sale
- 4Agree on the sale price and fill in the payment terms
- 5Both parties sign and date in the presence of each other
- 6File the completed form with your local Illinois DMV within the required timeframe
Tip: Our online generator pre-fills Illinois-specific requirements so you don’t miss any required fields.
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
Trailer Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$1,500–$15,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for trailer buyers
- Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
- Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
- Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
- Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
- Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
- Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
- Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
- Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation
Common recall categories
TiresElectrical (lighting)Axle/SuspensionCouplingBrakes
On average, each trailer model has approximately 1.5 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Evanston Private sale trailer template — 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 IL Secretary of State – Evanston Office (2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. 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 Evanston bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $150.00 title transfer fee plus 10.25% sales tax on the purchase price.
Template reminder. Whether you keep your template as a blank template you fill in by hand, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at IL Secretary of State – Evanston Office; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.