How to Sell a Car Privately in Illinois
Selling a car privately in Illinois lets you capture closer to true market value compared to a dealer trade-in. The buyer is responsible for paying 6.25% state tax on private sales; local taxes may add 1-4% plus the $150 title transfer fee at the DMV.
6-Step Guide: Selling a Car Privately in Illinois
- 1Research your vehicle's market value on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and local listings to set a competitive asking price.
- 2Gather documents: signed title, service records, warranty paperwork, and any lien release letters.
- 3Complete a signed bill of sale documenting VIN, sale price, odometer reading, sale date, and both parties' signatures.
- 4Sign over the title to the buyer — the seller signs the back of the title in the designated transfer area.
- 5Buyer takes the signed title and bill of sale to the Illinois DMV within the required deadline to complete the title transfer and pay the $150 transfer fee.
- 6File a Notice of Transfer or Release of Liability with the Illinois DMV after the sale to protect yourself from post-sale tickets or liability.
Illinois-Specific Notes
- ›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
Emissions Test Required
Illinois requires an emissions or smog test before the buyer can register the vehicle. Confirm current county-level requirements with the Illinois DMV.
Include a VIN History Report
The Premium plan ($19) includes a VIN history report — shows buyers the vehicle has a clean title and no hidden accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have a mandatory disclosure law for private car sales?▾
Illinois generally follows the "as-is" rule for private car sales — sellers are not required to disclose known defects unless asked directly. However, material misrepresentation (fraud) is always a legal risk.
How quickly must I report a private car sale to the Illinois DMV?▾
In Illinois, the title transfer must typically be completed 20 days of the sale date. Contact the Illinois DMV to confirm current requirements.
Can I sell a car privately in Illinois without a title?▾
Selling a car without a clear title in Illinois is strongly discouraged and may be illegal. If you have lost the title, apply for a duplicate at the Illinois DMV before listing the vehicle. Buyers who purchase without a title may have significant difficulty registering the vehicle.
Get your Illinois bill of sale + VIN report
Get Bill of Sale + VIN Report ($19) →More Illinois guides
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
- How to Write a Bill of Sale in Illinois
- Illinois Bill of Sale Requirements
- Does Illinois Require Notarization for a Bill of Sale?
- Illinois Title Transfer Fees & Vehicle Taxes
- Illinois car bill of sale generator
- Illinois bill of sale (all vehicles)
- How to Sell a Car Privately — all states
- All bill of sale guides