How to Add Someone to a Car Title in Illinois
Adding a spouse, family member, or co-owner to your vehicle title in Illinois requires a new title from Illinois Secretary of State. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what AND vs OR on the title means for you.
Adding a co-owner?
You may need a bill of sale for the title transfer
Many Illinois DMV offices request a bill of sale when re-titling a vehicle — even for a co-owner addition. Generate one now: state-specific, digitally signed, ready in under 3 minutes.
Create My Bill of Sale — $19From $12 · instant PDF · all 50 states
AND vs OR on a Illinois Car Title
AND (both signatures required)
OR (either can transact alone)
Illinois vehicle titles reflect co-ownership with AND or OR between owner names. The Secretary of State determines appropriate tax treatment based on the relationship between co-owners.
How to Add a Co-Owner in Illinois
If you have an active loan, contact your lienholder first. Illinois lienholders must approve adding a co-owner to a titled vehicle with an active loan. Contact your lender before initiating the process at the Secretary of State office.
Illinois vehicle titles reflect co-ownership with AND or OR between owner names. The Secretary of State determines appropriate tax treatment based on the relationship between co-owners.
Illinois uses VSD 190 for all title transactions including co-owner additions. Specify both names and AND/OR designation. Submit at a Secretary of State facility.
Bring: Vehicle Transaction(s) Application (Form VSD 190); Current Illinois title (signed by existing owner); Valid ID for both owners; Payment for title fee and applicable taxes.
Submit all documents and pay the $150 fee. Your new title naming both co-owners will arrive by mail in 15–30 days.
Tax Implications of Adding a Co-Owner in Illinois
Adding a non-exempt co-owner in Illinois triggers Private Party Vehicle Use Tax on the fair market value of the transferred share. Illinois uses a flat fee structure — see the RUT-50 flat fee table for the applicable amount. Family exemptions under 35 ILCS 105/7 may apply.
Before you visit Illinois Secretary of State
Document the transfer with a proper bill of sale
A signed bill of sale with the agreed value, VIN, and both parties' information is the paperwork most DMVs want on file. Generate yours in minutes — one-time fee, no subscription.
Create My Bill of Sale — $19From $12 · instant PDF · all 50 states
Illinois's $150 title fee makes co-owner additions expensive — especially if you own multiple vehicles. Budget accordingly. If adding a qualifying family member, confirm the exemption applies before the transaction to avoid unexpected tax charges.
Illinois Add Co-Owner to Title FAQ
How do I add my spouse to my car title in Illinois?
In Illinois, sign the current title as the seller/transferor naming yourself and your spouse as co-owners. Complete Form VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application) at Illinois Secretary of State. The fee is $150. Illinois requires the existing owner to sign the current title and complete VSD 190 listing both co-owners. Both parties should appear at the Secretary of State facility when possible.
What is the difference between AND and OR on a Illinois car title?
AND means both co-owners must sign for any future sale or transfer — provides more protection. OR means either co-owner can transact independently. Illinois vehicle titles reflect co-ownership with AND or OR between owner names. The Secretary of State determines appropriate tax treatment based on the relationship between co-owners.
Do I need lienholder approval to add someone to my car title in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois lienholders must approve adding a co-owner to a titled vehicle with an active loan. Contact your lender before initiating the process at the Secretary of State office.
Will there be taxes when I add a co-owner to my car title in Illinois?
Flat private party use tax on transferred value. Adding a non-exempt co-owner in Illinois triggers Private Party Vehicle Use Tax on the fair market value of the transferred share. Illinois uses a flat fee structure — see the RUT-50 flat fee table for the applicable amount. Family exemptions under 35 ILCS 105/7 may apply.
How long does it take to add a name to a car title in Illinois?
Illinois Secretary of State offices process same-day. New title mailed in 15–30 days.
What forms do I need to add someone to a car title in Illinois?
Primary form: Form VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application). Illinois uses VSD 190 for all title transactions including co-owner additions. Specify both names and AND/OR designation. Submit at a Secretary of State facility. Documents needed: Vehicle Transaction(s) Application (Form VSD 190), Current Illinois title (signed by existing owner), Valid ID for both owners.
All Illinois steps clear?
Generate the bill of sale for your Illinois title transfer
State-compliant, digitally signed by both parties, instant PDF download. Everything Illinois Secretary of State needs for your co-owner addition on file.
Create My Bill of Sale — $19From $12 · instant PDF · all 50 states