How to Fill Out a Car Title in Illinois
A Illinois vehicle title must be completed accurately in ballpoint pen — any correction fluid or cross-outs invalidate the title and require applying for a replacement. Here is exactly what the seller and buyer each fill in.
Use ballpoint pen only. No correction fluid, no correction tape, no cross-outs. If you make a mistake, stop — apply for a replacement title before completing the transfer.
Illinois Title Layout
Illinois titles have the vehicle information and current ownership on the front. The back contains the assignment section where the seller certifies the transfer and the buyer is identified.
What the Seller Fills In
Illinois requires the seller to sign in the appropriate section on the back of the title. The signature must match the name as printed on the front. Sellers should complete all fields clearly in ink.
What the Buyer Fills In
Enter the buyer's complete legal name exactly as it should appear on the new title. For joint owners, specify AND or OR between names.
Odometer Disclosure in Illinois
Illinois requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old. The seller certifies the mileage reading. Enter the actual odometer reading at time of transfer.
Illinois does not require notarization for standard private party vehicle title transfers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Illinois
Any form of correction (white-out, cross-outs) — title must be replaced
Odometer disclosure section incomplete on qualifying vehicles
Name mismatch between front and back of title
Using a photocopied or duplicate title without proper documentation
Purchase price that doesn't match the private party use tax form (RUT-50)
If You Make a Mistake on the Title
Illinois titles cannot be corrected. Apply for a duplicate title (Form VSD 191, $95 fee — one of the highest in the country) and start fresh. Illinois' $95 duplicate fee makes precision especially important.
Illinois' $95 duplicate title fee is among the highest nationally — making errors on the title particularly costly. Complete the title carefully and deliberately. If anything is unclear, ask at a Secretary of State office before writing anything on the title.
Illinois Car Title Completion FAQ
How does the seller fill out a car title in Illinois?
The seller completes: Seller's signature, Seller's printed name (must match front), Date of sale, Odometer reading, Purchase price, Seller's address. Illinois requires the seller to sign in the appropriate section on the back of the title. The signature must match the name as printed on the front. Sellers should complete all fields clearly in ink.
How does the buyer fill out a car title in Illinois?
The buyer completes: Buyer's full legal name, Buyer's address. Enter the buyer's complete legal name exactly as it should appear on the new title. For joint owners, specify AND or OR between names.
Is the odometer disclosure required on a Illinois car title?
Required for vehicles under 10 model years old. Illinois requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old. The seller certifies the mileage reading. Enter the actual odometer reading at time of transfer.
What are the most common mistakes when filling out a Illinois car title?
Any form of correction (white-out, cross-outs) — title must be replaced | Odometer disclosure section incomplete on qualifying vehicles | Name mismatch between front and back of title
What do I do if I make a mistake filling out a car title in Illinois?
Illinois titles cannot be corrected. Apply for a duplicate title (Form VSD 191, $95 fee — one of the highest in the country) and start fresh. Illinois' $95 duplicate fee makes precision especially important.
Does Illinois require notarization when filling out a car title?
No. Illinois does not require notarization for standard private party vehicle title transfers.