How to Remove a Name from a Car Title in Illinois
Whether you're dealing with a divorce, the death of a co-owner, or a mutual agreement to change ownership, here is exactly how to remove a name from a vehicle title in Illinois.
When You Can Remove a Name in Illinois
Illinois processes name removal at Secretary of State facilities using standard title transfer forms.
Process by Situation in Illinois
A certified copy of the final divorce decree, along with VSD 190 naming the remaining owner, is submitted at the Secretary of State facility. The decree must clearly assign the vehicle — if silent, both parties must cooperate.
The surviving co-owner submits the original title, certified death certificate, and VSD 190. For "AND" titles, the estate executor may need to participate unless survivorship language is present.
Both co-owners sign the current title. VSD 190 names only the remaining owner. Submit at any Secretary of State facility.
Required Documents in Illinois
- 1Current Illinois title (signed by both co-owners or court order)
- 2VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application)
- 3Certified death certificate (if applicable)
- 4Certified divorce decree (if applicable)
- 5Valid Illinois ID
- 6Payment for title fee
When You Need a Court Order in Illinois
A court order is required when a co-owner is uncooperative. For divorce, the final decree with vehicle assignment is the legal authority. For death with "AND" titles, probate court letters or executor documents may be required.
Illinois' $150 title fee is a real cost consideration for name removal — budget accordingly if you own multiple vehicles. In divorce situations, spousal transfers typically qualify for the family exemption, avoiding private party use tax on top of the title fee.
Illinois Name Removal FAQ
How do I remove an ex-spouse's name from a car title in Illinois?
In Illinois, A certified copy of the final divorce decree, along with VSD 190 naming the remaining owner, is submitted at the Secretary of State facility. The decree must clearly assign the vehicle — if silent, both parties must cooperate.
How do I remove a deceased co-owner from a car title in Illinois?
The surviving co-owner submits the original title, certified death certificate, and VSD 190. For "AND" titles, the estate executor may need to participate unless survivorship language is present.
Can I remove a name from a car title by mutual agreement in Illinois?
Both co-owners sign the current title. VSD 190 names only the remaining owner. Submit at any Secretary of State facility.
What documents are needed to remove a name from a car title in Illinois?
Required: Current Illinois title (signed by both co-owners or court order); VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application); Certified death certificate (if applicable); Certified divorce decree (if applicable); Valid Illinois ID; Payment for title fee.
When do I need a court order to remove a name from a car title in Illinois?
A court order is required when a co-owner is uncooperative. For divorce, the final decree with vehicle assignment is the legal authority. For death with "AND" titles, probate court letters or executor documents may be required.
How much does it cost to remove a name from a car title in Illinois?
$150. Illinois charges $150 for the new title — one of the highest fees nationally. No additional name removal fee.