How long do I have to transfer a car title in Illinois?

Illinois requires the title transfer to be completed within 20 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.

How much does a car title transfer cost in Illinois?

The base title transfer fee in Illinois is $150. $150 title fee (private party); 6.25% use tax is calculated separately. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.

Does Illinois require notarization for a car title transfer?

No, Illinois does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Illinois does not require notarization for standard private-party title transfers.

What if the car has a lien on the title?

If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. If an ELT lien exists, the buyer must request the lender to convert to a paper title first. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.

Can I transfer a car title online?

Illinois does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Title transfers are processed at any Illinois Secretary of State facility.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title?

You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Illinois charges a higher title fee for private party vs. dealer sales.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois

Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Illinois — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.

Requirement	Illinois Rule
Transfer Deadline	20 days from sale date
Title Fee	$150
Notarization Required	✗ No
Odometer Disclosure	✓ Required
Online Transfer	✗ In-person required
Agency	Illinois Secretary of State

Illinois Note

Illinois charges a higher title fee for private party vs. dealer sales.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process

1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Illinois requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: If an ELT lien exists, the buyer must request the lender to convert to a paper title first.
3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Illinois Secretary of State.
4
Visit Illinois Secretary of State
Both buyer and seller visit Illinois Secretary of State with all documents. Pay the $150 title fee. $150 title fee (private party); 6.25% use tax is calculated separately.
5
Receive new title
Illinois will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 20 days of the sale date.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.

If an ELT lien exists, the buyer must request the lender to convert to a paper title first.

Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.

Required Documents

✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
✓Odometer disclosure statement
✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
✓Lien release document (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer a car title in Illinois?: Illinois requires the title transfer to be completed within 20 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
How much does a car title transfer cost in Illinois?: The base title transfer fee in Illinois is $150. $150 title fee (private party); 6.25% use tax is calculated separately. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
Does Illinois require notarization for a car title transfer?: No, Illinois does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Illinois does not require notarization for standard private-party title transfers.
What if the car has a lien on the title?: If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. If an ELT lien exists, the buyer must request the lender to convert to a paper title first. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
Can I transfer a car title online?: Illinois does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Title transfers are processed at any Illinois Secretary of State facility.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title?: You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Illinois charges a higher title fee for private party vs. dealer sales.

Need a Bill of Sale for Illinois?

A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Illinois.

Generate Illinois Bill of Sale