Vehicle Consignment in Illinois
How consignment works in Illinois: typical fees, title handling, contract terms, and how to find a licensed dealer.
Illinois consignment fees are competitive at 8-12% of the final sale price. Flat-fee structures are available from some Chicago-area dealers. Always confirm whether the fee includes advertising, detailing, and storage costs.
How Consignment Works in Illinois
Vehicle consignment is available throughout Illinois, with the highest concentration in the Chicago metro area. Illinois requires a dealer license for consignment sales. The Illinois Secretary of State licenses and regulates consignment dealers.
Consignment vs. Private Sale
| Factor | Consignment | Private Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Time investment | Minimal — dealer handles showings | High — you manage all inquiries, showings, and paperwork |
| Sale price | Market rate, minus 8-15% dealer fee | Full market rate if the deal closes |
| Speed of sale | Typically 2-6 weeks | Days to months depending on pricing and market |
| Paperwork | Dealer handles title transfer, tax | Seller and buyer manage all paperwork |
| Exposure | Multi-platform dealer listings + lot traffic | Single platform (Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.) |
| Scam risk | Low — dealer screens buyers | Moderate — seller must screen directly |
Illinois consignment dealers retain the vehicle during the listing period. Title stays in the owner's name. The dealer processes the Illinois SOS title transfer after the sale using VSD 190.
Illinois consignment agreements must define the listing price, minimum sale price, consignment term, dealer commission, storage fees after term expiration, and cancellation notice period. Illinois has no statutory form for consignment agreements — read all terms carefully.
Illinois 6.25% vehicle use tax is typically handled by the dealer at the time of sale. The seller receives net proceeds after the dealer fee.
Illinois consignment lots near the Indiana and Wisconsin borders often attract buyers from neighboring states looking to avoid higher local sales taxes. This expanded buyer pool can be an advantage for high-value vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you decide to sell privately instead, a Illinois-specific bill of sale handles the paperwork in one step.
Get Illinois Bill of Sale