Illinois Title Transfers

Vehicle titles are important documents that prove you are the rightful owner of your vehicle.  Each vehicle in the state of Illinois must be titled to the owner.  When the owner sells the vehicle, the vehicle buyer must transfer the title into their name showing that they are the new owner of the vehicle. 

You will need to transfer the title of a vehicle within 20 days if:

• Have purchased a vehicle whether new or used
• You are selling a vehicle
• You have paid off a loan on the vehicle
• You have transferred a vehicle to a member of your family
• You have gifted or donated the vehicle
• You have inherited a vehicle
• You are making corrections such as name change additions or having a mane taken off the title

Selling A Vehicle

As the seller of the vehicle, you have certain responsibilities that must be met.  And, you also have certain assets that you can use to help sell your vehicle quicker and for a more valuable price.  One important asset is your vehicle history report which can be the most valuable tool you have in the sell of your vehicle.  A vehicle history report will allow you to prove that your car is what you say it is as it will state out all important information such as the number of owners of the vehicle, the number of auto accidents it has been involved in, the number of owners it has had, its maintenance and repairs, whether it has been salvaged, it’s odometer reading and so on.

When you have found a buyer for your vehicle, you will need to:

• Gather the title of the vehicle
• Complete the title which will include filling the odometer section and the buyer’s name
•  Sign and date the title
•  Have the buyer provide all necessary information that the title asks for and have them sign the title

Once the title is completed, it will then become the responsibility of the new owner/buyer to submit the paperwork to the Secretary of State office.  As the seller of the vehicle, you have the right to accompany the buyer to the SOS office, to ensure that the title transfer is made.

Another important document which is not required but can be a very important piece of protection is a Bill of Sale.  By completing a Bill of Sale on the vehicle you protect yourself from the date the vehicle is sold of all liability on the vehicle.  This is very important should the new owner receive a parking ticket or be involved in an accident prior to transferring the vehicle’s title.

Buying A Vehicle

When you are the buyer of a new vehicle you may have a carefree title transfer if you purchase your vehicle from an auto dealer because the auto dealer will complete all the important paperwork,  such as the title transfer, that goes along with the vehicle.  If for some reason the dealer does not handle the paperwork, you do have recourse by calling the Secretary of State office at 800-251-8980.  You can also contact them through the state official site at Secretary of State Title Contact Form

If you haven’t made your final decision on the make, type and year of the vehicle you want to purchase then visit 4DMV.com’s Used or New Buyers Guide which will give you all the valuable information you need to know.

Used Vehicles

When buying a used vehicle often times it is done through a third party.  There is a lot of responsibility on your part to ensure that you have everything that you will need to properly title and register the vehicle in your name.  But, before we get into that, a word of caution, always purchase a vehicle report history on the vehicle.  This will ensure that you have all the important information that is needed on the vehicles past history to ensure that you are not purchasing a vehicle that will lead to trouble. 

Once you have found your vehicle and ordered the vehicle history report, you will want to insist on walking away with the signed over title in your hand.  If the seller of the vehicle claims they will send it to your, refuse, as they may have a lien on the car.  When you purchase a vehicle you want the title free and clear and in your hand. 

Most car buyers finance, which is an option for both new and used cars.  You will also want to ensure that you have the proper amount of liability insurance that is required by the state. 

Once you have decided that you are going to mineralize the sale you will then need to transfer the title by:

• Make sure that the seller has correctly complete the applicable sections of the title
• Confirm that the seller has signed and dated the title
• Verify the odometer reading
• Check the title against the VIN of the vehicle to ensure that it matches
• Sign and date the title
• Complete a form VSD-190 if you are titling and registering the vehicle and if you are just titling the vehicle  you will want to fill VSD-330
• Complete a RUT-50 tax form
• Visit your Secretary of State office or mail the documents to the address which 4DMV.com has listed below

You will also need to include the title fee of $95 and if applicable, the use tax fee. 

Registering your vehicle can be done at your SOS office at the time you transfer your title.

To complete your title transfer by mail send all the necessary documentation and applicable fees to:

• Secretary of State
• Vehicle Services Department
• 501 S. Second St., Room 014
• Springfield, IL 62756

Removing A Lien

When you have paid off your loan on the vehicle your lender should release the vehicle’s title to you.  The title should show that you are the owner of the vehicle and that the lien has been satisfied.  If your lender fails to release the lien then you will need to contact the SOS at 800-252-8980.

Transferring Your Title To A Family Member

When you transfer a title to either your mother, father, brother or sister you will be required to follow the same rules as if you were transferring the title from a non family member.  Although you will still need to pay the use tax and title transfer on the vehicle, you will receive a deduction on the title transfer with the applicable fee being $15.

To Transfer a vehicle within a family you will need to:

• Gather the title of the vehicle
• Complete the odometer section of the tile
• Record the buyer/family member’s name
• Sign and date the title
• Have the buyer/family member complete the applicable sections of the title and signed and date the title
• If the buyer/family member won’t be registering the vehicle then they must complete a form VSD-190
• The buyer/family member will also have to complete a RUT-50 tax form
• The buyer/family member will then be responsible for paying the title fee of $95 and the use tax fee

If you are not completing the title transfer in person then you will need to send the above documentation and the fees to the Secretary of State at the below address:

Secretary of State

Vehicle Services Department

501 S. Second ST. Room 014

Springfield, IL  62756

Gifting A Vehicle

If you have received a vehicle as a gift the title transfer will need to be handled in the same manner as if you had purchased the vehicle.  The sales tax, however, will be based on either the make, model year of the vehicle or a flat fee of $15 if the vehicle was transferred between a mother, father or sibling.

In order to process the title transfer you must:

• Verify that the title has been properly filled out by the seller and that the seller has signed and dated the article
• Confirm that the odometer reading has been recorded and is accurate
• Check the VIN (vehicle identification number) on the vehicle and make sure it matches the VIN recorded on the title
• Sign and date the title
• If you will not be registering the vehicle then it will be necessary to complete a form VSD-330
• Complete a RUT-50 tax form
• Visit your local Secretary of State location to complete the tile transfer or gather the documentation and fees and send to the address below

When transferring your vehicle’s title, there will be a title transfer fee of $95.  You will may also need to pay a use tax fee if applicable

While at the SOS office, if your vehicle requires registering, you can apply for a vehicle registration as well.

To apply for your title transfer through the mail, send all the above documents and the appropriate fees to the;

Secretary of State

Vehicle Services 501 S. Second Street Room 014

Springfield, IL  62756

Donating A Vehicle

Donating a vehicle to a charitable organization is always an option and one that will get you a tax deduction, provided that you donate the vehicle to a charity that is recognized by the IRS.  There are specific steps which must be accurately taken in gifting a car which can be found on 4DMV.com’s section Car Donation.

Inheriting A Vehicle

When you inherit a vehicle the procedure for titling and registration may vary depending on your particular situation.  In order to ensure that you handle the inheritance of the vehicle properly it is wise to speak with a probate attorney. 

There will be specific forms that must be completed, such as the title certificate and the title application where the vehicle owner may list the beneficiary (the person who he /she left the car to). 

Although there are different scenarios, the following lists how to handle the most common situation when probate is not a factor and the estate’s value is not more than $100,000

• Gather the title of the vehicle
• Obtain a copy of the deceased death certificate
• Fill out the Small Estate Affidavit form
• Fill out VSD-190 if the vehicle is going to be both titled and registered.  If the vehicle is going to be titled only then it will be necessary to complete a VSD-330 Form
• Fill out a RUT-50 tax form
• Visit your local Secretary of State office
• Pay the use tax fee
• Pay the title transfer fee of $95

You can register the vehicle and the same time you visit the SOS office to title the vehicle, there will be additional registration fees included in the process.

If you are in need of insurance  coverage visit 4DMV.com’s Insurance Center Guide where you will find all the information, advice, state specific information and comparison quotes to ensure you find the best possible policy.

Making Name Corrections

There are situations that will require that you complete a name change on the vehicle title.  For instance if you have recently wed or divorced and changed your name, you will want to have the vehicle’s title updated with the proper name/s.  In order to change your name on your vehicle, you will need to:

Fill out a VSD-190 form which can be found at your SOS office

Pay the applicable fee for the name change correction which will be $15 for changes finalized after December 31, 2007 and $95 for name changes finalized prior to December 31,2007

In order to change your name on your vehicle, you will need to:

• First, change your name on your license
• Visit the Secretary of State office with your vehicle’s title, vehicle registration and your photo identification.  You will also need legal documentation of your name change
• Fill out a VSD-190 form which can be found at your SOS office
• Pay the applicable fee for the name change correction which will be $15 for changes finalized after December 31, 2007 and $95 for name changes finalized prior to December 31,2007

When you visit your local SOS office, it is a good idea to bring with you copies of your vital records.

Deleting a Name

To remove a name due to a divorce you will need to visit your Secretary of State office with the following:

• A letter from your ex-spouse which declares that you have his/her permission to have their name removed, or a copy of your divorce decree which shows that the vehicle is legally yours
• Fill out a VSD-190 form
• Have the applicable fee of $15 for changes finalized after December 31, 2007 and $95 for name changes finalized prior to December 31,2007

Removing a Name Due To A Death

To remove a name due to a death you will need to visit your Secretary of State office with the following:

• A certificated copy of the death certificate .  Should the matter be in probate then it will be necessary to bring certified copies of lettters of administration or court order
• Fill out a VSD-190 form
• Pay the applicable fee of $15 for death that occurred after December 31, 2007 and $95 for all deaths prior

Adding A Name

In order to add a name to your vehicle’s title you will need to visit your Secretary of State office with the following:

• Fill out VSD 190 form
• The applicable fee which will vary depending on your specific circumstances but will be either a $15 fee or a $95 fee
  

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