How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois

Are you looking to transfer your car title in Illinois? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re selling your vehicle, gifting it to a family member, or dealing with other scenarios, navigating the process can initially seem daunting. But fear not; we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to transfer a car title in Illinois to a family member.

Required Documentation for Car Title Transfer

To transfer a car title in Illinois, you’ll need a set of documents, including:

• Original Vehicle Title: The vehicle’s original title, signed by both the buyer and the seller, is essential for the transfer process. This document serves as proof of ownership and is crucial for legal ownership transfer.
• Bill of Sale: A bill of sale is a document that outlines the final sale price and date of the transaction. It provides a record of the sale and can benefit both the buyer and the seller.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement: This form is necessary to record the accurate mileage of the vehicle at the time of sale. Odometer fraud is a serious offense, so providing an accurate reading is crucial to avoid legal issues and protect both the buyer and seller.
• Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190): The Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) form, also known as VSD 190, is required for the transfer of the vehicle title. This form includes details about the buyer, the seller, and the vehicle being transferred.
• Tax Form RUT-50: If the sale is a private party transaction, the Tax Form RUT-50 may be required for reporting tax information. This form is used to report the sale price of the vehicle and to calculate the tax owed for the transaction.

Selling Your Car in Illinois

When selling your car in Illinois, it’s crucial to follow these steps to ensure a smooth and legally compliant title transfer process:

1. Sign and Complete the Title: As the seller, you need to sign and completely fill out the title of the vehicle. This includes filling in your name, date, selling price, and odometer reading. Make sure to hand over the signed title to the buyer.
2. Provide a Bill of Sale: It’s recommended to provide the buyer with a bill of sale that includes details such as the final selling price, the transaction date, and the odometer disclosure. This document serves as proof of the sale and can be useful in case of any future disputes.
3. Complete a Seller’s Report of Sale: Once the car has been sold, you need to complete a Seller’s Report of Sale. This form can typically be obtained from the Illinois Vehicle Services Department (or DMV). The report includes details about the buyer, the sale price, and other pertinent information about the transfer of ownership.
4. Submit the Seller’s Report of Sale: After completing the Seller’s Report of Sale form, you must submit it to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department. This step is essential to officially transfer the vehicle’s ownership to the buyer and notify the state authorities about the change in ownership.

Title Transfer Requirements for Different Scenarios

When it comes to title transfer requirements for different scenarios, there are specific steps and details to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to do, depending on your situation: 

Missing Title 

If you have accidentally lost or misplaced your vehicle’s title, you can still transfer ownership by applying for a duplicate copy. To do so, you’ll need to fill out an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) form and submit it to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department along with the required fee. The department will verify your information and issue a new title that you can use to transfer ownership.

Buying a Car from a Dealership 

When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, the dealership usually handles all the required paperwork and ensures that all documents reach the Secretary of State’s office within 20 days of the sale. This includes the signed title, bill of sale, and other relevant forms. As a buyer, it’s essential to review and understand the documents provided by the dealership and keep a copy of these documents for your records.

Buying a Car from an Individual

When purchasing a vehicle from an individual seller, you must sign the vehicle’s title, indicating the transfer of ownership. Afterwards, you need to complete the required forms, including the tax-related forms, and send them to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department. These forms include the Odometer Disclosure Statement, the Application for Title and Registration, and the Sales Tax Form ST-556. Submitting these forms to the vehicle services department will complete the transfer process and ensure that the vehicle is legally registered under your name.

It’s essential to remember that when undergoing a title transfer, all the required forms must be accurately completed, signed, and submitted within the required time frame to complete the transfer process successfully. If you have any questions or concerns, seeking guidance from the Illinois Vehicle Services Department or consulting with a legal or automotive expert is always recommended. You can also contact our team at Titlelo – we will be happy to assist you!

How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois to a Family Member

When transferring a title to a family member in Illinois, whether as a gift or for another reason, there are specific steps and requirements that need to be followed to ensure the successful transfer of ownership. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:

• Sign the Title: As the current owner of the vehicle, you need to sign the title of the vehicle to transfer ownership to your family member. When signing the title, make sure to accurately fill out all the required information, including your name as the seller and the family member’s name as the buyer.
• Present the Title to Your Family Member: Once you have signed the title, you need to physically hand it over to your family member. This act indicates the official transfer of ownership from you to your family member.

Submission of Documents by Your Family Member

• Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190): Your family member, as the new owner of the vehicle, needs to submit an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) form (VSD 190) to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department within 20 days of receiving the vehicle. This form serves as a request for the transfer of title and registration of the vehicle in the new owner’s name.
• Form RUT-50 and Taxes: Along with the VSD 190 form, your family member will also need to submit Form RUT-50, which is a tax form required for vehicle transfers. This form helps determine the tax liabilities associated with the transfer. Applicable sales taxes should also be paid as part of the transfer process.

Additional Considerations

• Gift Tax: If the transfer of the vehicle is indeed a gift to your family member, it’s important to be aware of potential gift tax implications. Consult with a tax professional to understand any relevant tax obligations that may arise from the gift.
• Insurance Transfer: After the title transfer is complete, make sure to update the vehicle insurance policy to reflect the new owner (your family member) to ensure proper coverage.

Title Transfer After the Death of an Owner

When it comes to transferring a vehicle title after the death of an owner, the process may vary depending on probate requirements or the Small Estate Affidavit Procedure. Here’s what you need to do to ensure a seamless transfer after such an event:

Probate Process

• Probate Requirements: If the deceased owner’s estate is subject to probate, the vehicle title transfer will typically be handled through the probate court process. The court will determine how the deceased owner’s assets, including vehicles, will be distributed according to their will or state law.
• Executor or Personal Representative: The executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for initiating the vehicle title transfer process. They will need to provide the court-approved documents to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department for the transfer of the title to a new owner.

Small Estate Affidavit Procedure

• Small Estate Affidavit: In cases where the estate of the deceased owner qualifies for the Small Estate Affidavit Procedure, this simplified process can be used to transfer vehicle ownership without going through formal probate. The Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document that allows for the transfer of assets, including vehicles, to heirs or beneficiaries without the need for probate court approval.
• Complete and Submit the Small Estate Affidavit: The heir or beneficiary designated to receive the vehicle will need to complete the Small Estate Affidavit and submit it to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department, along with any other required documents. This process allows for the legal transfer of the vehicle title to the new owner as per the deceased owner’s wishes or state law.

Additional Considerations

• Notification of Death: It’s important to notify the insurance company and the Illinois Vehicle Services Department of the owner’s passing to ensure that the vehicle is properly covered and titled in the appropriate name.
• Potential Transfer Fees: Be aware that there may be transfer fees associated with the title transfer process after the death of an owner. Check with the Illinois Vehicle Services Department for any applicable fees and requirements.

Transfer Your Car Title

Transferring a car title in Illinois involves a series of steps and documentation requirements tailored to various scenarios. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can navigate the process smoothly and efficiently, whether you’re selling your vehicle, gifting it to a family member, or handling other circumstances.

If you want to learn more about transferring car titles in other states, make sure to check out our blog.