How To Sell A Car In Illinois: A Guide (2026)

Required Paperwork for Selling a Car in Illinois

The first step in how to sell a car in Illinois is to gather the required paperwork, including the vehicle’s title and registration. If you can’t find one or both documents, you’ll need to file form VSD190. You can do this online.

How to Create a Bill of Sale in Illinois

Illinois is one of the few states that doesn’t require a bill of sale. However, it’s a good idea to have one to protect you from liability. Whether you use a template or create an Illinois bill of sale yourself, make sure it includes the following:

• Name, address, and contact information for you and the buyer
• Driver’s license numbers for you and the buyer
• The vehicle’s make, model, year, color, and VIN
• The odometer readout at the time of sale
• The date of the transaction
• The sale price
• Your signature and the buyer’s

You should create one copy of the bill of sale for you and one for the buyer.

How to Sign Over the Title in Illinois

Once you’ve collected payment and created the bill of sale, you’ll need to sign over the title. Here’s how to do it:

• Locate the “Assignment of Title” section at the bottom of the car’s title
• Write down the odometer reading, the date, and the name of the buyer
• Sign your name as it appears on the title
• Print your name to the right of your signature
• Ask the buyer to sign and print their name below yours

Once you sign the title over, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to retitle the vehicle within 20 days.

Illinois Vehicle Sales Tax and Reporting Requirements

The buyer will also need to file Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Return) with the Illinois Secretary of State within 30 days of the sale.

License Plate Removal and Reporting the Sale

Before the buyer drives the car away, you need to remove the license plates. If you leave the plates on, you could be liable for any injuries or property damage caused by the new owner.

As the seller, you must submit a Seller’s Report of Sale to the Illinois Vehicle Services Department.

Final Steps After Selling Your Car in Illinois

It’s easy to overlook the last step in how to sell a car in Illinois. But don’t forget to cancel your insurance policy and any other services, like satellite radio, connected to the vehicle.

Need Help Selling Your Car?

If you’ve never sold a vehicle before, jumping through the legal hoops to do so can be daunting. ConsumerShield provides tools and education for anyone needing legal help. Explore our available resources today!