Vehicle Bill Of Sale In Illinois: Definition And Use (2026)

What Is an Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale contains essential information about the transaction and the parties involved, from contact details to the vehicle’s condition. It proves payment was made and the seller knowingly sold the car.

Is a Bill of Sale Required in Illinois?

A bill of sale isn’t required in Illinois. Parties can agree to an oral sales contract without writing a bill of sale. Moreover, you don’t need a bill of sale to transfer title or obtain an Illinois car registration.

Still, it can be an important document to have in the event of a dispute later, so buyers and sellers should keep a copy for their records.

What to Include in an Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale

The bill of sale should at least describe the vehicle, name the parties, state the sales price and acknowledge payment.

Requirements for an Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale

While there aren’t legal requirements for a vehicle bill of sale in Illinois, consider including the following:

• Names of the buyer and seller
• Sales date
• Price
• Vehicle details and condition
• Odometer reading

All parties to the transaction should sign the bill of sale.

Types of Illinois Vehicle Bills of Sale

There are no defined categories of bills of sale. You might want to include any special conditions on the sale, though. For example, if the vehicle has known problems, the bill of sale might state that the car was sold “as-is.”

Similarly, if you sold a vehicle with a salvage title because it was stolen or declared a total loss, the bill of sale might note that the car was salvaged.

How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois

Dealerships usually register vehicles on behalf of buyers. After a private sale, the buyer normally registers the car. To register a vehicle, the buyer needs the signed title, a registration application and a tax form reporting the sales price. Buyers have 30 days after the sale to register the vehicle.

How to Handle Liens on an Illinois Vehicle

Vehicles subject to liens cannot be sold without the lienholder’s approval. If you want to sell a vehicle subject to a lien, you’ll typically pay off the loan and obtain a lien release before selling it.

Need Help Navigating Legal Issues?

At ConsumerShield, we offer tools and education for people who need legal help. Check out our available resources and tools today.