How To Transfer A Car Title In Illinois (2026)

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Illinois

To transfer a title, you’ll need to complete the required documents and pay a fee. You may send the documents by mail, but it’s easier to complete the transfer at an Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) facility or a currency exchange.

Title transfers typically occur when ownership of the vehicle changes. However, ownership changes cover many transfers other than sales. For example, when a family vehicle is awarded to one spouse in a divorce, this counts as a transfer of ownership, and the spouse will likely need a new title in their sole name.

Likewise, a title transfer is necessary when someone inherits a vehicle, receives a vehicle as a gift, leases a vehicle or pays off a vehicle loan. The last scenario is particularly common since most vehicle loans use the vehicle as collateral.

This means the lender maintains a security interest in the vehicle and holds the vehicle’s title until the loan is fully paid. Once the borrower pays off the loan, the lender mails the vehicle title to them with a signed release. The borrower can then transfer the title into their name and register the vehicle.

Documents Required for an Illinois Title Transfer

If you’re wondering how to transfer a car title in Illinois, you should first gather the following:

• A signed-over title
• Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190)
• Valid ID
• Proof of insurance
• Odometer disclosure if the car is less than 10 years old

Once you’ve transferred the title, you can get an Illinois registration in your name.

Illinois Title Transfer Fees and Taxes

In Illinois, the title transfer fee is $165. If you're also transferring license plates, there's typically an additional $25 fee. You also must fill out Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax) and pay any applicable taxes.

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

If you're transferring a car to an immediate family member, the transfer might be tax-exempt. You’ll need to have proof of your relationship.

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title When the Owner Is Deceased

The procedure for transferring a title after the owner’s death depends on whether the owner's estate went through the probate process.

If the Estate Didn’t Go Through Probate

If the deceased person’s estate is under $100,000 and didn’t go through probate, submit these documents to the Office of the Secretary of State:

• A Small Estate Affidavit
• A certified copy of the will, if available
• The car title
• The death certificate
• Form VSD 190

You’ll also need to prove that you have paid any applicable taxes.

If the Estate Went Through Probate

If the decedent’s estate went through probate, you will need fewer documents, but you must be able to prove that the court has given a particular person the authority to manage the estate.

How to Transfer an Out-of-State Vehicle Title to Illinois

Transferring an out-of-state car? Make sure to gather the following:

• Form VSD 190
• Proof of Illinois residency
• The original title and registration
• Tax forms proving taxes were paid

You may also need a copy of the loan agreement or other documentation if the vehicle is still being financed. If the vehicle is subject to a lien or security interest due to an unpaid loan, the original title will be mailed to the lienholder rather than the owner.

Under Illinois traffic laws, all vehicles used on public roads must have a title and registration issued by the state. Vehicles that are not street legal also need to be titled, although they are exempt from registration.

For instance, ATVs and dirt bikes must be titled, but don’t need to be registered. New Illinois residents have 30 days to apply for a new title, registration and Illinois vehicle license plates.

Looking for Legal Guidance?

If you need to know more about selling a car privately or how to transfer a car title in Illinois, ConsumerShield is here to help. Take a look at our collection of legal forms and resources today!