How to transfer a car title in Illinois
For private sellers and buyers in Illinois. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Illinois, the seller signs the assignment on the title, writes the mileage, the date and both names, and gives the title to the buyer with the car. The buyer files the private party use tax return, then applies to the Secretary of State within 20 days of the sale. The title fee is $165.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Illinois?
Seller
- Sign the assignment on the title, and give the title to the buyer when you hand over the car.
- Write the mileage, the date, your printed name and signature, and the buyer's printed name and address on the title.
- If the buyer takes out a loan for the car, the title goes to the lender.
Buyer
- Sign the title to show you have seen the seller's mileage statement.
- File Form RUT-50 and pay the private party vehicle use tax within 30 days.
- Apply for your new title within 20 days, with the signed title and the fee.
- Bring a printed copy of your RUT-50. The Secretary of State cannot process the title without it.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Illinois Secretary of State before you go: ilsos.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Illinois?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Fill in the mileage, the date, your name and signature, and the buyer's name and address.
ilga.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Hand over the title with the car.
Give it to the buyer when you deliver the car.
ilga.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Illinois requires a bill of sale. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Illinois?
Step 1 · Buyer
File Form RUT-50.
Pay the private party vehicle use tax within 30 days and print the return.
tax.illinois.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Apply for the title.
Within 20 days, send or bring the signed title, the application and the fee to the Secretary of State.
ilga.gov checked
After the Secretary of State processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Illinois guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Illinois?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $165 | Buyer | ilga.gov Checked |
| Use tax, price under $15,000 | $465 down to $100, by the car's age | Buyer | tax.illinois.gov Checked |
| Use tax, price $15,000 or more | $850 up to $10,100, by the price | Buyer | tax.illinois.gov Checked |
| Use tax from a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child | $15 | Buyer | tax.illinois.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $165 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Illinois are being checked.
- Lost titleReplace a lost title in Illinois.
Common questions
How much is the use tax on a private sale?
Under fifteen thousand dollars: $465 down to $100, by the car's age. From fifteen thousand dollars up: $850 up to $10,100, by the price.
tax.illinois.gov checked
Is the use tax lower for a car from family?
Yes. A car from a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child has a use tax of $15.
tax.illinois.gov checked
Does the buyer need a printed tax return?
Yes. The Secretary of State cannot process the title without a printed copy of the return.
tax.illinois.gov checked
Sources for this page
- tax.illinois.gov/forms/
sales/ Checkedvehicleusetax/ rut-50-instructions.html - tax.illinois.gov/research/
taxinformation/ Checkedsales/ vehicle-tax-faqs.html - ilga.gov/documents/
legislation/ Checkedilcs/ documents/ 062500050K3-112.1.htm - ilga.gov/documents/
legislation/ Checkedilcs/ documents/ 062500050K3-112.htm - ilga.gov/documents/
legislation/ Checkedilcs/ documents/ 062500050K3-821.htm
About this page
This page summarizes official Illinois sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Illinois Secretary of State, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.