A process of car title transfer in Illinois is a mandatory action that two legal entities must perform when they transfer the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Drivers may be able to perform the process of title transfers for cars through the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) by using one of the available methods.

Motorists need to learn the mandatory steps that must be taken when selling or purchasing a vehicle so that they are ready to begin this procedure. Moreover, drivers are encouraged to satisfy certain title transfer requirements in order to successfully perform a title transfer at the IL SOS. For more detailed information about how to complete the process of a title transfer in Illinois or how to satisfy the requirements, continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Illinois?

Prior to performing title transfers for cars in Illinois, individuals must discover the significance of a title transfer procedure and learn the reasons why it should be transferred to another legal entity when selling a motor vehicle. A certificate of title is a legal document issued by the IL SOS that has a purpose to serve as a proof of ownership of a motor vehicle.

When motorists are transferring a car title to another legal entity, they are actually transferring the ownership rights to the person who purchases the vehicle. Both legal entities need to perform a title transfer procedure by participating in the process and preparing the mandatory documentation.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Illinois?

The title transfers for cars in Illinois are mandatory procedures that two legal entities are required to perform when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle. A title transfer is a procedure that must be conducted within a period of six months from the original date of sale.

Moreover, a title transfer may be also performed when the vehicle is received as a gift or a donation. Motorists who want to learn how to fill out a transfer of title form in Illinois must first discover the instances when the IL SOS mandates them to perform such procedure.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Illinois

The process of car title transfer in Illinois requires individuals to prepare certain documentation and information that are needed for transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle. Motorists who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to prepare the following documents:

  • Application for Vehicle Transaction(s)
  • A completed certificate of title with the required information and odometer reading
  • Payment for the vehicle use tax
  • Payment for the applicable title transfer fees
  • Affirmation of Correction, if needed

In addition to these Illinois vehicle title transfer documents, motorists may be still required to prepare other documents that may vary based on their specific situation, such as a bill of sale. Moreover, electronic title transfers may require drivers to provide only an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s).

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Illinois

Motorists who want to perform a transfer of car title in Illinois need to know that the procedure consists of several steps that must be satisfied. Individuals may perform a title transfer online, by mail or in person at a local IL SOS office.

Completing a title transfer online may be accomplished through the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) service available at the IL SOS website. Drivers who are performing a title transfer online by using the ERT service may also be required to provide a completed Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction (tax form RUT-50) as part of the process.

However, if motorists choose to perform a vehicle title transfer in person at the IL SOS or by mail, they may be required to:

  • Get the certificate of title from the previous owner.
  • Collect the mandatory documentation for title transfer.
  • Pay the applicable fees.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Illinois

To order a new car title in Illinois, vehicle owners understand the difference between applying for a title certificate and transferring an existing certificate between two legal entities. Generally, motorists need to apply for a new title for car for certain types of motor vehicles.

For instance, the Secretary of State (SOS) office issues a DMV new title to drivers who have recently bought a new vehicle or to new residents who have just moved from out of state to IL. However, when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer must apply for a new car title in the name of the owner.

Furthermore, the process of getting a new car title is slightly different from transferring an existing vehicle title from one person to another. A title transfer is a procedure that vehicle owners need to perform when they transfer a vehicle’s ownership rights to another legal entity.

In most cases, a title transfer is mandated for purchasing or selling motor vehicles that had already been titled. However, motorists may also transfer their titles in a situation when they get a motor vehicle as a gift, donation or as part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Illinois

To finalize a process of car title transfer in Illinois, motorists need to provide a payment for the applicable fees as the ultimate step of the procedure.

The fees for transfer of car title may vary based on the type of transfer you want to perform. For instance, motorists who want to perform a vehicle title transfer will be required to pay a fee of $120, which consists of a $95 title fee and $25 transfer fee.

Moreover, a process of transfer may be completed individually for a fee of $25. For more information about the fees required for an auto title transfer in Illinois, contact the IL SOS and find out how to complete a title transfer procedure successfully.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.