Illinois title transfer fees are based on the vehicle's age and whether you're transferring between private parties or from a dealer

The Illinois Secretary of State charges a flat fee to transfer ownership of a vehicle. The amount depends on whether the car is new or used. For a used vehicle (model year 2000 or older), the fee is $150. For a newer used vehicle (model year 2001 or newer), the fee is $300. If you're buying from a licensed dealer, the dealer typically handles the title transfer and includes the fee in the sale price, though you should confirm this before signing paperwork.

Beyond the Secretary of State fee, you may owe county fees and sales tax. County fees vary by location in Illinois and typically range from $20 to $50. Sales tax on the vehicle purchase itself is calculated at 6.25% of the sale price statewide, though some counties add a local tax on top of that. These costs are separate from the title transfer fee but are part of the total cost of registering the vehicle in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Secretary of State charges $150 for used vehicles (model year 2000 or older) and $300 for newer used vehicles (model year 2001 or newer).
  • County fees for title transfer vary by location but typically fall between $20 and $50.
  • Sales tax on the vehicle purchase is 6.25% statewide, plus any local county tax that may explore.
  • If you buy from a dealer, the dealer usually pays the title transfer fee and includes it in the total sale price.

Where to pay the title transfer fee

You pay the title transfer fee at your county clerk's office, not at the Secretary of State office. The county clerk processes all title transfers for vehicles registered in that county. You'll need to bring the signed title (the back of the certificate of title), proof of ownership, a bill of sale if you're buying from a private party, and a valid ID.

Some counties in Illinois allow you to mail in the title transfer documents instead of visiting in person. Contact your county clerk's office to ask whether mail-in service is available and what documents they need. Processing times vary: in-person transfers often take a few days, while mail-in transfers may take two to three weeks.

What documents you need to bring

For a private party sale, bring the original title signed by the seller on the back, a bill of sale (which can be a straightforward written agreement showing the sale price and date), your driver's license or state ID, and proof of insurance. The seller should sign the title in front of the county clerk or have it notarized before you submit it.

If you're buying from a dealer, the dealer will provide most of the paperwork. You still need to bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. The dealer will give you the title or a temporary registration document. Ask the dealer which documents you need to bring to the county clerk and whether they've already started the transfer process.

Sales tax and how it's calculated

Illinois charges 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price of a vehicle. Some counties add an additional local tax on top of the state rate. For example, Cook County (which includes Chicago) adds 1.25%, bringing the total to 7.5%. You pay sales tax when you register the vehicle at the county clerk's office, not when you sign the bill of sale.

The sales tax is calculated on the actual sale price you paid, not on the vehicle's book value or assessed value. If you bought the car for $10,000, you pay 6.25% of $10,000 in state tax, plus any local county tax. Some counties allow you to pay sales tax and title fees together at the county clerk's office; others may direct you to pay sales tax separately.

Transferring a title when the seller is deceased

If you inherited a vehicle or are buying one from an estate, the process is different. You'll need a certified copy of the death certificate, a copy of the will or a court order showing you have the right to the vehicle, and the original title. The county clerk can tell you whether the documents need to be notarized or whether you need additional paperwork from the probate court.

Some counties require an affidavit of heirship or a small estate affidavit if the estate is small. Contact your county clerk's office before you go in, because the exact documents needed vary by county and by the size of the estate.

Transferring a title when there's a lien on the vehicle

If the vehicle has a loan against it, the lender holds the title until you pay off the loan. You cannot transfer the title to your name until the lien is removed. Once you pay off the loan, the lender will release the lien and send you the title with a lien release document. Bring both the title and the lien release to the county clerk when you transfer ownership.

If you're buying a vehicle that still has a loan on it, the seller's lender must agree to release the lien once the sale is complete. This usually happens at closing if you're buying from a dealer. For a private party sale, you and the seller should work with the lender to make sure the lien is released before or when ready after the sale. Do not complete the purchase until you have confirmation that the lien will be released.

Timeline for completing a title transfer

If you submit documents in person at the county clerk's office, you can often get a temporary registration on the same day. The permanent title usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle with the temporary registration and proof of insurance.

If you mail in your documents, allow two to three weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Some counties are faster than others. If you need the permanent title quickly, ask the county clerk whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to transfer the title in person?

Not always. Many Illinois counties accept mail-in title transfers. Contact your county clerk's office to ask whether they offer this service and what documents they need. You'll still pay the same fee whether you go in person or mail in your documents.

What if the seller won't sign the title?

The title cannot be transferred without the seller's signature on the back. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not own the vehicle and should not complete the purchase. If you've already paid, you may need to contact a lawyer or law enforcement. Never hand over money before the title is signed.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has an outstanding parking ticket or traffic fine?

Illinois does not block title transfers because of unpaid parking tickets or traffic fines. However, the previous owner remains responsible for those debts. Make sure the title is clear of liens before you buy. Ask the seller for proof that any outstanding tickets or fines have been paid.

What if I bought the car out of state?

You have 30 days from the purchase date to transfer the title to Illinois. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, your driver's license, and proof of insurance to the county clerk. The fee is the same as for an in-state transfer. If the out-of-state title is in a lien holder's name, you'll need a lien release document before you can transfer it to Illinois.

Is there a fee to add a second owner to the title?

Adding a second owner to an existing Illinois title costs $50. Both owners must go to the county clerk together with the current title and valid IDs. This is different from a full title transfer and uses a different form.