How to Sell a Car in Illinois Privately? (State Guide)

Selling without a title in Illinois is only possible for scrap. Under 625 ILCS 5/5-401.3, sale must be to a licensed scrap processor or automotive parts recycler, the vehicle cannot return to the road, and the seller must furnish documentary proof of ownership such as registration plus photo ID.

For sales to private buyers, dealers, or online instant offer companies, the title is required. If yours is lost, apply for a duplicate using Form VSD 190 for $50.

Learn more: How to Sell a Junk Car in Illinois?

The buyer has 20 calendar days from the date of sale to register the vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State. If that deadline falls on a weekend or state holiday, the next business day counts.

If they miss the window, the penalty is $25 late title fee plus possible additional penalties for prolonged delay. That’s their responsibility, but your VSD 703 filing protects you from liability in the meantime.

Illinois doesn't require the title assignment to be notarized for private sales. Signing in blue or black ink exactly as the name appears on the front of the title is enough.

A bill of sale is recommended in Illinois for titled vehicle sales. Notarization is not required.

Having one protects you if there’s a dispute about the sale price, condition, or date of transfer.

Learn more: What is Bill of Sale for a Car? (Seller Guide + Templates)

Yes, but you need to coordinate lien release with your lender.

In Illinois, the lienholder signs off on the back of the title in the lien release area, or provides a separate lien release letter on company letterhead with the VIN.

Some lenders will meet at the sale to handle the paperwork on the spot. If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.

If probated: certified copy of Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary plus the title properly assigned to the new owner. If not probated and the estate is under $100,000: a Small Estate Affidavit describing the vehicle year, make, and VIN. If neither applies: an Attorney's Affidavit on attorney letterhead. All paths require Form VSD 190, a copy of the death certificate, and Form RUT-50 for tax compliance.

Visit your local Secretary of State facility to confirm which documents apply to your situation before listing the car.

It depends on how the names are listed. If your names are joined by “AND,” both of you must sign the title assignment. If joined by “OR,” only one signature is needed.

Don’t try to fix it yourself with white-out or cross-outs. Any corrections on an Illinois title void the document. You’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form VSD 190, pay $50, and start fresh.

Your obligations as the seller are the same regardless of where the buyer lives. Sign the title and file your Form VSD 703 (Seller's Report of Sale).

The buyer may face extra steps on their end, like a VIN inspection required by their home state when they go to register. That’s their responsibility to handle.

Illinois license plates stay with the seller. You can transfer your plates to another vehicle you own, or destroy them.

Illinois requires you to file Form VSD 703 (Seller's Report of Sale) Immediately.

You can Mail Form VSD 703 to the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, or mail in the Notice of Sale section detached from the bottom of the title.. The mailing address is 501 S. Second St., Rm. 408, Springfield, IL 62756.

Filing is free and takes only a few minutes. Without it, you could be responsible if the buyer gets tickets, abandons the car, or has an accident before registering it in their name.