Illinois State Regulations

Trying to figure out all the in’s and outs that are involved in the purchase or sale of a vehicle in the state of Illinois?  Well, it can be a complicated process, and 4DMV.com understands that having the proper information is crucial, which is why we have compiled all the information you need to know in this easy to understand guide.

There are different ways to buy and sell a vehicle.  You have the option of purchasing or selling your vehicle through an auto dealer, who will guide you through the process and ensure that all the paperwork is handled on your behalf, including the title transfer.

If you are selling your vehicle to a private party, then it is the responsibility of you and the buyer for ensuring that the paperwork is handled properly.  In fact, you will be responsible for filling out the paperwork, while the buyer will be` responsible for filing the paperwork.  If you don’t know what you are doing, you are in for hardships.

Transferring Ownership

If you are the seller of the vehicle, you will be required to:

  1.  Gather the title of the vehicle.  Once you have the vehicle’s title, prior to handing it over to the buyer, you will be required to complete the sections relating to the vehicle’s sale and are responsible for signing the title and having the buyer sign the title as well.
  2. Remove the vehicle’s license plates.
If you are the buyer of the vehicle, you will be required to:

  1. Take the paperwork that is involved in the safe of the vehicle which means the vehicle’s title and the Bill of Sale if a Bill of Sale was involved and promptly register the car in your name with the Secretary of State office.
  2. Titling the car within 20 days from the date of transaction.
If you are a buyer of a used car then you have to be careful.  There are many vehicles on the market that have been trimmed and polished to look as enticing as possible.  Add that with an owner that may not be disclosing all the important information regarding the vehicle’s past, and you could have real trouble on your hands.  This is the primary reason 4DMV.com suggests that you obtain a vehicle history report on the vehicle that you are considering for purchase.

What an Illinois vehicle history report will tell you is all the important facts regarding the vehicle’s past history including the number of owners, whether it has been salvaged, it’s past repairs and maintenance records and much more.

Aside from the vehicle history report, when shopping for a used vehicle you should also look for:

  • Look for any signs of water damage
  • Look for signs of grit and sand in unexpected places
  • Look for any fading and staining signs
  • Smell the vehicle for musty odors
Rebuilt Vehicles

What does “rebuilt” mean on a title?  It does not mean that the car is in good standing, it simply means that the car has been repaired to the extent that it is brought out of the “salvaged” status by a licensed rebuilder.  A salvage vehicle is a vehicle that has been damaged to the extent that it would cost more than the market value of the car to repair.  This is not to say that it is a bad deal.  In fact, it might possibly be a decent value.

If you are considering the purchase of a rebuilt vehicle, research on the vehicle is crucial and should not only begin with an Illinois vehicle history report but should also include your own inspection on the vehicle through yourself or a licensed mechanic.

Tips for Buying Your Vehicle

Wondering what the best sources are for tips on purchasing a vehicle?  You will be happy to know that your best resources are listed below.

  1.  If you happen to have questions regarding your interest in a used vehicle, you can contact the Secretary of State Police which will answer all your question concerning the purchase or sell of your vehicle, including any problems or disputes that you may have.  Simply visit:  Secretary of State Police.
  2. For tips for buyers as well as a complete list of Secretary of State Police district offices you can download or view the state’s publication on Buying and Selling a Vehicle.
Buying or Selling a Vehicle Without a Title

Needless to say, if you are interested in purchasing or selling a vehicle in the state of Illinois, it must have a title or you cannot go through with the transaction.

What do you do if you are the seller of a vehicle that you do not current have the vehicle’s title for?

  • You must apply for a duplicate title which will be done by completing a Form VSD190 which is the Vehicle Application Transactions which will be found at your local SOS office
  • On the Form, you must check the box that state you are applying for a duplicate title
  • Record the VIN number of the vehicle along with the current odometer reading
  • Add your signature to the form and send to:
Secretary of State Office
Vehicle Records Processing Division
501 South 2nd Street, Room 424
Springfield, IL62756-6666

If you are a resident outside the state of Illinois, you will not be allowed to request a duplicate title unless there is a previous Illinois title on the vehicle.  For all buyers that are attempting to purchase a vehicle from within the state of Illinois, the current owner of the vehicle will need to apply for a replacement title prior to the sale of the vehicle taking place.

Buying or Selling Without Registration

If you are a seller of a vehicle in the state of Illinois it is especially important to make certain that you are legal and up to date with the Secretary of State.  What does this mean?  It simply means:

If you are the seller of the vehicle:

  1. Your registration has not expired without you having transferred ownership of the vehicle.  If you are the seller of the vehicle and you are in this situation, you may be responsible for late fees  or to renew your registration prior to the sale of the vehicle.
Once you do sign over the title to the buyer, you are no longer responsible for the upkeep of your registration.

If you are the buyer of a vehicle:

  1. You will be responsible for registering the vehicle.  This will be done by visiting your Secretary of State’s office where you will find the required documents that must be completed which will allow you to title and register your new vehicle.  For more information and help on completing the application to title and register your new vehicle dial 800-252-8980.
Know the Lemon Law

What’s the Illinois Lemon Law?  It is a protection that is offered to all Illinois residents that purchase new cars. If you have ever experienced a bad deal in which you purchased a vehicle that gave you the same trouble over and over again, or was out of commission for a considerable amount of time due to repairs, the Illinois Lemon Law just may protect you.  In fact, the Lemon Law was designed to ensure that Illinois car buyers are protected should they purchase a lemon.  If you are in the situation that you feel that you have purchased a lemon, then your first priority is to keep good records and to visit 4DMV.com’s Lemon Law Section which will give you all the important information you need to know.