Illinois title transfer fees and where to pay them

A title transfer in Illinois costs $150 for a standard passenger vehicle when you buy a used car or inherit one. You pay this fee to the Secretary of State's office, either in person at a Driver Services facility or by mail. The fee covers the paperwork to put the new owner's name on the title — it does not include registration renewal, which is a separate cost.

If you are transferring a title for a vehicle that is not a standard passenger car — a truck, motorcycle, RV, or commercial vehicle — the fee may differ. Motorcycles cost $75, while some commercial vehicles have higher fees. The Secretary of State's website lists the exact fee for your vehicle type before you go in.

You cannot pay the title transfer fee online. You must either visit a Driver Services facility in person or mail your documents and payment to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. If you mail it, include a check or money order made out to the Secretary of State, and allow two to three weeks for processing.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard title transfer in Illinois costs $150 and must be paid to the Secretary of State, not to a county clerk or the DMV.
  • The title transfer fee does not include vehicle registration, which renews separately and has its own cost based on vehicle weight and type.
  • You can transfer a title in person at any Driver Services facility or by mail to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield.
  • Motorcycles and commercial vehicles have different fees, so check the Secretary of State's fee schedule for your specific vehicle type.

What documents you need to bring or mail

To transfer a title, you need the current title document itself, a completed process for Illinois Vehicle Registration (Form VSD 190), and proof of your identity. If you are buying the car from someone else, the seller must sign the back of the title in front of you or a notary public. If you inherited the vehicle, you need a death certificate and proof that you are the heir.

You also need proof of a passing vehicle inspection if the car has not been inspected in Illinois yet, or if the inspection is expired. Bring your driver's license or state ID. If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in Illinois, bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If the title is held by a lender (because you financed the car), the lender must sign off on the transfer. This usually means the lender sends the title directly to the Secretary of State or to you with their signature already on it. Ask your lender whether they will mail the title to you or to the state office.

Transferring a title by mail versus in person

Mailing your title transfer takes longer but saves a trip. You gather all documents, write a check to the Secretary of State for $150, and mail everything to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Processing takes two to three weeks, and you will receive your new title in the mail. During this time, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without a temporary permit, which you can request when you mail your documents.

Going in person to a Driver Services facility is faster. You bring the same documents and your check or money order, wait in line, and usually walk out with a temporary registration permit that day. Your permanent title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois — you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State's website.

If you need to drive the vehicle before your permanent title arrives, ask for a temporary permit at the time of transfer. This permit is valid for 30 days and lets you legally operate the car while the state processes your paperwork.

Additional costs beyond the title transfer fee

The $150 title transfer fee is separate from vehicle registration. When you transfer a title, you must also register the vehicle in Illinois, which costs between $151 and $301 depending on the vehicle's weight and age. A new registration lasts two years. If your vehicle was registered in another state, you cannot straightforward transfer that registration — you must start fresh with an Illinois registration.

If the title has a lien on it (meaning a lender still owns part of the vehicle), some lenders charge a fee to release or transfer the lien. This is not an Illinois state fee — it comes from your lender. Ask your lender about this cost before you begin the transfer process.

You may also need a vehicle inspection before you can register. An inspection costs around $20 to $30 at an approved inspection station and is valid for one year. If your vehicle is older than 10 years or has high mileage, an inspection is required. Newer vehicles may not need one when ready, but you will need one before your registration renews.

Transferring a title when you inherit a vehicle

If you inherit a car, the title transfer process is similar but requires additional documents. Bring the current title, a certified copy of the owner's death certificate, and a document proving you are the heir — usually a will, trust document, or court order. You still pay the $150 title transfer fee and must register the vehicle in your name.

If the vehicle has a loan against it, the lender must agree to the transfer or release the lien. Contact the lender listed on the title to find out what they require. Some lenders will not transfer a loan to a new owner and will require the loan to be paid off before the title can be transferred.

If multiple people inherit the vehicle, all heirs must sign the title transfer documents. If you cannot agree on who will own the vehicle, you may need to go through probate court, which adds time and cost beyond the standard title transfer fee.

What happens if the title is lost or damaged

If you have lost the original title or it is too damaged to sign, you can request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State. A duplicate costs $10 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Once you have the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer using the same process and the same $150 fee.

If you are buying a used car and the seller cannot find the title, you can still transfer it — but the process takes longer. You will need to file for a title by descent or a court-ordered title, which involves additional paperwork and may require a court appearance. This can add several weeks and extra cost to the transfer.

Transferring a title for a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt brand

If the vehicle has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company) or a rebuilt title (meaning it was repaired after being salvaged), the transfer process is the same, but the fee may be different. Check the Secretary of State's fee schedule for salvage and rebuilt vehicles, as some have higher fees than standard titles.

A salvage or rebuilt title does not prevent you from transferring ownership, but it does affect the vehicle's value and your ability to insure it. Some insurance companies will not cover a salvaged vehicle, and some will only cover it with higher premiums. Before you complete the transfer, contact your insurance company to confirm they will cover the vehicle under your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller and I are not in the same place?

Yes. The seller can sign the back of the title in front of a notary public in their state, then mail the signed title to you. You then bring the notarized title to a Driver Services facility or mail it to the Secretary of State with your other documents and the $150 fee. This adds time because the title must travel by mail, but it is a legal way to transfer ownership across distance.

Do I have to register the vehicle in Illinois right away after transferring the title?

You must register the vehicle before you can legally drive it on Illinois roads. You can register it at the same time you transfer the title — bring both sets of documents together. If you transfer the title but do not register, you cannot legally operate the vehicle.

What if I buy a car from a private seller and they will not sign the title?

You cannot legally transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not own the vehicle and should not give them money. If you have already paid and the seller will not cooperate, you may need to pursue the matter through small claims court. Never hand over payment until the seller has signed the title in front of you or a notary.

How long does it take to get my new title after I transfer?

If you transfer in person at a Driver Services facility, you receive a temporary permit that day and your permanent title arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you mail your documents, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your paperwork. During this time, you can drive with the temporary permit.

Is the $150 title transfer fee the same for all vehicles?

No. Standard passenger cars cost $150, but motorcycles cost $75, and some commercial or specialty vehicles have different fees. Check the Secretary of State's website for your specific vehicle type before you pay, so you bring the correct amount.