Illinois title transfer costs $95 to $150 depending on the vehicle type and whether you're transferring between private parties or from a dealer
The Secretary of State's office charges a flat fee of $95 to transfer a vehicle title in Illinois. If you're buying from a dealer, you may pay closer to $150 because dealers often add a documentation or handling fee on top of the state fee. The exact amount depends on whether the title is being transferred with a lien (a loan against the vehicle) and whether you're registering the vehicle at the same time.
You'll also owe sales tax on the purchase price in most Illinois counties, which is separate from the title transfer fee. The state sales tax is 6.25%, but some counties add a local tax on top of that. This is typically paid when you register the vehicle, not when you transfer the title, though the two often happen together.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State charges $95 to transfer a title; dealers may charge an additional $50 to $55 on top of that.
- Sales tax (6.25% state plus any local tax) is owed on the purchase price and is paid separately from the title transfer fee.
- You must have the signed title from the seller, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale to complete the transfer.
- Title transfers can be done in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or through an authorized vehicle dealer.
What the $95 fee covers
The $95 title transfer fee covers the cost of the Secretary of State processing your paperwork and issuing a new title in your name. This is the only fee charged by the state itself. The fee is the same whether you're buying a used car from a private seller or from a dealership, though dealers often add their own fee on top.
If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning someone loaned you money to buy it and the lender holds a claim on the title), the fee remains $95. The lender's name will appear on the title until the loan is paid off, but this does not increase what you pay to transfer it.
Where dealer fees come in
When you buy from a dealership, the dealer typically handles the title transfer paperwork for you and charges a fee for that service. This fee is not set by the state—it's set by the dealer. Most Illinois dealers charge between $50 and $150 in documentation, processing, or handling fees, though some charge less and some charge more.
The dealer's fee and the state's $95 fee are separate line items. You should ask the dealer upfront what their documentation fee is before you sign paperwork. This fee should appear on your purchase agreement or bill of sale.
When you buy from a private seller, there is no dealer fee—you only pay the state's $95 fee. However, you are responsible for handling the paperwork yourself or paying a third party (like a title service) to do it for you.
Sales tax and registration costs
In addition to the title transfer fee, you owe sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle. Illinois charges 6.25% state sales tax, and most counties add a local tax on top of that. Some counties charge as little as 0.25% extra; others charge up to 2% or more. You can find your county's rate on the Illinois Department of Revenue website.
Sales tax is calculated on the actual purchase price you paid for the vehicle. If you bought a car for $10,000 in Cook County (which has a 1.25% local tax), you would owe $725 in sales tax ($10,000 × 7.5%). This is paid when you register the vehicle, which usually happens at the same time as the title transfer.
Vehicle registration in Illinois costs $151 for a standard passenger vehicle and is valid for two years. If you're transferring a title and registering at the same time, you'll pay the $95 title fee, the registration fee, and the sales tax all together.
How to transfer a title yourself
If you're buying from a private seller and want to handle the title transfer yourself, you'll need the original title signed by the seller, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance. You can submit these documents in person at any Secretary of State office, by mail to the Secretary of State's office in Springfield, or through an authorized vehicle dealer who offers title services.
In-person transfers are usually processed the same day. Mail transfers typically take two to three weeks. Some Secretary of State offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee, though this is not always available at every location.
You'll also need to pass a vehicle inspection if the car is new to Illinois (meaning it was previously registered in another state). The inspection verifies that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the car. Inspections are done at police departments or authorized inspection stations and cost around $20 to $30.
Documents you need to bring or submit
The seller must sign the title in the space marked for the seller's signature. Both the front and back of the title may need to be signed, depending on the title's format. The seller should also provide you with a bill of sale, which is a written record of the sale that includes the purchase price, the date, and both parties' names and addresses.
You'll need proof of insurance before you can register the vehicle. Illinois requires you to have liability insurance in place before the title is transferred to you. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy number and coverage dates.
If the vehicle has a lien on it, the lender's name will appear on the title. You do not need the lender's signature to transfer the title to yourself, but the lender's claim will transfer with the vehicle. If you're paying off the loan as part of the purchase, make sure the seller provides you with a lien release document from the lender showing the loan has been paid in full.
Timeline and processing
If you transfer the title in person at a Secretary of State office, you'll receive your new title the same day in most cases. The office will give you a temporary registration document that you can use to drive the vehicle while you wait for your permanent registration to arrive by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks.
If you mail your documents to the Secretary of State, allow two to three weeks for processing. Some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Check with your local Secretary of State office to see if expedited service is available in your area.
If a dealer is handling the transfer, ask them how long it will take. Most dealers complete title transfers within one to two weeks, though some may take longer depending on their workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay sales tax if I'm buying from a private seller?
Yes. Illinois charges sales tax on all vehicle purchases, whether from a dealer or a private seller. The tax is based on the actual purchase price you paid. You owe it even if you're buying the car "as-is" or if the seller claims the car is worth less than you paid.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
You cannot legally own the vehicle without the seller's signature on the title. If the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. If you've already paid and the seller won't sign, contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or a local police department to report the issue.
Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has a lien on it?
Yes, but the lien transfers with the vehicle. The lender's name will appear on your new title, and you'll be responsible for paying off the loan. If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale, get a lien release document from the lender before you complete the transfer.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate title in Illinois?
A duplicate title costs $95, the same as a title transfer. You can order a duplicate if your title is lost, damaged, or stolen. Submit an application to the Secretary of State with proof of ownership and identification.
Do I need to get a vehicle inspection before transferring the title?
Only if the vehicle is new to Illinois (previously registered in another state). If you're buying a car that's already registered in Illinois, you do not need an inspection to transfer the title. The inspection is required before you can register the vehicle if it's coming from out of state.