Yes, you can sell a car with an expired registration in Illinois, but the process is more complex and comes with significant financial and legal considerations for both the seller and the buyer. The primary hurdle is that the new owner cannot legally drive the unregistered vehicle away, and you, as the seller, remain liable for any parking tickets or camera violations issued to the vehicle until the sale is officially reported to the Illinois Secretary of State.
The most critical step is executing the title transfer correctly. Illinois requires a properly assigned Certificate of Title to transfer ownership. You must sign the title over to the buyer, and both parties should complete a Bill of Sale. Crucially, you must also file a Vehicle Transaction Report with the Secretary of State. This form officially notifies the state that you are no longer the owner, releasing you from future liabilities associated with the car.
Selling with an expired registration impacts the vehicle's value and marketability. Most private buyers will factor the cost of renewing the registration, which may include back fees and penalties, into their offer. The table below outlines potential penalties for late registration renewal in Illinois, which a new owner would be responsible for.
| Months Expired | Potential Late Fee | Additional Notes |
|---|
| 1-3 Months | $20 | Minor penalty, often considered a "grace period" by some, but not officially. |
| Over 3 Months | $30 | Fees increase the longer the registration is lapsed. |
| Over 12 Months | $30 + Potential Fines | Vehicle may be subject to additional local fines and impoundment if parked on public streets. |
Your best options are to either sell the car "as-is" to a private buyer who understands the situation and will handle the registration themselves, or to sell it to a dealership or junkyard. Dealerships are equipped to handle these administrative issues. To make the sale smoother, consider obtaining a VIN inspection if required and providing the buyer with any past repair records to build trust. The key is full transparency to avoid legal complications post-sale.
