To get a new car title in Illinois, you must apply with the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) after purchasing a vehicle. The process differs slightly depending on whether you bought the car from a dealer or a private seller. The core requirement is submitting the properly assigned title certificate (for a private sale) or the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) and application documents from a dealer, along with payment for fees and taxes, to an ILSOS facility.
If you buy from a licensed Illinois dealer, they typically handle the titling and registration paperwork for you. You'll pay the required fees to the dealer, and they will submit the application to the ILSOS. You should receive your new title by mail within a few weeks.
For a private party purchase, the seller must provide you with the vehicle's title, signed over to you on the back. You must also complete a Vehicle Transaction Application (VSD 190). Both you and the seller should fill out a Bill of Sale to document the purchase price, which determines the tax owed. You must then take these documents, along with proof of insurance and valid ID, to a licensed Illinois currency exchange or an ILSOS facility to apply for the new title.
| Required Document/Step | Private Party Purchase | Purchase from Illinois Dealer |
|---|
| Signed-over Title Certificate | Required from seller | Not required (dealer uses MSO) |
| Vehicle Transaction Application (VSD 190) | Required, filled by buyer | Typically handled by dealer |
| Bill of Sale | Highly recommended for tax calculation | Included in dealer paperwork |
| Proof of Insurance | Required | Required |
| Application Location | Currency Exchange or SOS Facility | Handled by dealer |
| Sales Tax Payment | Paid at time of application based on sale price | Usually included in dealer fees |
| Typical Title Fee | $95 for an electronic title; $105 for a printed title | Same, included in dealer fees |
| Processing Time | 3-4 weeks for mail delivery | 3-4 weeks for mail delivery |
If the title is lost, the seller must obtain a duplicate before the sale can be completed. After submitting your application, keep the receipt as temporary proof of ownership until the permanent title arrives.
