Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Buying or selling a vehicle privately in Illinois involves navigating one of the more expensive and detail-oriented processes in the country. The Prairie State charges a $150 standard title fee (or $250 for same-day processing) — among the highest in the nation. Combined with sales tax rates that can climb above 10% in some municipalities and a strict 20-day transfer deadline, having a thorough bill of sale is essential for protecting both parties and ensuring a smooth transaction at the Secretary of State's office.
The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) handles all vehicle titling and registration in Illinois. Unlike states that delegate to county offices, Illinois uses a centralized system with Secretary of State facilities located throughout the state. The title assignment must be notarized — the seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary public — even though the bill of sale itself does not require notarization.
Illinois also uses a unique tax structure for private party vehicle sales. Rather than the standard 6.25% state sales tax that applies to dealer purchases, private party buyers pay a Vehicle Use Tax calculated at $25 for every $500 of the purchase price. This tax is collected by the county clerk, not the Secretary of State. Additionally, emissions testing is required in the Chicago metro area and the Metro East region near St. Louis, covering parts of nine counties.
6.25%+
Sales tax (up to 11%)
20 Days
Transfer deadline
Title
Notarization required
Select
Emissions counties
Illinois Secretary of State Requirements
The Illinois Secretary of State sets the rules for all vehicle title transfers in the state. Here is what you need to prepare for a successful transfer:
Important: Illinois's 20-Day Rule and Notarization
Illinois gives buyers only 20 days to transfer the title — one of the shorter deadlines in the country. Late fees apply after this period. Additionally, the seller's signature on the title must be notarized before the Secretary of State will accept it. Plan ahead and visit a notary public when completing the sale.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Notarized Title Assignment: The seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary public and complete the buyer's name, date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with both parties' information, vehicle details, VIN, sale price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — mileage and accuracy must be stated on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had any outstanding loan, a release from the lienholder is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Secretary of State
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all required fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Illinois driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Illinois minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$20,000)
- Emissions Certificate: Required if registering in Chicago metro or Metro East emissions-required counties
- Payment: Title fee ($150 standard / $250 same-day), registration ($151/year), and applicable sales tax
How to Fill Out an Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to create a complete Illinois vehicle bill of sale. Our template ensures every detail the Secretary of State requires is captured correctly.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Illinois certificate of title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title shows multiple owners connected by "and," all listed owners must sign. If connected by "or," any single listed owner can authorize the sale.
Enter Buyer Information
Enter the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Illinois title, current address, and phone number. The buyer's county of residence determines local tax rates and whether emissions testing is required for registration.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body type, and color of the vehicle. Copy the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver's side door jamb. Verify that the VIN matches the title exactly — the Secretary of State will reject any transfer application where the VIN does not match.
Record the Odometer Reading
Write the exact odometer mileage at the time of sale and note whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded the instrument's mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those exceeding 16,000 lbs GVWR may be exempt from this disclosure.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. For private party sales in Illinois, the Vehicle Use Tax is calculated at $25 per $500 of purchase price, so accurate pricing matters. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note that Illinois may assess tax based on the vehicle's fair market value for gift transfers.
Sign, Date, and Get the Title Notarized
Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale. Critically, the seller must also sign the title assignment in front of a notary public — the Secretary of State will not accept an un-notarized title. Print two copies of the bill of sale for both parties. The buyer must complete the transfer at a Secretary of State facility within 20 days.
Illinois Title Transfer Process
After completing the sale, the buyer must visit an Illinois Secretary of State facility to process the title transfer. Illinois also requires the buyer to pay the private party Vehicle Use Tax at their county clerk's office, which is a separate step from the title transfer.
Complete the Sale with a Notary
Sign the bill of sale, have the title assignment notarized, exchange payment and keys
Obtain Insurance
Secure Illinois minimum liability insurance coverage before applying for title and registration
Pass Emissions (If Required)
Required in Chicago metro and Metro East areas — must be completed before registration
Pay Vehicle Use Tax at County Clerk
Private party tax ($25 per $500 of price) is paid at the county clerk's office, not the SOS
Visit Secretary of State Facility
Bring notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, insurance, tax receipt, and payment for title ($150) and registration ($151)
Illinois Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Illinois has one of the more complex and expensive fee structures for vehicle transfers. The $150 title fee is among the highest in the country, and combined sales tax rates in some areas of Chicagoland can exceed 10%. Here is a full breakdown:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% (dealer) / $25 per $500 (private party) |
| Local / Municipal Tax | 0% - 4.75% additional (varies by municipality) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $150 (standard) / $250 (same-day) |
| Registration Fee | $151 per year |
| License Plates | Included in registration or $29 for replacement |
| Emissions Test | Free at state testing stations (select counties) |
| Duplicate Title | $95 (standard) / $200 (same-day) |
Sample Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Illinois-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the Illinois Secretary of State for private party transfers.
STATE OF ILLINOIS
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Illinois Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Illinois Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Illinois vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, taxes, and Secretary of State requirements.
Official Illinois Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Illinois requirements, find a Secretary of State facility, and access government forms for your vehicle transaction.
Illinois Secretary of State
Title transfers, registration, and facility locator
Illinois SOS — Title & Registration Guide
Step-by-step title transfer instructions and required forms
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Illinois Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Illinois? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer across the Prairie State.
Illinois Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Illinois Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Illinois Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Illinois Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Illinois General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Illinois ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Illinois Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Illinois Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Illinois-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every Illinois Secretary of State facility.
No account required. Free to create and preview.