Illinois Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Illinois. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services before completing the transaction.
Quick answer
Illinois sellers sign the back of the title, complete odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old, and keep their license plates — Illinois plates generally stay with the seller. The buyer must visit an Illinois Secretary of State facility, file Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction) for the applicable use tax, and apply for a new title and registration within 20 days of purchase.
Key facts
- State
- Illinois
- Agency
- Illinois Secretary of State
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 20 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-10
- Official source
- Illinois Secretary of State ↗
Key facts from official sources
Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction) is generally required for private party purchases.
Illinois Department of Revenue — RUT-50 Private Party Vehicle Tax ↗Illinois generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services ↗Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title.
Illinois Secretary of State — Title and Registration ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 20-day deadline: Buyer must apply for title and registration within 20 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Illinois generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Not required by law but strongly recommended. A written bill of sale protects both buyer and seller.
Required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title.
Step-by-step process
- 1Seller signs the back of the title in the seller signature area and completes odometer disclosure.
- 2Seller notes the sale price on the title.
- 3Seller keeps the Illinois license plates — plates go with the owner, not the vehicle.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title.
- 5Buyer must apply for a new title and plate at an IL SOS facility within 20 days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Seller leaving plates on the vehicle — Illinois plates stay with the owner.
- ✗Buyer missing the 20-day title transfer deadline.
- ✗Not completing the odometer disclosure on the title.
- ✗Seller not retaining a copy of the signed title for their records.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 5 researched claims about Illinois sell a car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services. Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Illinois, check with the Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-10 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Illinois Secretary of State — Vehicle Services sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice