Transferring vehicle ownership in Illinois requires a few specific steps to keep the sale legal and clean. If you are selling to a dealer, check with them first before signing anything on the title.
1. Verify Your Title
Check that the title is currently in your name and that all printed details are accurate. If you can't locate the title, or it's been damaged, you'll need to apply for a duplicate through the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department before continuing with the sale.
2. Notarization Is Not Required
In a standard private sale, Illinois does not require notarization of the seller's signature on the title. Both parties simply need to sign the title itself. Notarization is generally only needed in unusual cases, such as when a representative is signing under a Power of Attorney — contact the Illinois Secretary of State if you're uncertain.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
The seller's information section is on the back of the title and must be completed precisely:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Don't use white-out, cross-outs, or any other corrections on the title — even small edits can void the title and Illinois does not allow strike-through corrections of any kind.
4. Address Liens
Any active lien listed on the title must be cleared before the sale can complete. The lienholder either needs to sign off on the title or supply a lien release letter. Don't attempt to transfer the title until this is resolved.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
If there are multiple names listed on the title, all parties must sign, depending on how the names are joined:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization is not required for a standard private sale.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
These steps cover the Illinois title-signing process for a standard sale. For deeper guidance and any state-specific exceptions, refer to the Illinois Secretary of State vehicle title and registration page.
Verified May 2026