Completing an out of state car title transfer in Illinois is an important step for vehicle owners who would like to title and register a motor vehicle that was previously titled in another state. To complete the procedure to transfer an out of state car title, motorists will be required to submit the corresponding documents and fee payments to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).

Note that, when completing the out of state car title transfer process, you will also be required to apply for a new car registration for your nonresident vehicle. To learn how to perform an out of state car title transfer in IL, continue reading the sections outlined below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Illinois?

Vehicle owners can ensure the success of the Illinois cross state car title transfer by learning what a cross state title transfer is and how to complete it. Transferring an out of state car title in IL is a unique titling procedure that must be completed before a state resident attempts to register an out-of-state vehicle.

The process to re-title a car in another state DMV’s database results in the replacement of the out-of-state car title with a title certificate issued by the new state DMV. If you are planning on operating your vehicle in Illinois, you will be required to perform a title transfer prior to applying for new license plates.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Illinois?

Vehicle owners wondering when they are required to perform an out of state title transfer must note that they are required to initiate the title transfer on each occasion a vehicle titled outside of the state is brought to Illinois. Therefore, you will be required to transfer an out of state car title in IL when you establish state residency and attempt to complete a title transfer as a new resident, or when you obtain an out-of-state vehicle as a current resident.

Remember that the requirement to transfer an out-of-state title applies regardless of whether you have obtained the vehicle via a private sale or as a gift. Finally, keep in mind that you are required to complete an out of state vehicle title transfer within 30 days of moving to Illinois or purchasing a nonresident vehicle, under current law.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Illinois

Completing certain title transfer forms and submitting several documents is one of the more important requirements in the process of transfer an out of state auto title. Note that the main documents needed for an out of state title transfer in Illinois are similar to those that apply for the standard titling procedure.

However, additional out of state title transfer paperwork may apply, depending on your circumstances. The process of transferring an out of state car title in IL and registering it afterwards can only be completed by submitting the following main documents:

• A completed application for vehicle transaction.
• The out-of-state title or other proof of ownership.
• Valid form of identification.
• A document providing information about the vehicle description, odometer reading and vehicle identification number.
• A bill of sale, if required.

In addition to the out of state title transfer documents outlined above, applicants may be required to submit additional paperwork, depending on their circumstances. For example, if you are an existing Illinois resident completing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title after purchasing a nonresident vehicle, you will also be required to submit the corresponding tax form.

Note: If you are leasing the vehicle or your title is held by an out-of-state lienholder, you will be required to submit additional paperwork.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Illinois as a New Resident

Completing the out of state title transfer in person in Illinois is the standard method of converting an out-of-state title to one issued by the SOS. However, prior to visiting an SOS location in order to finalize the new state resident car title transfer process, you can utilize the option of expediting the application process via the official SOS website.

By using the department’s Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system, you can fill out and print the out of state title transfer form prior to making your office visit. After submitting your application, the state SOS will manufacture your new title and mail it to your address on file within three to four weeks, in most cases.

Note: To learn whether completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident by mail is an available option, contact the SOS.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Illinois After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The steps to complete the Illinois out of state title transfer after buying a car from outside of the state are very similar to those that apply when transferring an out of state car title as a new resident. Vehicle owners can complete the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car by submitting the principal paperwork outlined above along with a properly signed-over title bearing the seller’s signature and the corresponding tax forms.

It is important to note that, depending on whether you are completing the in-person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, after receiving the vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance, you may be required to follow additional steps. For example, if you are transferring the title of an inherited vehicle, you will be required to submit additional documentation that varies depending on whether the vehicle was individually or jointly owned and whether the estate was probated or not.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Illinois

Paying the Illinois price of cross state car title transfer is the last step in the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title. If you are wondering how much a cross state title transfer in IL costs, note that, in addition to the standard fee of $95, vehicle owners will also be required to pay the applicable registration costs.

Therefore, after paying the base cost of transferring an out of state car title, you will have to pay the costs for a new registration, which can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle type and the type of ordered plates.

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