Applying to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Illinois is a transaction that must be initiated with the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) in the event of a lost, stolen or damaged certificate of title. Vehicle owners who do not request a replacement car title after losing their title certificate may encounter difficulties when completing certain vehicle-related procedures.

For example, since a certificate of title serves as an official proof of ownership, car owners will be unable to complete the title transfer procedure and transfer the vehicle ownership after a private sale. To learn how to replace a vehicle title in IL, continue reading the sections below.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Illinois?

Vehicle owners typically replace a lost car title at the DMV in Illinois when they lose or damage their credential. Drivers also request a replacement vehicle title when they have their title certificate stolen. However, if you would like to update the information on your car title, then you will be required to apply for a corrected certificate of title.

Note that the Illinois SOS will not process requests to replace a lost vehicle title in IL if the applicant submits his or her request within 15 days of obtaining an original title or 30 days of receiving a duplicate title certificate. This measure is implemented for purposes of preventing fraud.

Documents Required When Applying for an Illinois Car Title Copy

As part of the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title in Illinois, applicants will be required to provide certain information and furnish certain documents. In addition to the Application for Vehicle Transaction, applicants who are replacing a lost car title may also have to submit additional paperwork, depending on their circumstances.

For instance, if you are completing the procedure to replace a lost car title in person in IL, then you may be required to present an official form of identification as well, such as a driving license. Also, if you would like to remove a lienholder from your title when applying for a title certificate copy, then you will have to submit a lien contract or a clearance letter from the lienholder.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Illinois

If you would like to know how to replace a stolen car title in Illinois or a title certificate that has been lost or damaged, then note that you can submit your request either by mail or in person at a title office. At this time, there is no way to replace a car title online, but applicants are encouraged to utilize the state website for more information.

There are certain minor differences may apply between the in-person and the mail-in method to replace a lost car title, such as the documentation necessary to finalize the process and the acceptable forms of payment.

By Mail

By completing the procedure to replace a car title by mail in Illinois, applicants will successfully apply for a duplicate title certificate without making an office trip. The mail-in process to replace a lost vehicle title can be initiated by mailing the replacement title application form along with the fee payment and any pertinent paperwork to the SOS Vehicle Records Processing Division in Springfield, IL.

Prior to submitting your request for a replacement car title in IL, ensure that your application form is properly filled out and that the correct cost payment has been included. Otherwise, the SOS will return your application. Note that the SOS also offers the option of filling out and printing the replacement title application form through its Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) online service. Another method to obtain a blank application form is to contact the SOS at the corresponding telephone number.

You can also obtain a copy of an IL lost car title by utilizing the SOS Expedited Title Service at an extra cost. If you mail your application to the SOS Expedited Title Service unit via an express delivery service, then your duplicate title will be shipped or available for pickup within a day.

In Person

Drivers have the option to replace a lost car title in person in Illinois as well, in the event that they are unable to mail their application or they choose to visit a nearby SOS title office. The requirements for replacing a lost or damaged vehicle title in person are very similar to those that apply for the mail-in procedure, outlined above.

Therefore, in addition to submitting the replacement title application form and any supporting documents, applicants will also be required to pay the applicable fee. Note that, when replacing a lost credential in person at a title office, you may be able to pay the cost for a duplicate title in various forms of payment.

To expedite the procedure to replace a lost vehicle title in person, you can also obtain the application form online or by phone, as mentioned previously, and fill it out prior to your office visit. Certain SOS locations offer the Expedited Title Service as well.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Illinois

To successfully obtain a replacement of an Illinois lost vehicle title, applicants will be required to submit a properly filled out application form along with any supporting paperwork. Note that, when completing the procedure to replace a lost vehicle title at the DMV, applicants will not be required to fill out the entire application form, as only certain sections apply for this transaction. Vehicle owners who would like to request a replacement car title in IL will typically have to provide the following:

• The owner’s information, such as name and address
• Details about the vehicle in question, such as the vehicle identification number, year, make, model, color and body type
• The vehicle odometer reading if applicable
• Lien information if applicable
• The reason for applying for a duplicate title
• The owner’s signature and driving license number

Note: Prior to submitting your replacement title application form, ensure that the information provided within is true and correct in order to avoid any applicable perjury penalties. Only by providing accurate information can the DMV conduct a car title search.

Illinois Car Title Replacement Fees

Arranging payment for an Illinois lost car title copy is the final step in the process to request a replacement auto title. Vehicle owners wondering what are the fees to replace a lost car title in IL must note that the standard cost for this credential is $95.

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