Selling a car in Illinois doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re located in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, or anywhere else across the Prairie State, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure a smooth, legal, and stress-free sale.
Sell a Car in Illinois – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in place before listing or selling your car in Illinois:
- Illinois Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name. Both the buyer and seller must sign the title in the appropriate sections.
- Valid Identification: A valid Illinois driver’s license or another form of government-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not required by Illinois law, but recommended for both parties’ records.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If your car was financed, provide a lien release from the lender.
Illinois Secretary of State Forms You May Need
Depending on your situation, you may need to complete or provide one or more of the following forms:
- Form VSD 703 – Seller’s Report of Sale (required to notify the state of the transaction)
- Form RUT-50 – Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Form (used by the buyer)
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190): Used to apply for a duplicate title if yours is lost
You can find these forms at the Illinois Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department.
Sell Your Car in Illinois — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Want to get the best possible offer? A quick wash or minor repairs can help, but they aren’t necessary if you’re short on time.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is, no detailing, no mechanical work, no waiting. Just a fair offer and an easy process.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, get a sense of your car’s market value:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get an instant offer in under two minutes.
- Use Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: Check vehicle values based on mileage, condition, and options.
- Check Local Listings: See what similar cars are selling for in cities like Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Evanston, and Aurora.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
There are multiple ways to sell a car in Illinois:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest & Simplest Option): We provide a real offer and handle the paperwork for you.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Often convenient if you’re buying another car but may result in a lower offer.
- Private Sale: Might get you a higher price but requires managing all documentation, listings, and meeting buyers.
For convenience, safety, and fast payment, choose Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Step 5: Get Paid
Avoid risky payment methods when dealing with strangers. With us, you’ll receive secure, same-day payment through verified channels.
We handle everything from the title to the transaction, so you don’t have to worry about scams or delays.
What Affects Car Values in Illinois? Local Market Insights to Know
In Illinois, car demand and resale value can vary based on region and season:
- AWD and 4WD vehicles are popular due to winter weather, especially in northern Illinois.
- Fuel-efficient and hybrid cars are in demand in urban centers like Chicago.
- Pickup trucks and vans are more desirable in rural and suburban areas where towing and cargo space matter.
Knowing your market can help you price the car correctly or recognize a great offer.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Illinois?
We take the stress out of selling. Whether your car is clean, used, or somewhere in between, we’ll give you a quick and fair offer.
Start with your free online appraisal or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Illinois sell their cars fast, without the hassle.
Need help selling your car in Illinois? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Illinois?
No, notarization is not required for title transfers in Illinois. However, the title must be signed correctly by both the buyer and seller in the appropriate sections. All co-owners listed on the title must sign if there are multiple owners, and signatures must match the names exactly as they appear on the title.
Do I keep my license plates after selling my car in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois license plates are tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself, and remain with the seller when the vehicle is sold. You must remove the license plates before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. It’s illegal for the buyer to operate the vehicle with your license plates still attached.
Can I sell a car without the title in Illinois?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without the title in Illinois. If your title is lost or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title using Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) before completing the sale. You’ll need to provide the VIN, odometer reading, and submit the form at any Illinois Secretary of State office.
Is filing a Seller's Report of Sale required in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois requires sellers to submit Form VSD 703 (Seller’s Report of Sale) to the Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department immediately after selling the vehicle. This form notifies the state of the transaction and helps protect you from liability for any future incidents involving the vehicle.
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Illinois?
The buyer is responsible for paying the use tax when they register the vehicle. They must complete Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Form) within 30 days of purchase and submit it along with tax payment to the Illinois Department of Revenue when applying for title and registration.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Illinois?
While Illinois does not legally require a bill of sale, it is strongly recommended for both parties’ protection. A bill of sale documents the transaction and can protect you from liability if issues arise before the title is transferred. Illinois does not provide an official bill of sale form, so you’ll need to create your own or use a template.
What should I do if my car has a lien when I want to sell it in Illinois?
If your title has a lien, the lien must be paid off before you can sell the car to a private buyer. You’ll need to obtain a lien release from your lender. Dealerships can purchase vehicles with liens, but private buyers cannot complete the purchase until the lien is satisfied and released.
What forms does the buyer need to complete in Illinois?
The buyer must complete several forms: Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) to apply for title and registration, and Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction Form) to report and pay use tax. The buyer has 20 days to register the vehicle and must submit RUT-50 within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties.