Selling a car privately in Illinois
Illinois private sales run through the Secretary of State, not a DMV: you complete the Assignment of Title section on the Illinois title, and the buyer applies for their new title and registration with the Secretary of State and files the private-party tax return (Form RUT-50) with their payment. No notary is required.
Illinois gives sellers a dedicated protection: the Seller's Report of Sale (VSD-703). Mail it to the Secretary of State immediately after the sale to release your responsibility for the vehicle while the buyer's paperwork is pending. Illinois plates belong to the seller; remove them and transfer them to your next vehicle or let them expire. Buyers in the Chicago and Metro-East testing areas will face emissions testing as a registration matter.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the Assignment of Title (Illinois)
Fill in the buyer, price, date, and odometer reading in the assignment section of the Illinois title, with no alterations.
- 2
Mail the Seller's Report of Sale (VSD-703)
Send the report to the Secretary of State immediately after the sale to release your responsibility for the vehicle.
- 3
Point the buyer to RUT-50 and the title application
The buyer files Form RUT-50 for the private-party tax along with their title and registration application with the Secretary of State.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Illinois plates belong to the seller. Take them off at handoff and transfer or retire them.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetIllinois private sale FAQ
Does an Illinois car title need to be notarized?
No. Complete the Assignment of Title section on the back of the Illinois title carefully; the Secretary of State rejects altered titles.
What is the Seller's Report of Sale (VSD-703)?
An Illinois Secretary of State form you mail in right after selling. It records that you released the vehicle, which protects you while the buyer completes their title work. It does not replace the title assignment.
What tax does the buyer pay in an Illinois private sale?
The private-party vehicle use tax, filed on Form RUT-50 with the title application. The amount depends on the price or the vehicle's age and value under the state's table.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois plates stay with the seller. Remove them; they can usually be transferred to another vehicle you own for a fee.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.