Where do I sign an Illinois vehicle title?

Illinois vehicle titles are signed on the front of the title in the lower left section labeled “Signature(s) of Seller(s).” Sellers must also print their name above “Printed Name(s) of Seller(s)” using blue or black ink exactly as it appears on the title.

Do all owners need to sign an Illinois car title?

Yes. If multiple owners are listed with “AND” or “/”, all owners must sign the Illinois title. If owners are listed with “OR”, one owner may sign. Always confirm how ownership is listed to avoid delays.

What if there is a lienholder on my Illinois title?

If a lienholder is listed on an Illinois title, the lien must be released before the vehicle can be transferred. This can be done with a lien release noted on the title or an official lien release document from the lender.

How do I replace a lost or damaged Illinois title?

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Illinois title, submit the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) to the Illinois Secretary of State. All owners must sign the form and a $95 duplicate title fee is required. Applications may be submitted by mail or in person.

Illinois Vehicle Title Guide | How to Sign, Transfer & Replace a Car Title

Signing Your Illinois Vehicle Title

Illinois keeps title transfers pretty straightforward as long as the details are correct. Use a blue or black ink pen only and make sure your signature and printed name match exactly what appears on the title. No nicknames, no shortcuts.

What Will Get an Illinois Title Rejected

Signing in the wrong section of the title
Signature that does not match the printed name
Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
White-out or correction fluid
Rips, tears, or damaged titles
Tracing over signatures
Using pencil or marker instead of ink

If any of these issues occur, the Illinois Secretary of State will usually require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be transferred.

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Where to Sign an Illinois Title

On an Illinois vehicle title, signatures are completed on the front of the title. Sign in the lower left section where it is labeled “Signature(s) of Seller(s).”

Print your name directly above “Printed Name(s) of Seller(s)”. Do not sign anywhere else unless directed by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Vehicles with Multiple Owners

If more than one owner is listed on the title, the wording between names determines who must sign:

AND – all owners must sign
/ – all owners must sign
OR – only one owner may be required to sign
AND/OR – one or more owners may be required to sign

When unsure, having all listed owners sign helps prevent delays.

Titles Showing a Lienholder

If a lienholder is listed on the Illinois title, the lien must be released before the vehicle can be transferred.

Lien release noted on the title
Or an official lien release document from the lender

Without a lien release, the title transfer cannot be completed.

If the Vehicle Owner Is Deceased

Additional documentation is required when the vehicle owner has passed away.

Joint ownership may require a certified death certificate
Individual ownership may require:
- Executor or Administrator documentation
- Surviving spouse paperwork
- Other court-authorized documentation

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Illinois Title

If your Illinois title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate before selling the vehicle.

Processing time is typically several weeks
Requests may be submitted by mail or in person

What you’ll need

Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s)
Valid photo identification
$95 duplicate title fee
Submission to the Illinois Secretary of State

Official duplicate title information can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State website .

After Selling Your Vehicle in Illinois

Once the sale is complete, a few final steps should be handled promptly.

Remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle
Keep a record of the sale for your files

Do I Keep My License Plates?

Yes. Illinois requires sellers to remove their license plates before releasing the vehicle. Plates may be transferred to another vehicle or surrendered according to state guidelines.