Table of Contents
Step 1: Where To sign
On the front of the car title for Illinois, there’s a specific section reserved for the seller to sign. On the front of the title, look at the bottom half where it says “SIGNATURE OF SELLER(s)” – that’s where you sign. Don’t sign anywhere else.
Step 2: Sign the Title
Use your legal name as it appears on the title when signing. If the title has more than one owner and the names are separated by the word “and,” all owners listed must sign. If the word “or” separates the names, any of the owners listed may sign.
Step 3: Lien Release
If the title of your car in Illinois shows that a bank or someone else has a financial claim on it (this is called a lien), then that bank or person needs to officially agree (by signing the title or giving you a letter) to remove their claim before you can do anything with the title (this is called a lien release). In Illinois these can come in a variety of forms such as a small postcard signed by the lien holder or a notarized document from the bank.
Important Tips
No Erasures or Whiteouts: Illinois law may invalidate any title with erasures, whiteouts, or alterations. If a mistake is made, you may need to obtain a duplicate title.
Double-Check: Before handing the title over to the buyer, double-check all the information for accuracy and completeness. This includes your signature, the buyer’s information, and the odometer reading.
Duplicate Title
If you need to request a replacement title from the Illinois, simply follow these steps:
- Complete a Duplicate Title Form.
- Take the completed form to your local Illinois office.
- Pay a fee of $50, and you should receive the title in the mail within approximately 3 weeks or they may be able to issue a title at time of request.
Power of Attorney
By executing a Limited Power of Attorney (POA), you authorize us to amend any mistakes on the title without needing your direct endorsement again. This POA is strictly for actions related to the specified title, such as filling in a missing endorsement or making corrections requested by the Illinois office . Therefore, by signing this POA, you are not granting us any additional authority beyond these specified conditions.
Illinois DMV
Office of the Secretary of State Vehicle Records Processing Division 501 S. 2nd. St., Room 424 Springfield, IL 62756-6666
