Selling or buying a vehicle in Illinois? The buyer must complete the title transfer within 20 days and submit Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction) along with the title application.
This free template is formatted for Illinois’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title and Form RUT-50 at a Secretary of State facility.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is an Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Illinois?
- Illinois-Specific Requirements
- Free Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Illinois motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
While not always strictly required if the purchase price is clearly listed on the title assignment, a bill of sale is highly recommended. It serves as proof of the transaction amount — essential for calculating the Private Party Vehicle Use Tax on Form RUT-50.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State does not strictly require a separate bill of sale if the purchase price is clearly listed on the title assignment. However, attaching a copy of the bill of sale to Form RUT-50 is recommended by the Illinois Department of Revenue to prevent future notices or audits.
A bill of sale is effectively required when the title does not clearly show the purchase price, or when additional documentation of the transaction is needed.
Illinois-Specific Requirements
1. 20-Day Deadline
The buyer must complete the title transfer at an Illinois Secretary of State facility within 20 days of the purchase date for in-state purchases. Out-of-state vehicle transfers must be completed within 30 days.
2. Form RUT-50 Required
Every private party vehicle purchase in Illinois must be accompanied by a completed Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction Return). This is separate from the title application (Form VSD 190). RUT-50 calculates the 6.25% Private Party Vehicle Use Tax — paid to IDOR separately from the $95 title fee paid to the Secretary of State.
3. Seller: Report of Sale Within 5 Days
After the sale, the seller must file a Seller’s Report of Sale (Form VSD 703) with the Illinois Secretary of State. This removes the seller from liability for the vehicle and is mailed to the address on the form. The seller must also remove their license plates before handing over the vehicle.
4. Use Tax: 6.25%
Illinois charges a 6.25% Private Party Vehicle Use Tax on the purchase price or fair market value — whichever is higher. Tax is calculated on Form RUT-50 and paid to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) separately from the title fees paid to the Secretary of State.
5. Title Fee
The Illinois title transfer fee is $95. Payment is made to the Secretary of State at the time of the title application — separately from the RUT-50 tax payment to IDOR.
6. License Plates
Illinois plates stay with the seller. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. Buyers may transfer existing plates for $25 or purchase new ones for $29 plus tax.
7. Notarization
Illinois does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale or title transfer signatures. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Illinois calculates 6.25% use tax on this figure via Form RUT-50.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller must also file Form VSD 703 (Seller’s Report of Sale) and remove their plates before handing over the vehicle.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Illinois
For the Seller
Complete and sign the title assignment section. Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle.
File Form VSD 703 (Seller’s Report of Sale) with the Illinois Secretary of State to remove your liability for the vehicle after the sale.
For the Buyer
Within 20 days of purchase, visit an Illinois Secretary of State facility with the signed title, Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction), Form RUT-50 (tax form), this bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid Illinois ID, and payment for the $95 title fee and 6.25% use tax.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title ($50 fee, Form VSD 190) at any Illinois Secretary of State facility or by mail before proceeding with the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 days from the date of purchase for in-state transactions; 30 days for out-of-state vehicle transfers. The buyer must complete the title transfer at an Illinois Secretary of State facility within this window.
Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction Return) is required for every private party vehicle purchase in Illinois. It calculates the 6.25% Private Party Vehicle Use Tax, which is paid to the Illinois Department of Revenue separately from the $95 title fee paid to the Secretary of State.
Illinois plates stay with the seller. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. Buyers may transfer existing plates to the new vehicle for $25, or purchase new plates for $29 plus tax.
No. Illinois does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale or title transfer signatures. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
The Illinois title transfer fee is $95, paid to the Secretary of State at the time of the title application. The 6.25% Private Party Vehicle Use Tax is paid separately to the Illinois Department of Revenue via Form RUT-50.
Yes. Illinois does not require a specific state-issued form for a private party vehicle bill of sale. Attaching a copy of your bill of sale to Form RUT-50 is recommended by the Illinois Department of Revenue to prevent future tax notices. This template covers all required fields.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State at ilsos.gov or (888) 261-7864 to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.