Is a bill of sale required in Illinois?

The guidance of the Illinois Secretary of State for sellers includes preparing a bill of sale for the buyer, with the date of sale and the price paid. The guidance does not name a state form for it.

How long does the buyer have to title the vehicle in Illinois?

20 days. For a vehicle bought from a private individual, it is the buyer's responsibility to have the title put in the buyer's name within that period.

What is the Notice of Sale in Illinois?

A form attached to the bottom of the title, which the seller completes and mails to the Secretary of State. When the title does not contain it, the form may be downloaded from ilsos.gov.

Who keeps the license plates in Illinois?

The seller. The plates belong to the registered owner, not the vehicle, and the seller removes them before delivering the vehicle.

Illinois Vehicle Bill of Sale

In Illinois the seller prepares a bill of sale with the date of sale and the price paid, and the buyer has 20 days to put the title in the buyer's name.

Fill In the Illinois Bill of Sale. Print it or save it as a PDF.

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

State of Illinois

Vehicle

Vehicle Identification Number

Year

Make

Model

Odometer Reading

Date of Sale

Purchase Price

Seller

Full Name

Street Address

City, State, ZIP Code

Buyer

Full Name

Street Address

City, State, ZIP Code

The seller sold the vehicle described above to the buyer for the purchase price stated. The seller certifies that, to the best of the seller's knowledge, the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the vehicle unless otherwise indicated.

Seller Signature and Date

Buyer Signature and Date

Illinois Rules. As stated by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Bill of Sale: The Secretary of State directs the seller to prepare a bill of sale for the buyer that includes the date of sale and the price paid, and to keep a copy for the seller's files.
Title: The seller gives the buyer a valid title at the time of delivery and signs and dates it when the sale is final. The buyer confirms that the name on the title matches the seller, that the VIN matches the vehicle and that earlier liens have been released.
Altered Titles: Alterations and erasure marks invalidate a title. The Secretary of State advises against purchasing a vehicle with an altered title.
Notice of Sale: The seller completes and mails the Notice of Sale form, which is attached to the bottom of the title, to the Secretary of State. When the title does not contain the form, it may be downloaded from ilsos.gov.
Deadline for the Buyer: When the vehicle is bought from a private individual, it is the buyer's responsibility to have the title put in the buyer's name within 20 days.
License Plates: The plates belong to the registered owner, not the vehicle. The seller removes them before delivering the vehicle, and it is illegal to operate a vehicle with another person's plates.

Questions. Requirements and limits.

Is a bill of sale required in Illinois?: The guidance of the Illinois Secretary of State for sellers includes preparing a bill of sale for the buyer, with the date of sale and the price paid. The guidance does not name a state form for it.
How long does the buyer have to title the vehicle in Illinois?: 20 days. For a vehicle bought from a private individual, it is the buyer's responsibility to have the title put in the buyer's name within that period.
What is the Notice of Sale in Illinois?: A form attached to the bottom of the title, which the seller completes and mails to the Secretary of State. When the title does not contain it, the form may be downloaded from ilsos.gov.
Who keeps the license plates in Illinois?: The seller. The plates belong to the registered owner, not the vehicle, and the seller removes them before delivering the vehicle.

Other States. Pages for selected states.

Reviewed on 2026-10-27 against Illinois Secretary of State, Buying or Selling a Vehicle (SOS DOP 141, January 2023). Rules and forms change, and the agency confirms the requirements for a specific transaction.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice.

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