Vehicle Title, License and Registration in Illinois

What Is a Car Title?

A car title is an official legal document that proves you own your vehicle. It includes key details such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make and model, manufacture date, and the mileage at the time of transfer or sale. Whether you’re buying, selling, or registering a vehicle, the title is essential for verifying ownership.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Car Title After Buying from a Dealership?

The timeline for receiving your vehicle title depends on your state’s regulations and whether you financed the vehicle.

If you finance your car, the lender’s name will appear on the title as the lienholder. In title-holding states, the lender retains the title until your auto loan is fully paid off. Once the loan is settled, the title is then transferred to you.

If you purchased the car outright or live in a non-title-holding state, you can typically expect to receive your title in the mail within 2 to 6 weeks—assuming you’ve provided the dealership with all necessary documents and signatures.

To avoid delays, be sure to submit any required paperwork promptly during the purchase process.

Need to Trade In a Car Without the Title?

No worries if your lender still holds the title—your dealership can handle it for you. They will contact your lender, take care of paying off any remaining loan balance, and manage the ownership transfer. Typically, the bank will provide a letter confirming the loan is paid off and the lien has been satisfied.

If you’re in a non-title-holding state and can’t locate your title or it’s damaged, you can request a duplicate title from your local DMV or Secretary of State office. We’re also here to help guide you through the process. Keep in mind, it may take a few weeks to receive the duplicate title by mail, depending on your state’s regulations.

Other Required Paperwork for Title Transfer

Generally, once you’ve signed the title and registration application with the necessary information—and any payoff request has been completed—the transfer of title can be submitted.

Additional documents or signatures may be required if:

  • Your vehicle has a co-buyer

  • The title is currently under a business name

  • The owner is deceased

  • Or other special circumstances apply

Our dealership will guide you through the process and let you know exactly what’s needed.

Important: In some states, when you sell your car to a dealership, the dealer isn’t required to transfer the title into their name right away. This means the vehicle may remain in your name until it’s sold to a private buyer.

For Cash Purchases:
The dealership typically sends your title paperwork to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent state agency. Once processed, the DMV will mail you the official certificate of title.

For Financing or Leasing:
The dealership submits the title paperwork to the DMV or state agency, which then sends the official title to the lienholder (if your state is title-holding) or directly to you (if it’s a non-title-holding state).

License Plates and Registration

Dealerships are authorized to manage most state-related transactions on your behalf, including tax collection, license plates, and vehicle registration. When you purchase a vehicle, you can expect to receive temporary registration documents and dealer-issued temporary license plates to get you on the road right away.

What is an Out-of-State or In-State Temporary Registration Permit (TRP)?

As a State of Illinois Secretary of State licensed dealer, Patrick MINI can issue a Non-Resident Drive-Away Permit or a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP).

A TRP is provided to new vehicle buyers who have submitted a valid registration application but have not yet received their permanent license plates. These permits are issued by Secretary of State facilities, licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents, and currency exchanges.

A TRP allows you to legally drive your vehicle from the place of purchase to your destination outside Illinois or while your permanent license plates are being processed. Temporary Registration Permits are valid for up to 90 days and must be removed once your new license plates arrive.

How much is an Illinois Title? $165.00
How much are an Illinois License Plates (Registration)? Passenger Car and B-Trucks $151.00 | Electric Vehicles: $100
How much is the Electronic Registration Transfer Fee? $35.00
How much is the Illinois Documentation Fee? $377.63

Patrick MINI has properly transferred titles on sold vehicles issuing license plates/registration and has been issuing out-of-state temporary registration permits since 2001.

Taking care of you every day, that’s the Patrick Promise!