Illinois Car Bill of Sale: Form RUT-50 + Requirements
Illinois recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. Unlike most states, Illinois uses the Secretary of State (not the DMV) for vehicle titling. Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction) is the sales tax form filed at title transfer.
Is a bill of sale required in Illinois?
Recommended but not strictly required. Illinois's title transfer process focuses on the title and Form RUT-50.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific forms
Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction) is the Illinois sales tax form for private vehicle sales. The buyer files at the Secretary of State office at title transfer.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Illinois state sales tax: 6.25% + local. Major metros:
- Chicago (Cook County): 10.25% (state 6.25% + Cook County 1.75% + city 1.25% + RTA 1%)
- Aurora (Kane County): ~8.25%
- Rockford: ~8.75%
- Springfield: ~9.25%
Illinois uses a flat fee for older vehicles via Table A on Form RUT-50 (vehicles 11+ years old pay a flat $25 instead of percentage tax).
The buyer pays at the Secretary of State office at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Emissions testing: required in metro Chicago counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will) for vehicles 4+ years old
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- Sold notice: file at cyberdriveillinois.com
Where to file
The buyer files at any Illinois Secretary of State facility within 20 days of sale. (Illinois titles vehicles through the Secretary of State, not a typical DMV.)
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and Chicago-specific guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Illinois?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does Illinois require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Illinois?
State 6.25% + local. Chicago downtown total 10.25%. Vehicles 11+ years old pay a flat $25 (Table A on Form RUT-50).
What's Form RUT-50?
Illinois's Private Party Vehicle Use Tax Transaction form. The buyer files at the Secretary of State office to compute and pay sales tax.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Illinois?
At any Illinois Secretary of State facility (not the DMV). Within 20 days of sale.
Does Illinois require emissions testing?
Yes in metro Chicago counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will) for vehicles 4+ years old.
What if I lost the title in Illinois?
Apply for a duplicate at the Secretary of State.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Illinois?
Generate a Chicago-, Aurora-, or Rockford-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Chicago specifically, see our selling in Chicago guide.