Illinois Vehicle Title Search

When buying or selling a vehicle in Illinois, one of the most important documents you'll want to first review is the vehicle title. It serves as proof of ownership and contains a lot of very important information about the vehicle's that tells a story. For example, does the title show the correct owner, or is the odometer reading correct? Understanding the importance of these components, knowing how to perform a title check, and recognizing the details contained in it can protect you from potential issues down the road. To run an Illinois title search, you'll need either the 17 digit VIN number, or the license plate number to access this information. Then we'll go over in detail how to decode the title and what to look for.

Why Are Vehicle Titles Important?

A vehicle title is a binding document that is issued and managed by the state. This document establishes the legal owner of a vehicle and holds important information about the condition of that vehicle.

Here are some of the title fields that hold this important information:

1). Proof of Ownership: The owner's name should be listed, or the lien holder, which proves who legally owns the vehicle.

2). Odometer Reading: The odometer reading should show the last recorded reading when last sold. It should also say if the reading is accurate or not.

3). Transfer of Ownership: When you buy or sell a vehicle, the title must be transferred to the new owner to complete the sale legally.

4). Lien Information: If there is a loan on the vehicle, the title will list any lienholders, which is the bank that technically owns the vehicle until the loan is paid off.

5). Title Brands: If the vehicle has been in a serious accident or damaged from natural disasters it might read 'totaled' 'rebuilt' 'flood damage' or 'salvaged'.

6). Release of Liability: The release of liability should be detached and filled out by the seller to alleviate liability once sold.

7). License and Registration Number: The license plate number and title registration number will be listed on the title. Make sure the license plate matches what is there as a means of verification.

How to Run an Illinois Vehicle Title Check

Running an Illinois title check is an important step, often overlooked, in buying a used vehicle. It offers details about the vehicle's history and helps identify potential hidden issues that can dramatically affect the vehicle's value. Here's how you go about running a title check online:

Step 1: Gather Vehicle Information: Start by collecting specific information about the vehicle such as the 17 digit vehicle identification number, make and model and year.

Step 2: Use Online Resources: Select a reputable online resource, such as a vehicle records website, that provides vehicle history reports.

Step 3: Check with the Illinois Secretary of State: The Illinois SOS office offers a vehicle title lookup service. You can visit their website and enter the VIN to get information about the vehicle's title status and history.

Step 4: Review the Report:

Once you've chose a provider and have received the vehicle report, review it carefully. Look for any red-flags such as salvage titles, odometer discrepancies, or lienholder information that may affect your decision to purchase the vehicle.

Why Perform a Title Check?

Performing a title check is is done for many reasons, used car research being the most common. Here are the most popular reasons to run a title check:

1). Avoiding Fraud: A title check can help you avoid buying a stolen vehicle or one with a fraudulent title.

2). Understanding Vehicle History: It provides insights into the vehicle's past, including accidents, repairs, and ownership changes.

3). Verifying a Clear Title: A title check confirms that there are no liens or legal claims against the vehicle that could complicate your ownership.

4). Peace of Mind: Knowing the full history of a vehicle can lead to more objective decision making, and offers leverage in bargaining for a fair price.

What Information is Available on a Vehicle Title?

A vehicle title contains various pieces of information that are valuable to both buyers and sellers. Here's a breakdown of the chief details to pay attention to, that can be found on a physical vehicle title.

Owner Information: The title lists the current owner's name and address, which helps verify the seller's identity.

Vehicle Details: These details list the physical appearance, manufacturer specification and options.

1). VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique code used to identify the vehicle.

2). Make, Model, and Year: Basic details about the vehicle's specifications.

3). Body Type: Information about the vehicle's design, such as sedan or SUV.

Title Information: This section lists the official title registration information that is used by the IL SOS for ownership, transfer and sales.

1). Title Number: A unique identifier for the title document.

2). Issue Date: The date when the title was issued.

3). Title Status: Indicates if the title is clear or if there are any special conditions like salvage or rebuilt status.

Lienholder Information: If the vehicle owner is not listed, it's most likely owned by a bank or lienholder.

1). Lienholder Name: If there is a loan on the vehicle, the lienholder's name will be listed.

2). Lien Release: Indicates if the lien has been satisfied and released.

Odometer Reading : The recorded mileage at the time of the last title issuance. It will also say if the reading is accurate or not.

Title Brands: If the vehicle experienced significant damage at some point in it's life there will be remarks or conditions affecting the vehicle, such as flood damage or rebuilt status.

Can I Buy a Car in Illinois Without the Title?

Yes, you can buy a car without the title, as long as you have a bill of sale. This is can be risky however, since you cannot verify the actual owner or if there are issues with the title or odometer reading. You might want to run a vehicle history report with the VIN if the seller does not possess the physical title.

How Do I Lookup an Illinois Vehicle Title?

You can run a title lookup through the Illinois SOS or a verified third party provider. You'll need the complete 17 digit VIN number to do this. Some third party providers will allow you to lookup title information with the license plate number as well.