November 4, 2025

How To Sign My Illinois Title

Your Illinois title is a legal document, and any errors in completing it could make it invalid—meaning you’d need to obtain a duplicate. To avoid delays or complications when donating, please carefully read all instructions and tips before signing.

Do Not Void Your Illinois Title 

  • Use only black or blue pen
  • Do not use highlighter or white-out. 
  • No scribbles, write-overs, strikethroughs, or tears
  • Do not sing in the Dealer Reassignment section, unless you’re an authorized dealer

If your Illinois title looks different from the example shown below, take a moment to review it closely before moving forward. The placement of the signature and printed name fields may vary, but you are still required to print and sign your name in the correct designated sections.

Illinois Title Front Sample Cars2Charities

Illinois Title Back Sample Cars2Charities

The person(s) named on the front of the Illinois title must follow these steps:

  1. Sign the front of the title where it reads “Signature(s) of Seller(s).”
  2. Print name(s) on the front of the title where it reads “Printed Name(s) of Seller(s).”
  3. If there is a lien listed on the Illinois title, it must be released on line 2 of the title or accompanied by a separate lien release letter.

Signature Tips

The name(s) used to sign the Illinois title must exactly match the name(s) shown on the title. If you have changed your name since the title was issued, do not sign with your new name. Go ahead and sign with the name shown on the title. 

If there are two owners on the Illinois title, one or both must sign, depending on how the names appear in the title. 

 

  • Owner 1 OR Owner 2 – Only ONE owner must sign
  • Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign (unless one is deceased)
  • Owner 1 AND Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign
  • Owner 1 Owner 2 (No conjunction) – BOTH owners must sign
  • Company-Owned Vehicles: A signature of a person who can sign on behalf of the company legally. Provide a letterhead or document stating who the signing person is to the company.

Don’t worry about the Buyer line; you should leave that blank.

Need a new title?

If you need a replacement Illinois title before your car donation pickup, please visit your local Illinois Secretary of State facility.

If the title was last titled in another state, you will need to get the duplicate title from that state.

Final steps to complete my Illinois car donation.

What do I do with my license plates?

  • Keep the plates or transfer them to another vehicle.

Is there anything else I need to do?

  • Complete and mail the Seller’s Report of Sale form (attached to the bottom on the title) to the Secretary of State’s office. If the title does not contain a Seller’s Report of Sale form.