Just bought a used car in Illinois? Before you hit the road, there’s still some paperwork to handle. Here’s what comes next.
Finding the right used car to buy can take enough work on its own. You need to find the right dealership or trustworthy private seller, and you need to find a car that fits your needs and budget.
Once you make the deal, though, the process isn’t over yet. Before you can drive the car legally, you need to handle insurance, ownership paperwork, registration and plates. Knowing what needs to happen next can help you get your new-to-you car on the road without unnecessary delays.
Do I Need Insurance Before Driving My Used Car in Illinois?
Before you drive your newly purchased vehicle on Illinois roads, you need to have the required liability insurance in place. Getting your policy set up before you take possession of the car can help you avoid a gap in coverage when you’re ready to drive it. If you think you may switch insurers, give yourself enough time to do research and compare your options so that you already know what plan and insurance company fits your needs the best.
Handling your insurance ahead of time makes the rest of the process go more smoothly. It’s one less thing to worry about. As soon as you make the purchase, plan to take care of your title and registration. Drivers in the Chicagoland area can rely on one of Associated Currency Exchange’s 43 locations if they want to get this paperwork done at a convenient, nearby location.
What Paperwork Do I Need After Buying a Used Car in Illinois?
Once you’ve bought a used car in Illinois, the next step is transferring the title into your name. For a private-party purchase, the seller needs to complete the assignment section of the title with the required buyer and seller information and odometer reading. Before leaving the sale, check that the vehicle information on the title matches the car you purchased and that the seller’s name matches the name on the title.
The buyer then submits the title along with the application and any other required documents. If you bought the car from a private seller, you have 20 days to put the title in your name. You’ll also need to file Form RUT-50 and pay any private-party vehicle use tax due within 30 days of the purchase.
If you bought from a dealer, the process is different; the dealer generally submits the title and registration paperwork to the Secretary of State on your behalf. Associated Currency Exchange also handles dealer-related vehicle transactions. When you visit one of our locations, plan to bring:
- Your vehicle title
- A valid photo ID
- Proof of address
- Bill of sale if you purchased the vehicle from a dealer
Forgetting to bring a document or missing signatures on the title can delay the process and keep you from getting on the road as soon as you need to. Call your local Associated Currency Exchange location if you’d like to confirm what you need to bring.
How Do I Get License Plates and Registration After Buying a Used Car?
Once you’ve transferred the title, you can take care of registration and get your license plates. You’ll need to have the required paperwork and payment ready for the transaction. Don’t plan to drive the car using the seller’s license plates; the previous owner should remove those plates before the vehicle changes hands.
At Associated Currency Exchange, many transactions can be completed with metal plates issued on the spot when all of your documents are in order. If your plates or title need to be mailed instead, you may receive a Temporary Registration Permit so you can legally drive while you wait. Most titles and license plates arrive within 6 to 8 weeks.
Ready to Get Your Used Car on the Road?
Even when you’ve technically purchased your car, the transaction isn’t truly complete until you’ve dealt with the paperwork involving ownership, insurance, and registration. Keeping on top of what you need to complete this process will help you get through the process more quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Illinois drivers can depend on Associated Currency Exchange to get help with title transfers, registration, and plates. Find a location near you, or reach out if you have any questions about what you need to prepare for your transaction.
