There’s not much more thrilling in life than acquiring a new set of wheels. To make the transition official, there are a few things you need to do as the car’s new owner, and registering it with your local government is one of them. To do so you need a complete certificate of title for the vehicle, a legal form that comes as part of the purchase. It establishes that you are the legal owner, and you’ll want to hold onto that so you can register the vehicle as well as to show that you own the car when necessary.
What’s on the Vehicle’s Certificate of Title?
A certificate of title usually comes from the state where you buy the car. If you’re making the purchase through a private seller, be sure you receive this important document. In Illinois, it includes the VIN (vehicle identification number), which is a code assigned to all motor vehicles when they’re manufactured. The purpose of this code is to identify your specific vehicle – for instance, if the model gets recalled or to help police track it down in case of an auto theft.
Titles vary by state. They usually include a few other identifying details:
Date issued
Purchase date
Make
Model
Color
Importantly, it also includes the new owner’s signature to indicate the official transfer of ownership. In some cases, a title may need to be signed off by the lien holder or have a separate lien release letter. The title should be kept in a safe place, to be provided to the next owner if you decide to sell.
CFSC Auto Services Handles Auto Title Registrations & Transfers
If you have just purchased a used car, boat, motorcycle, or RV, you’re going to need to transfer the title and register your vehicle. This is where CFSC Auto Services supports you. In addition to providing an array of financial services, we provide various auto-related services, including title transfers. CFSC makes it easier for vehicle owners to transfer title from one owner to another without having to wait in line at the Secretary of State’s Office. With CFSC’s extended and weekend hours, you can take care of this necessary task when it is convenient for you, and you can be in and out in no time! In addition, if a title is lost, misplaced or stolen, there are options to have the lost title to your car, truck, RV, or vehicle easily replaced.
How Does Vehicle Registration Work in Illinois?
When you come by to pick up your new license plate, just let us know you also want the title transferred to your name. The steps are simple:
- Bring in your Illinois or out of state title.
- Someone will enter your details into a system that automatically gets shared with the Secretary of State facility online.
- Bring some form of payment with you.
- Leave with your new license plates.
The possible documents needed to complete this step may depend on a few different factors. With that in mind, give CFSC Auto Services a call to find out what you need to bring with you to complete your transaction and what form of payment will be accepted.
Other Auto & Financial Services at Your Local CFSC
Ready to hit the road? With dozens of storefronts throughout the Midwest, CFSC Auto Services makes renewing your plates easy. We handle all your title and registration needs under one roof, including:
- Register your new car.
- Get your new license plates.
- Get your license plate renewal sticker each year.
- Transfer plates from one vehicle to another when you sell or buy a used car.
- Handle duplicate and corrected titles.
- Transfer titles.
It’s important to keep in mind that these types of vehicle services are required by law. They can keep you from getting an expensive ticket that may end up costing you more than the service itself. Our employees can handle the paperwork, answer your questions, and you’ll rest assured knowing your registration information will be submitted to the state’s online database. The bottom line: we’ll help you get back on the road quickly with the comfort of knowing that all of the necessary legalities have been taken care of properly.
Why wait in long lines to take care of your auto needs or stress out over confusing websites? When you stop by your nearest CFSC location, we can do the work for you and also help out with your other financial services. Our flexible schedule makes it easy to swing by at your convenience. Check out CFSC Auto Services online to find out more!