How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Illinois.
Dealer-focused reference for Illinois duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Illinois Secretary of State – Vehicle Services.
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $95Temp tag: 90 daysDealer title deadline: 20 days
Temporary tags in Illinois are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Dealer-issued transit plates valid 90 days (new vehicles); used vehicle transit permits vary
Dealers in Illinois must submit title paperwork within 20 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Illinois's window is 20 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Illinois state quirk
Illinois has one of the highest duplicate title fees in the country at $95. Dealers must submit title paperwork within 20 days of sale. Illinois also requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles being titled for the first time.