There were times when horse carriages made a statement. Nowadays, cars are all the rage. And from the looks of it, the cars are going to be here forever. Chicagoans are crazy like everyone else in America. Driving a car provides a great adrenaline rush. The City of Big Shoulders is best explored in a comfortable car.

Wouldn’t you like to cruise the streets of the Windy City in the car of your dreams? When it comes to buying your favorite car, do you suffer from a perfect case of ambivalence? Do you love cars but hate the car buying process? If so, you’re not alone, many Chicagoans feel the same way. There are so many things to do. You need to arrange financing, and then you need to find the perfect car. It doesn’t go through here. There’s the car registration, the car title, and the process of getting the parking permit sticker. All these processes have made you sit on the fence for a long time, not anymore. Here is an article that will prepare you for the grueling task ahead. Buckle up because we are in the fast lane understanding all the documents required in Chicago to buy the car of your dreams.

Various documents are required to bring your favorite car home. When you live in the City that Works, you’re constantly on the go. Therefore, you need to be prepared all the time. Here is your checklist for buying a car in Chicago.

Lenders are ready for the loan, let’s prepare you for the documents

No car dream is fulfilled without a car loan. With the rising cost of automobiles, auto financing has become unavoidable. You can get a car loan in Chicago for almost any situation, bad or worse. Chicago is a big city and offers many options for affordable auto loans.

Bad credit and no credit auto loans are easier when you have what lenders demand. You can also take advantage of auto loans with no down payment or difficult loans without a cosigner. Yes, each and every loan is possible when you have all the documents ready.

1. Proof of income

Almost all Chicago lenders require a minimum income of $1,000. They want to ensure their ability to make regular monthly payments. And therefore, you must submit your pay stubs as proof of income. If you have your own business, please provide your IT Returns.

You must also mention other additional income such as rental property income, alimony, alimony, social security income, etc.

2. Banking/credit history

Lenders will ask for personal information such as your full name and SSN. This will allow them to obtain your credit report. Your credit history will determine your credit worthiness.

In addition, lenders will require your bank history to understand your banking transactions and calculate your debt-to-income ratio. They don’t want to lend money to someone who is risky. Therefore, be prepared with copies of your bank statements, lease agreements, and mortgage contracts.

3. Proof of residence

Your lender must know where you live so they know where to contact you. Your proof of residency can be anything from a driver’s license to a utility bill or even your monthly rent.

4. Vehicle information

Lenders want to be sure that you are buying a car and nothing else. Therefore, they will require a bill of sale/agreement of sale. Also, the purchase price must be clearly listed with the VIN, make, model, condition of the vehicle, and mileage.

Also, the lender will request a copy of the car title just to make sure there are any outstanding ties. If you are buying a used car, you will need a copy of the Odometer Statement.

5. Proof of insurance

Lenders use because as collateral and they want to be insured all the time. Therefore, they will apply for comprehensive insurance coverage. However, you may negotiate and purchase insurance only as required by Illinois compulsory insurance law.

No driving before registering

Documents and paperwork will not leave you even after availing the auto loan. Instead, the real work begins now. He must register his car with the Secretary of State’s office. Now, he can mail all the documents to the main office in Springfield or go to his local SOS office and do his work. Here are the addresses of their local offices:

chicago office

17 N. State St.

room 1100

Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 793-1010.

Downtown Chicago (0.4 miles)

100 W. Randolph

Chicago, IL 60601

West Chicago (6.5 miles)

5301 West Lexington St.

Chicago, IL 60644

North Chicago (9.5 miles)

5401 N. Elston Ave.

Chicago, IL 60630

South Chicago (11.3 miles)

9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Chicago, IL 60628

Lombardy (19.3 mi)

837 S Westmore B27

Lombard, IL 60148

Naperville (29 miles)

931 West 75th Street, Ste. 161

Naperville, IL 60565

Documents to register the car of your dreams

Here is the list of documents required to register your dream car with the City that Works.

Vehicle Transaction Request (VSD 190) – This is the application to transfer the title and register the car in your name.

car title – Have the car title ready and make sure there are no outstanding bonds.

Form RUT-50 – Complete this form if you purchased your car from an individual (it does not matter if it is an in-state or out-of-state purchase).

Tax Form RUT-25 – Use this form if you are buying a car out of state.

ST-556 – This form is the most common because it is used when you buy your car from an Illinois dealer.

Plus, since Chicago belongs to Cook and DuPage counties, you’ll have to be smog tested compulsively. Also, pay the required use tax.

Stickers for your car

The City of Chicago requires that you obtain a vehicle decal within 30 days from the date of the vehicle. You must have a valid bill of sale/car title to get the decal.

If you park your car in the residential parking permit zone, you will also need to purchase an annual residential parking permit. For this, you must provide your photo ID and proof of residence.

Once you are done with all the legal documents, you are free to drive your perfect car. All this paperwork can be a bit cumbersome, but it ensures safe driving without penalties.

So now that you’re ready for the documents, get ready to drive your car through the streets of Chicago.

My best wishes!