Title Check: what a Illinois car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Illinois
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage | Examples of salvage-certificate triggers include these cases; other rules and exceptions can apply: The insurer paid a total loss and kept the car (625 ILCS 5/3-117.1(b)(1)), or a dealer, rebuilder or repairer applied for title knowing damage exceeded 50% of the car's fair market value without that damage (3-117.1(b)(6)). With a salvage certificate the car cannot be driven or registered; it may only go to inspection. | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price, knowing it still needs inspection and a REBUILT title. |
| Rebuilt | It was salvage, was repaired, passed the Secretary of State Police inspection ($94; Secretary of State, SOS DOP 102.18) and the new title carries the notation "REBUILT" (625 ILCS 5/3-118.1). The rebuilder had to file invoices for every essential part. | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask for parts invoices and damage photos. Note: a REBUILT car is excluded from the dealer's 15-day/500-mile powertrain warranty. |
| Flood | Car submerged until water rose over the door sill and entered the cabin or trunk (625 ILCS 5/3-117.1(b)(5)). It is salvage only if repairs exceed 50% of the fair market value without that damage (625 ILCS 5/3-117.1(b)(5)); below that 50% the car is not salvage, but the title still carries the word "flood" and keeps carrying it on later titles. After a declared disaster, the state brands NICB-listed cars "flood" (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.195). | For most buyers: no. Water destroys wiring and modules over time. If you still consider it, a full electrical inspection. |
| Junk · Junking Certificate | A vehicle beyond repair: the owner must surrender the title within 15 days for a Junking Certificate (625 ILCS 5/3-117.1(a)). The state never again issues a title or salvage certificate for that VIN (3-117.2). Knowingly buying or selling the title of a junk or salvage car is a Class 3 felony (3-116(c)). | Never as a road car. If someone offers it with a plate or a "normal" title, it is illegal. |
The law protects you, if you use it
Illinois has no stand-alone law requiring written disclosure of brands or prior use; the brand sits on the title itself (REBUILT, flood, salvage) and hiding it or altering the title falls under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505) and the Vehicle Code (3-116(c)). Read the title before paying and look for the notation. A dealer also cannot give the Section 2L powertrain warranty on a rebuilt or flood car, so if they offer it and the title carries the brand, something is off.
How to review the title and available history
- Title and Registration Status Inquiry: check the service coverage, costs and access requirements; not every service displays title-brand history.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- SB1545 (102nd GA, enacted as P.A. 102-0319) — amendments to 625 ILCS 5/3-117.1 salvage and junk certificates
- Bill status SB1545 — P.A. 102-0319, effective 1-1-2022
- 625 ILCS 5/3-118.1 — REBUILT notation on title
- 625 ILCS 5/3-116 — Issuance of new certificate; Class 3 felony for junk/salvage title trafficking
- 625 ILCS 5/3-117.2 — Junk vehicle notification; no new title
- 625 ILCS 5/3-308 — Inspection of rebuilt vehicles
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1020.80 — Salvage vehicle inspections, $75 fee, required documents
- 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1010.195 — Flood brand after declared disasters
- 625 ILCS 5/3-117.1 — Current ILCS text: when junking or salvage certificates must be obtained (50% flood and dealer thresholds, 70% self-insured threshold)
- Official reference — ilsos.gov
- ILSOS — Title and Registration Status Inquiry
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.