State of Illinois Registration and Title History Search Question

[Thomas B.]

Having learned from my Shipping Data Report that my '63 convertible (63-09048) was shipped from the factory to ACME Chevrolet in Robinson Illinois, I submitted an Information Request Form to the State of Illinois Secretary of State's Record Inquiry Section. Required fee for this is $10.00 ($5.00 for registration history and $5.00 for title history). About a month later I received a response in the mail stating no history was available for this car and my personal check for the $10 fee was returned to me un-cashed. At this point I don't know whether the car was never titled and registered in Illinois or maybe was titled and registered there a long time ago and their records don't go back far enough. I phoned them and didn't really get a good explanation of why no history was available and how far back their records go.

Has anyone had success in getting history on their cars from Illinois SOS? If so, how complete is the info you received?

Thanks

[Tom B.]

Re: State of Illinois Registration and Title History Search Question

Thomas....they did the same thing to me when i was trying to find info on my 67 Chevelle. I dont think they want to bother because of the privacy act stuff.

[Bob D.]

Re: State of Illinois Registration and Title History Search Question

Privacy laws have put a stop to most state assistance in tracing registration history.

Bob

[Thomas B.]

Re: State of Illinois Registration and Title History Search Question

Yes, things have changed. I purchased my first corvette in 1985. Michigan Secretary of State sent me copies of all of the Michigan titles back to the original owner.

About 10 years ago I researched another corvette which I bought from an owner in Missouri. Their Sec of State sent me a report which included title numbers, issue dates and some odometer readings back to the original title issue in 1974. No names or addresses of course.

On my current corvette I've gotten good info from States of Ohio and Indiana. Enough to establish registration or title history back to 1985. No personal info of course. So I have knowledge of it being a one owner car back to 1985. One previous owner to me.

Maybe Illinois is super careful not to reveal any personal info especially to non-residents. Either that or their records don't go back far enough. Also, retrieving records on cars with a 12 digit vin may also be an issue.