Does Illinois allow a transfer-on-death designation on a vehicle title?

Yes. Illinois allows a beneficiary designation on a vehicle title under 625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5). It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Illinois?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

State where the vehicle is titled

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Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Illinois allows a beneficiary designation on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Illinois allows a beneficiary designation on motor vehicle. Limited to vehicles for which an Illinois certificate of title is issued (625 ILCS 5/3-104, 3-107). The statute does not separately enumerate watercraft or trailers.

Add the designation through the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department using Beneficiary Affidavit (Form VSD 773). The designation must be notarized.

You file the completed designation with the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department by mail to Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756 or in person. The VSD 773 Beneficiary Affidavit is a notarized title transaction: file by mail to the Vehicle Services Department in Springfield, or in person at any Secretary of State facility. Payment by check or money order. There is no consumer online filing path.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Illinois: During the owner's lifetime, submit a Beneficiary Affidavit (VSD 773) to the Secretary of State selecting "Removing Beneficiary" or "Changing Beneficiary"; a corrected certificate of title is issued..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department by submitting: Completed Beneficiary Claim Form (VSD 774), in which the named Transfer on Death beneficiary certifies the deceased owner's name and date of death and the vehicle, signed under oath., Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190), with the applicable title fee and any additional registration fee if plates are requested., A copy of the certified death certificate for the owner shown on the Illinois title., The Illinois certificate of title, if available (check the box on VSD 774 if unable to surrender the current title)., Documentation that the vehicle was last titled in Illinois showing the owner and TOD beneficiary (the title or an Illinois SOS title screen print)., The appropriate Illinois Department of Revenue tax form and check, if applicable.. A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in Illinois

Illinois allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title: Yes. It names someone to receive the vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime — you can sell the vehicle, or change or cancel the designation, at any time.

In Illinois, the designation is made through the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department using Beneficiary Affidavit (Form VSD 773). It must be notarized before submission. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

In Illinois, the designation covers motor vehicle. Limited to vehicles for which an Illinois certificate of title is issued (625 ILCS 5/3-104, 3-107). The statute does not separately enumerate watercraft or trailers.

A vehicle TOD designation covers only the vehicle on the title — not your home, accounts, or other property. A revocable living trust covers all of your assets in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. Compare the approaches with the trust vs. will tool.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)

Data sourced from Illinois statutes and official state code. How we research.

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