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

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.625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department using Beneficiary Affidavit (Form VSD 773). The designation must be notarized.625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

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.Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source The VSD 773 Beneficiary Affidavit is a notarized paper 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; cash is not accepted for mailed transactions. The Secretary of State's Electronic Registration and Title (ERT/PERT) system is open to individuals, but it only lets you complete and print the title application (VSD 190) — the printed application, the notarized VSD 773 and payment must still be delivered by mail or in person, so there is no online filing path for the designation.

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..625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

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., An Affidavit of Correction (VSD 393), item number 6, if the beneficiary name on the decedent's title is not identical to the name on the beneficiary's own paperwork.. 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.