What Do I Need to Sign My Vehicle TOD Designation in Illinois?

Yes, notarization is required for a vehicle tod to be valid in Illinois.625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)Verified Jul 14, 2026

Illinois has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but vehicle TOD designations are specifically excluded.625 ILCS 5/3-104(a-5), 3-107(b-5)Verified Jul 14, 2026 In-person notarization is required.

To execute a vehicle tod in Illinois: Complete Beneficiary Affidavit (VSD 773) from the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department. Sign the designation before a notary. Surrender the existing certificate of title so a new title can be issued in beneficiary form. Owner signs the titling form before a notary, then files it with the titling authority

A vehicle TOD designation lives on the vehicle's title, so it follows the state where the vehicle is titled, not where you signed anything. To make the designation effective for a Illinois-titled vehicle, it has to be on a title issued by Illinois under Illinois's rules. If you move and retitle the vehicle in another state, you re-make the designation under that state's titling process. See the document portability tool for the full breakdown.