Car Title After Death of Owner in Illinois
Transferring a vehicle title after the owner dies in Illinois depends on how the title was structured and whether the estate qualifies for probate alternatives. Here is what to expect.
Illinois allows a small estate affidavit for personal property estates under $10...
Affidavit option available
Three Transfer Paths in Illinois
Illinois "OR" co-owner titles allow the surviving owner to re-title at the Secretary of State facility using the original title and a certified death certificate. Submit VSD 190 naming only the surviving owner.
Illinois joint tenancy with right of survivorship must be established while both owners are alive. "OR" on an Illinois vehicle title does create survivorship rights in most cases — but consult an Illinois estate attorney for complex situations.
Illinois small estate affidavit (notarized, 30 days after death, estate under $100,000 personal property) allows vehicle transfer without probate at the Secretary of State. Bring the notarized affidavit, death certificate, and VSD 190.
Illinois small estate affidavit process (under $100,000 personal property) avoids full probate for many vehicle transfers. The 30-day waiting period is mandatory.
Required Documents in Illinois
- 1Original Illinois vehicle title
- 2Certified copy of death certificate
- 3Notarized small estate affidavit (if using that process)
- 4VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application)
- 5Valid Illinois ID for new owner
- 6Payment for title fee
Illinois's $150 title fee applies even for death-related transfers. Budget accordingly. The small estate affidavit route (30-day wait, under $100,000) is the most practical option for most Illinois vehicle inheritance situations. For complex estates, consult an Illinois estate attorney.
Illinois charges $150 for the new title. Estate transfers are generally exempt from Illinois use tax under family exemption rules.
Illinois Car Title After Death FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after the owner dies in Illinois?
In Illinois, the process depends on how the vehicle was titled. Illinois "OR" co-owner titles allow the surviving owner to re-title at the Secretary of State facility using the original title and a certified death certificate. Submit VSD 190 naming only the surviving owner. For sole-owner estates: Illinois small estate affidavit (notarized, 30 days after death, estate under $100,000 personal property) allows vehicle transfer without probate at the Secretary of State. Bring the notarized affidavit, death certificate, and VSD 190.
Do I need probate to transfer a car title after death in Illinois?
Not necessarily. Illinois small estate affidavit process (under $100,000 personal property) avoids full probate for many vehicle transfers. The 30-day waiting period is mandatory.
What is the small estate threshold in Illinois for vehicle transfers?
$100,000 (small estate affidavit). Illinois allows a small estate affidavit for personal property estates under $100,000 where 30 days have passed since the death. The affidavit must be notarized and presented to the Secretary of State for vehicle title transfer.
Can I transfer a car title without probate in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois small estate affidavit (notarized, 30 days after death, estate under $100,000 personal property) allows vehicle transfer without probate at the Secretary of State. Bring the notarized affidavit, death certificate, and VSD 190.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title after death in Illinois?
Required: Original Illinois vehicle title; Certified copy of death certificate; Notarized small estate affidavit (if using that process); VSD 190 (Vehicle Transaction Application); Valid Illinois ID for new owner; Payment for title fee.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title after death in Illinois?
$150. Illinois charges $150 for the new title. Estate transfers are generally exempt from Illinois use tax under family exemption rules.