Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Illinois

Through the Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department. If the estate is probated: a certified copy of the letters, the decedent's title assigned by the representative, a title application signed by the transferee, the $3 title fee, registration fees and proof of vehicle use tax compliance or exemption. Without probate: a Small Estate Affidavit describing the vehicle (year, make, VIN) with a copy of the death certificate (and a certified copy of the will if there was one), or an Attorney's Affidavit on letterhead with the death certificate, plus the surrendered title, application and fees. A surviving joint tenant submits the death certificate and original title for a corrected title. A beneficiary named on the title applies for title after the owner's death.