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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Clarendon Hills, IL

Transferring a real estate title in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, is a legal process that must be completed whenever property ownership changes hands. Whether selling a home, gifting it to a family member, placing it into a trust, distributing property through inheritance, or transferring it due to divorce, you must adequately document and record the title transfer in compliance with Illinois law and DuPage County regulations.

This guide explains how to transfer a real estate title in Clarendon Hills, IL. You’ll learn how to prepare the necessary documents, pay applicable taxes, and ensure the transfer is legal and recorded correctly. We’ll also include helpful resources and links to help you navigate the process smoothly.

What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the legal process of changing the ownership of a property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). This change is documented using a legal instrument called a deed. The deed must be signed, notarized, and recorded to finalize the transaction with the DuPage County Recorder of Deeds.

Transferring a real estate title ensures the new owner is legally recognized in the public record and can use, sell, mortgage, or lease the property as they see fit.

When Do You Need to Transfer a Real Estate Title?

A title transfer is required in a variety of situations, including:

• Sale of a home or other real estate

• Gifting property to a relative

• Divorce or legal separation

• Transfer to or from a trust

• Inheritance due to death

• Business transfers involving an LLC or corporation

• Estate planning transactions

Regardless of the reason, transferring ownership follows a similar legal path and requires attention to detail to avoid future issues.

Why Recording a Title Transfer Is So Important

Recording a title transfer protects the new owner and ensures legal clarity. Here’s why it matters:

• Confirms legal ownership in public records

• Allows for property tax billing updates

• Enables refinancing, resale, or insurance under the new owner’s name

• Establishes a clean chain of title

• Reduces the risk of ownership disputes or title fraud

Without a properly recorded deed, the new owner may face legal complications or delays when attempting to assert their rights to the property.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Clarendon Hills, IL

Step 1: Determine the Reason for the Transfer

Knowing why you’re transferring the title will help determine the type of deed you need and whether you qualify for a transfer tax exemption.

Common reasons for a transfer include:

• Real estate sale

• Gift to a child or spouse

• Transfer after marriage or divorce

• Inheritance through probate or a trust

• Estate planning (placing property in a trust or recording a Transfer on Death Instrument)

Step 2: Choose the Correct Type of Deed

Several types of deeds are used in Illinois real estate transfers. The type you choose depends on the transfer's nature and the desired legal protection.

General Warranty Deed

• Common in real estate sales

• Offers the most legal protection to the buyer

• Guarantees that the grantor owns the property and there are no undisclosed liens or claims

Quitclaim Deed

• Offers no warranties or guarantees

• Transfers only whatever interest the grantor has

• It is commonly used between family members, divorcing spouses, or in estate transfers.

Special Warranty Deed

• Provides limited warranties, covering only the grantor’s period of ownership

• Typically used in commercial transactions

Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

• Allows property to transfer automatically to a named beneficiary after the owner’s death

• Avoids probate

• Must be recorded before the owner dies

If you're unsure which deed is right for your situation, it’s best to consult a real estate attorney or a title company.

Step 3: Prepare the Deed

After selecting the correct type of deed, the document must be properly drafted and formatted to be legally accepted by DuPage County.

A valid deed in Illinois must include:

• The full legal names and addresses of the grantor and grantee

• The property’s legal description (as it appears on a previous deed)

• The Parcel Identification Number (PIN) from the DuPage County Assessor

• The consideration amount (e.g., sale price or gift value)

• The “Prepared by” section with the name and address of the person drafting the deed

• The “Return to” section with the address where the recorded deed should be mailed

• The grantor’s signature was witnessed and notarized

To locate the property’s legal description and PIN, visit the DuPage County Assessor’s site: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/PropertyInfo/PropertyLookup

Make sure every element of the deed is accurate and complete. Mistakes or omissions can delay the recording process or create legal issues later.

Step 4: Complete the Illinois PTAX-203 Transfer Declaration

Most Illinois real estate title transfers require the PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration. This form provides information about the nature of the transfer to the Illinois Department of Revenue and DuPage County.

Download the PTAX-203 here: https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/forms/realestate/Documents/PTAX-203.pdf

You’ll need to provide:

• Grantor and grantee names and addresses

• Property Location and PIN

• Type of transfer (sale, gift, trust, inheritance, etc.)

• The sale price or fair market value

• Property use (residential, rental, vacant, etc.)

• Any applicable transfer tax exemptions and their codes

Exemption codes and instructions can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

Even if you qualify for an exemption, you must still submit the form when recording the deed.

Step 5: Pay Any Required Transfer Taxes

Illinois imposes a real estate transfer tax unless the transfer is exempt.

Transfer Tax Rates

• Illinois State Tax: $0.50 per $500 of the sale price or fair market value

• DuPage County: No additional county transfer tax

• Clarendon Hills: As of 2024, the Village of Clarendon Hills does not levy a local real estate transfer tax. However, always confirm with the Village Clerk’s Office.

Village of Clarendon Hills Website: https://www.clarendonhills.us

Transfer taxes are paid at the recording time by purchasing revenue stamps, which are affixed to the deed by the Recorder’s Office.

Step 6: Ensure All Property Taxes and Balances Are Current

Before recording, verify that:

• Property taxes are current and paid

• There are no unpaid municipal liens or violations

• Utility bills (such as water or sewer) are paid in full

You can check tax payment status through the DuPage County Treasurer: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/ElectedOfficials/Treasurer

Contact the Village of Clarendon Hills Finance Department for utility or billing questions.

Step 7: Record the Deed with the DuPage County Recorder

To finalize the title transfer, you must record the deed with the DuPage County Recorder of Deeds.

DuPage County Recorder 421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187 Phone: (630) 407-5400 Website: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/Recorder

How to Record:

• In person at the Recorder’s Office

• By mail, including all documents and a check

• Electronically through a title company or e-recording vendor

Documents needed:

• Original, signed, and notarized deed

• Completed PTAX-203 form

• Payment for transfer tax (if applicable)

• Payment for recording fees

Typical Recording Fees: Approximately $60 to $100, depending on the number of pages and attachments.

After recording, the Recorder’s Office will mail the deed to the address in the “Return to” section.

Step 8: Notify All Relevant Parties

After the deed is recorded, notify all necessary parties so ownership records and services are updated:

• Mortgage lender (if the property is financed)

• Homeowner’s insurance provider

• DuPage County Assessor’s Office (for tax billing updates)

• Village of Clarendon Hills (for utilities and billing services)

• Title insurance company (if applicable)

This step helps avoid billing issues, insurance lapses, and confusion over ownership.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring a Title

Mistakes during a title transfer can lead to costly delays or legal problems. Be sure to avoid the following:

• Using the wrong type of deed for your situation

• Leaving out the legal description or using an outdated version

• Forgetting to sign or notarize the deed

• Failing to submit the PTAX-203 form

• Not verifying outstanding tax or utility balances

• Not recording the deed properly with the county

Double-checking every detail and working with a professional can help prevent these common pitfalls.

Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney or Title Company?

While you are not legally required to use an attorney or title company for a title transfer, doing so can make the process smoother, especially in the following situations:

• The property is being transferred through a will or trust

• There is an outstanding mortgage or lien

• Multiple heirs or parties are involved

• There are boundary or easement concerns

• You want to ensure full legal protection for both parties

An attorney can draft and review legal documents, while a title company can perform a title search and handle the recording.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer Title?

The timeline for transferring a title in Clarendon Hills typically depends on the complexity of the transaction:

• Standard sale or gift: 3 to 10 business days

• Estate or probate transfer: 2 to 6 weeks

Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or taxes are unpaid

Estimated Costs of a Real Estate Title Transfer in Clarendon Hills

• Deed preparation: $200–$500 (via attorney or title company)

• Transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value (state only)

• Recording fees: $60–$100

• PTAX-203 form: Free

• Legal/Probate fees (if applicable): Varies

Helpful Resources for Clarendon Hills Property Owners

• Village of Clarendon Hills: https://www.clarendonhills.us

• DuPage County Recorder: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/Recorder

• DuPage County Treasurer (Property Taxes): https://www.dupagecounty.gov/ElectedOfficials/Treasurer

• DuPage County Property Search: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/PropertyInfo/PropertyLookup

• Illinois PTAX-203 Form: https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/forms/realestate/Documents/PTAX-203.pdf

• Illinois Transfer Tax Exemptions: https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

• Illinois Probate Court Information: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in Clarendon Hills, IL, requires proper documentation, legal compliance, and accurate filing with the DuPage County Recorder. Whether you're transferring title due to a sale, gift, inheritance, trust, or divorce, it's essential to use the correct deed, complete the PTAX-203 form, pay applicable taxes, and follow county procedures.

Consulting a real estate attorney or working with a title company is strongly recommended for more complex cases—such as estate planning, probate, or trust administration. Taking these steps ensures a smooth transfer and helps protect your rights as a property owner or recipient.