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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Glen Ellyn, IL

Transferring a real estate title in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is a key legal step in officially recognizing a change in property ownership. Whether selling a home, gifting it to a family member, transferring it as part of a divorce or estate settlement, or placing the property in a trust, the process must comply with Illinois real estate laws and DuPage County recording procedures.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of transferring a real estate title in Glen Ellyn, IL. It includes form requirements, legal documentation, filing procedures, transfer tax information, and official links for further assistance. By following the proper steps, you can ensure a smooth, valid title transfer that protects all parties involved.

What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the legal process of changing ownership of a property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). This is accomplished through a legal document known as a deed, which is signed by the current owner and recorded with the DuPage County Recorder’s Office.

Once the deed is recorded correctly, the new owner becomes the official legal owner and is listed in the public land records. Title transfers are essential in many situations:

• Selling a home

• Gifting property to a family member

• Divorce-related asset distribution

• Inheritance or estate settlement

• Transferring property into a trust or business entity

Why Properly Transferring Title Matters

Transferring the title legally ensures:

• The grantee is recognized as the lawful property owner

• Property taxes are assigned to the correct individual

• The new owner can sell, refinance, or lease the property

• A clear chain of title is maintained

• Disputes over ownership are avoided

If the title transfer is not completed correctly, the grantee may have trouble proving ownership, securing insurance, or reselling the property in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Real Estate Title in Glen Ellyn, IL

Step 1: Determine the Reason for the Title Transfer

Understanding the nature of the transaction helps you determine the appropriate paperwork, deed type, and whether transfer taxes apply.

Common title transfer scenarios:

• Sale of property to a third-party buyer

• Gift to a spouse, child, or other family member

• Divorce-related transfer from one spouse to another

• Inheritance or distribution of property through a will or trust

• Moving property into a trust or LLC

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Deed

In Illinois, multiple types of deeds are recognized. The correct deed depends on the reason for the transfer and the level of legal protection being offered.

1. Warranty Deed

Used in real estate sales. Provides the grantee with full protection and guarantees that the grantor holds clear title and will defend against future claims.

2. Quitclaim Deed

Offers no warranties. Used to transfer whatever interest the grantor has in the property. It is commonly used between family members, in divorce settlements, or to correct title defects.

3. Special Warranty Deed

Provides limited protection. Guarantees that the property was free of title issues only during the grantor’s period of ownership.

4. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

Allows a property to pass automatically to a named beneficiary upon the owner’s death, avoiding probate.

Consider consulting with a real estate attorney or title company for any deed type to ensure legal compliance.

Step 3: Draft the Deed

The deed must meet all formatting and legal standards required in Illinois and DuPage County. A valid deed must include:

• Full legal names and addresses of the grantor and grantee

• The complete legal description of the property

• The Property Index Number (PIN) from the DuPage County Assessor

• The consideration amount (sale price or stated value)

• The date of transfer

• A “Prepared by” section (name and address of the person drafting the deed)

• A “Return to” section (where the recorded deed should be mailed)

• The grantor’s signature witnessed and notarized

To obtain the legal description or PIN, visit:
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/PropertyInfo/PropertyLookup/

Accuracy is essential. An improperly drafted deed may be rejected or cause future legal issues.

Step 4: Complete the Illinois PTAX-203 Transfer Declaration Form

All title transfers in Illinois (even gifts and exempt transfers) require the PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration form.

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

Information required:

• Property address and PIN

• Names of grantor and grantee

• Property use (residential, commercial, rental)

• Transfer reason (sale, gift, trust, inheritance, etc.)

• The sale price or fair market value

• Transfer exemption codes (if applicable)

You must indicate if the transfer is taxable or qualifies for an exemption. For exemption codes and requirements, visit:
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

Step 5: Pay Transfer Taxes (If Applicable)

Illinois imposes a real estate transfer tax on most property transactions. Some transfers (such as gifts, divorces, or inheritances) may be exempt.

Current Transfer Tax Rates:

• State of Illinois: $0.50 per $500 of consideration

• DuPage County: No additional county-level transfer tax

• Village of Glen Ellyn: As of 2024, Glen Ellyn does not impose a municipal transfer tax. Check with the Village Clerk to confirm.

Village of Glen Ellyn Contact:
https://www.glenellyn.org

Taxes are typically paid by the seller (grantor) at the time of recording and applied to the deed in the form of revenue stamps.

Step 6: Confirm Property Taxes and Local Balances Are Paid

Before recording the deed, check that:

• Property taxes are current

• No outstanding municipal balances or liens exist

• All utility bills (water, sewer, garbage) are paid

Check your property tax status with the DuPage County Treasurer:
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/ElectedOfficials/Treasurer/

For utility balances, contact the Glen Ellyn Finance Department or Village Hall.

Step 7: Record the Deed with the DuPage County Recorder

The deed and PTAX-203 form must be recorded to finalize the transfer with the DuPage County Recorder’s Office.

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

How to Record Your Deed:

• In person at the Recorder’s Office

• By mail with all required forms and fees

• Electronically (e-recording available via title companies or approved vendors)

Required documents:

• Original, notarized deed

• Completed PTAX-203

• Payment for recording and transfer tax (if applicable)

Recording Fees:
Fees typically range from $60 to $100, depending on document length and type.

After recording, a stamped and recorded copy of the deed will be returned to the address listed in the "Return to" section.

Step 8: Notify Relevant Parties

Once the deed has been recorded, the following entities should be notified to ensure a smooth transition:

• Mortgage lender (if the property is financed)

• Homeowner’s insurance company

• Title insurance company

• DuPage County Assessor’s Office (to update ownership and tax billing)

• Village of Glen Ellyn (for water/sewer accounts and local billing)

Keeping records updated helps avoid missed payments, coverage lapses, or service disruptions.

Special Situations in Glen Ellyn Real Estate Title Transfers

Inheritance and Estate Transfers

If the property owner is deceased, the title may transfer in the following ways:

1. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

If a TODI was recorded, the named beneficiary must file an affidavit and death certificate to record ownership.

2. Trust Transfer

If the property was held in a living trust, the successor trustee can transfer ownership by recording a deed with the trust document.

3. Probate

If no TODI or trust exists, the property must go through probate. The court will appoint an executor or administrator to handle the transfer.

Learn more about probate:
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

Divorce-Related Transfers

Even if a divorce judgment awards property to one spouse, a Quitclaim Deed must be recorded to reflect the new ownership legally. Both the deed and PTAX-203 form must be filed and typically indicate the exemption reason for avoiding transfer tax.

How Long Does a Title Transfer Take?

In most cases, a title transfer in Glen Ellyn can be completed within 5 to 10 business days if:

• All documents are correct and signed

• Taxes are paid

• No legal issues exist

The process may take several weeks or longer if probate or legal complications are involved.

Typical Costs for a Title Transfer in Glen Ellyn

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

• Recording fees: $60–$100

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

• PTAX-203 form: Free to download and file

• Legal/probate fees (if applicable): Varies

Helpful Resources for Glen Ellyn Homeowners

• Village of Glen Ellyn:
  https://www.glenellyn.org

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

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

• DuPage County Treasurer (Tax Payments):
  https://www.dupagecounty.gov/ElectedOfficials/Treasurer/

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in Glen Ellyn, IL, requires attention to legal detail and compliance with state and county regulations. Whether you're transferring a home due to a sale, gift, divorce, or estate planning event, it’s essential to draft the correct deed, complete the PTAX-203 form, and record the documents with the DuPage County Recorder.

For complex cases, such as those involving probate or trusts, it’s best to work with a qualified real estate attorney or title company to ensure the process is smooth and legally sound.