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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Kankakee, IL

Transferring a real estate title in Kankakee, Illinois, is a legally important step whenever property ownership changes. Whether you're selling your home, gifting property to a family member, transferring it into a trust, or handling an estate, the deed must be properly executed and recorded with the county to make the transaction valid under Illinois law.

This detailed guide walks you through transferring a real estate title in Kankakee, including required documents, local county rules, taxes, and helpful links to ensure everything is done accurately and efficiently.

What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the legal act of transferring property ownership from one person or entity (the grantor) to another (the grantee) using a signed and notarized document known as a deed. The deed must then be recorded with the Kankakee County Recorder’s Office.

Once recorded, the new owner becomes the legally recognized title holder and appears in public property records.

Common Scenarios That Require a Title Transfer:

• Sale of residential or commercial property

• Gifting property to a spouse, child, or relative

• Divorce-related property division

• Transferring real estate into a trust or LLC

• Inheriting property through a will or estate

If the deed is not correctly executed and recorded, the transfer may be invalid, and the new owner could face legal or financial complications.

Why Is a Title Transfer Important?

Recording the real estate title transfer is essential because:

• It establishes legal ownership in public records.

• The grantee becomes responsible for property taxes and other obligations.

• The grantee can obtain title insurance, mortgages, or homeowner’s insurance.

• It prevents future disputes, fraud, or unclear title claims.

• It ensures compliance with state and county laws.

Failing to record the title transfer correctly can result in issues that affect resale, refinancing, or even inheritance down the road.

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

Step 1: Determine the Type of Title Transfer

Start by identifying the purpose of the transfer. Your reason for transferring the property will affect what kind of deed you use and whether taxes are due.

Common transfer types:

• Sale to a third-party buyer

• Gift to a family member or friend

• Transfer to a spouse or ex-spouse due to marriage or divorce

• Inheritance or estate distribution

• Transfer to a trust, business, or LLC

Each of these scenarios may qualify for different tax treatments or documentation requirements.

Step 2: Select the Right Type of Deed

The type of deed you use depends on the level of legal protection and the nature of the transaction.

Everyday Deeds in Illinois:

• Warranty Deeds are most commonly used in sales. They guarantee the grantor has clear title and the legal right to transfer the property.

• Quitclaim Deed – Offers no warranties. Used to transfer whatever interest the grantor has. Common between family members or in divorce.

• Special Warranty Deed – Offers limited protection, covering only the grantor’s period of ownership.

• Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) – Allows property to pass automatically to a named beneficiary upon death, avoiding probate.

You may wish to consult a real estate attorney to choose the appropriate deed type based on your circumstances.

Step 3: Draft the Deed

Once you’ve selected the deed type, it must be appropriately drafted with the required legal elements. This document will serve as the official record of the title transfer.

A valid Illinois deed must include:

• Full legal names and addresses of both the grantor and grantee

• The complete legal description of the property (not just the street address)

• The Permanent Index Number (PIN) of the property (used by Kankakee County)

• The consideration amount (purchase price or stated value)

• The date of transfer

• A prepared statement with the name and address of the person preparing the deed

• A return to address (where the recorded deed will be mailed)

• The grantor’s notarized signature

You can find the legal description and PIN on a previous deed or by visiting the Kankakee County Treasurer’s property lookup tool:
https://k3county.net/treasurer

It’s best to have the deed prepared or reviewed by a title company or attorney for accuracy and legal protection.

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

In most cases, Illinois requires a PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration form to be filed along with the deed.

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

This form provides details about the transaction and is used by the state to assess transfer taxes.

Information required includes:

• Grantor and grantee names and addresses

• Property address and PIN

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

• The sale price or fair market value

• Any applicable tax exemptions

If the transaction qualifies as tax-exempt (e.g., a gift, transfer between spouses, or inheritance), you must still complete and submit the form and indicate the exemption code.

For a full list of exemption codes, 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 non-exempt transactions, calculated as follows:

• State Transfer Tax: $0.50 per $500 of the property's sale price or consideration

• County Transfer Tax: As of 2024, Kankakee County does not impose a separate county-level transfer tax

• Municipal Transfer Tax: The City of Kankakee does not impose a municipal real estate transfer tax, but you should confirm with the City Clerk’s Office before filing.

Exemptions may apply to:

• Spousal transfers

• Inheritances

• Gifts to family members

• Transfers into trusts

Even if exempt, you must declare the exemption and file the PTAX-203 with the appropriate exemption code.

Step 6: Verify Property Taxes and Municipal Balances Are Paid

Before recording your deed, confirm that all property taxes and local fees are up to date.

To check property taxes, use the Kankakee County Treasurer’s website:
https://k3county.net/treasurer

Unpaid property taxes or municipal liens may delay the title transfer or cause the new owner to inherit debts tied to the property.

You may also contact the City of Kankakee Utility Billing Department to ensure there are no unpaid water or sewer balances.

Step 7: Record the Deed with the Kankakee County Recorder

Once the deed is signed and notarized and the PTAX-203 is completed, you must record the deed with the Kankakee County Recorder’s Office to make the transfer official.

Kankakee County Recorder’s Office
189 E. Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: (815) 937-2980
Website: https://k3county.net/recorder

Recording Options:

• In-person

• By mail

• E-Recording (through approved third-party vendors like Simplifile)

Fees:

• $60 for the first four pages of most standard deeds

• $1 per additional page

• Additional fees may apply for extra attachments or certification

After the deed is recorded, a stamped copy will be returned to the “return to” address listed on the deed.

Step 8: Notify All Relevant Parties

Once the deed is officially recorded, notify all necessary parties to complete the transition:

• Mortgage lender (if any liens or financing are involved)

• Homeowner’s insurance provider

• Title insurance company

• Kankakee County Assessor’s Office to update property ownership and mailing address for tax bills

• City of Kankakee (if applicable) for utility billing

Title Transfers Due to Inheritance or Probate

If you’ve inherited property in Kankakee, you may need to transfer title through probate unless:

• A Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) was recorded before the death

• The property was held in a living trust

If neither of those applies, the estate may need to go through probate court, where a judge will approve the transfer of the property title.

More information:
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

The executor or administrator will then record a deed transferring the property to the rightful heir(s).

Title Transfers in Divorce Situations

If the property is awarded to one spouse through a divorce judgment, a Quitclaim Deed must still be executed and recorded to update public records and remove the other spouse from the title.

Both the deed and PTAX-203 form must be submitted. The former should indicate the exemption from transfer tax due to the divorce.

A family law attorney can assist in coordinating this process correctly.

How Long Does the Title Transfer Take?

If all documents are in order, a standard title transfer in Kankakee can be completed in 5 to 10 business days. Delays may occur if:

• Property taxes are delinquent

• The deed has errors or omissions

• Probate or legal issues are involved

Have the documents reviewed by an attorney or title company to avoid issues.

Estimated Costs for Title Transfers in Kankakee

• Deed preparation: $150–$500 (attorney or title company)

• Recording fee: ~$60 (for a typical deed)

• Transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value (unless exempt)

• PTAX-203: Free, but required

• Title search or insurance: Optional; varies

You may also incur attorney’s fees if legal assistance is needed for probate or dispute resolution.

Helpful Links and Resources for Kankakee Property Owners

• Kankakee County Recorder:
  https://k3county.net/recorder

• Kankakee County Treasurer (tax lookup and payment):
  https://k3county.net/treasurer

• Kankakee County Assessor:
  https://k3county.net/assessor

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

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

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

• City of Kankakee Utilities and Contact Info:
  https://citykankakee-il.gov

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in Kankakee, IL, is a detailed legal process that requires attention to documents, deadlines, and state and county procedures. Whether you're handling a property sale, inheritance, divorce, or family transfer, the deed must be properly drafted, the PTAX-203 completed, and the transaction recorded with the Kankakee County Recorder to become official.

For complicated scenarios—such as those involving trusts, estates, or multiple parties—it’s wise to consult with a real estate attorney or title company to ensure everything is filed correctly and in a timely manner.