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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Lansing, IL

Transferring a real estate title is one of the most important legal steps in any property transaction. Whether buying, selling, gifting, or inheriting property in Lansing, Illinois, the title transfer process ensures that ownership is legally and publicly recorded. Completing the transfer protects your rights and helps you avoid future disputes or legal issues.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer a real estate title in Lansing, IL, covering each step—from choosing the right deed to recording the transaction in Cook County, where Lansing is located. This guide is optimized for SEO, is user-friendly, and includes helpful resources for homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals.

Why Transferring the Title is Essential

A real estate title transfer is the official process by which property ownership moves from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). This can occur due to a sale, gift, divorce, inheritance, or placing a property in a trust.

Properly transferring the title:

• Establishes legal ownership

• Enables title insurance coverage

• Satisfies mortgage and lender requirements

• Prevents future disputes

• Ensures accurate property tax billing

In Lansing, IL, title transfers must be recorded with the Cook County Clerk’s Office, Recordings Division, to become legally binding.

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

Step 1: Identify the Type of Title Transfer

There are several common scenarios in which a title transfer is needed:

• Traditional sale of a home or commercial property

• Gifting property to a family member

• Divorce-related transfers

• Inheritance or Probate

• Trust or estate planning

Each scenario may involve a different type of deed, the legal document used to transfer ownership.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Type of Deed

Here are the most commonly used deeds in Illinois:

• Warranty Deed – Guarantees that the title is free from defects or claims. Used in traditional property sales.

• Quitclaim Deed – Transfers any interest the grantor has without warranties. Often used between family members or spouses.

• Special Warranty Deed – This guarantees the title only for the period the grantor owns the property.

• Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) – Used for estate planning to transfer ownership upon death without probate.

For most home sales in Lansing, a Warranty Deed is recommended.
For gifting or family transfers, a Quitclaim Deed is commonly used.

Step 3: Prepare the Deed

Your deed must include the following:

• Legal names of the grantor and grantee

• Complete legal description of the property (taken from the previous deed or tax bill)

• Property Index Number (PIN) for Cook County

• The consideration amount (sale price or $0 for gifts)

• The date of the transfer

• Grantor’s notarized signature

• The mailing address for the recorded deed

To find your PIN and legal description, visit:
Cook County Property Tax Portal

Consider having a real estate attorney prepare or review your deed to ensure it meets Illinois and Cook County requirements.

Step 4: Complete the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration (PTAX-203)

All property title transfers in Illinois must be accompanied by a PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration, even if no money changes hands.

Download the form here:
Illinois PTAX-203 Form (PDF)

The PTAX-203 must include:

• Seller and buyer names

• Property address and PIN

• Consideration amount

• Type and use of property

• Signatures from both parties

This form must be submitted with the deed when recording at the county office.

Step 5: Pay Transfer Taxes

Illinois State Transfer Tax:

• $0.50 per $500 of the sale price

Cook County Transfer Tax:

• $0.25 per $500 of the sale price

Village of Lansing Transfer Tax:

As of 2024, Lansing, IL, does not charge a municipal real estate transfer tax. However, it’s wise to confirm with the Village Clerk before proceeding.

Lansing Village Clerk’s Office: (708) 895-7200
Village of Lansing Official Website

More about state transfer taxes:
Illinois Department of Revenue – Transfer Tax Info

Step 6: Confirm Property Tax and Utility Bill Status

Before the title transfer is recorded, you must verify that:

• All property taxes are paid in full

• All municipal balances (water, sewer, trash) are current

Check your property tax balance:
Cook County Treasurer-Tax Lookup

For water and utility billing:
Lansing Water Billing Info

Failure to pay outstanding balances may result in a lien or rejection of the transfer.

Step 7: Record the Deed with Cook County

Once the deed is complete, signed, and notarized, and all taxes and forms are in order, it must be recorded to legally bind the transfer.

Recording Office:

Cook County Clerk – Recordings Division
118 N. Clark Street, Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5050

E-Recording:

Cook County allows electronic recording through approved vendors like Simplifile, CSC, and eRecording Partners Network.

Cook County E-Recording Info

Recording fees typically start at $98, depending on the number of pages.

Step 8: Notify Other Interested Parties

After recording, make sure to notify:

• Your mortgage lender, if the property is financed

• Your title insurance provider

• Your homeowner’s insurance company

This ensures that all legal, financial, and insurance documents reflect the updated ownership.

Special Situations in Lansing, IL

Inherited Property

If you're inheriting property, you may need to transfer the title through:

• A Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) (if previously filed)

• A trust

• Probate court (if the decedent did not have a TODI or trust)

Learn more about the Illinois probate process:
Illinois Courts – Probate Division

Divorce or Family Transfers

For transfers between spouses, ex-spouses, or relatives:

• Use a Quitclaim Deed

• Include a PTAX-203

• Still, record the deed and follow tax rules

The transfer must be formalized and recorded even if no money is exchanged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Using an incorrect or outdated legal description

• Not notarizing the deed

• Omitting the PTAX-203 form

• Forgetting to pay transfer taxes

• Recording the deed in the wrong county

• Not checking for unpaid property taxes or utilities

Tip: Working with a real estate attorney helps you avoid these pitfalls.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Title in Lansing, IL?

The title transfer timeline varies based on your preparedness and whether you work with professionals.

• Preparing the deed and forms: 1–3 business days

• Obtaining tax clearance and signing documents: 2–5 business days

• Recording with Cook County (via e-recording): 1–2 business days

Most standard title transfers in Lansing take 5 to 10 business days when handled efficiently. Probate or legal disputes may significantly extend this timeline.

Cost to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Lansing, IL

Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

• Illinois Transfer Tax: $0.50 per $500 of sale value

• Cook County Transfer Tax: $0.25 per $500 of sale value

• Village of Lansing Transfer Tax: $0 (as of 2024)

• Recording Fees: $98–$110 depending on document size

• Attorney Fees (optional): $500–$1,500

• Title Insurance (optional but recommended): Varies by provider

Always confirm current fees with your real estate professional or title company.

Helpful Resources for Lansing Homeowners

• Village of Lansing Official Website

• Cook County Recorder of Deeds

• Cook County Treasurer – Property Tax Lookup

• PTAX-203 Form (Illinois Transfer Declaration)

• Lansing Water Billing Department

• Illinois Courts – Probate Division

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in Lansing, IL, is critical in ensuring legal and public recognition of property ownership. Whether buying a new home, gifting property to a loved one, or managing an estate, following the correct legal steps protects your rights and ensures compliance with Illinois and Cook County regulations.

Understanding the required documents, taxes, fees, and recording procedures can help you confidently complete your title transfer. For added peace of mind, consider working with a real estate attorney or title company that understands the local landscape and legal nuances.