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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Lisle, IL

Transferring a real estate title is legally essential to any property transaction in Lisle, Illinois. Whether you're selling, buying, gifting, or inheriting property, the transfer must be completed by Illinois state law and DuPage County procedures.

This guide walks you through transferring a real estate title in Lisle, IL, from choosing the correct deed to recording your documents with the DuPage County Recorder’s Office. It also includes helpful resources and links to official forms.

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). It is accomplished by preparing and recording a legal document known as a deed.

Once the deed is signed, notarized, and recorded with the county, the grantee becomes the legal owner of the property. Title transfers are required in situations such as:

• Buying or selling a home or commercial property

• Gifting property to a family member

• Divorce-related transfers

• Inheritance and estate administration

• Placing property into or removing it from a trust or LLC

Why Is a Title Transfer Necessary?

A properly executed title transfer:

• Provides legal ownership recognition

• Enables the new owner to get financing or title insurance

• Updates the property in tax and public records

• Prevents legal disputes or title claims

• Allows the grantee to sell, refinance, or lease the property in the future

If the title is not transferred correctly, it could cause complications with ownership, insurance coverage, or future transactions.

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

Step 1: Choose the Correct Type of Deed

The type of deed you use depends on the circumstances of the transfer. In Illinois, the most commonly used deeds are:

• Warranty Deeds are used in traditional property sales. They guarantee the grantor holds clear title and has the legal right to transfer the property, offering the most protection to the grantee.

• Quitclaim Deed: Transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property without warranties. It is commonly used for transfers between family members or spouses or in divorce situations.

• Special Warranty Deed: The guarantee title was evident during the grantor’s ownership period, but there are no claims about previous owners.

• Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI): Used in estate planning to automatically transfer property to a named beneficiary upon the owner’s death, avoiding probate.

A warranty deed is usually recommended for real estate sales in Lisle. A Quitclaim Deed or TODI may be more appropriate for family transfers or estate planning.

Step 2: Draft the Deed

Once the deed type is selected, the deed must be accurately drafted. It should contain the following:

• Full legal names of both the grantor and grantee

• The property’s complete legal description

• The parcel number (PIN) assigned by the DuPage County Assessor

• The consideration amount (the sale price or value of the transfer)

• The date of the transaction

• The notarized signature of the grantor

• The name and address of the document preparer

• A return address for the recorded deed

You can find your property’s PIN and legal description through the DuPage County Property Lookup Tool:
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/propertylookup/

Errors in the deed, such as incorrect legal descriptions or missing signatures, can cause significant delays. Hiring a real estate attorney or title company to prepare or review the deed is strongly advised.

Step 3: Complete the PTAX-203 Illinois Transfer Declaration

The PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration is a required form for all title transfers in Illinois, even if no money is exchanged. This document provides the Illinois Department of Revenue and DuPage County with details about the transaction.

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

Information required includes:

• Names and addresses of the grantor and grantee

• Property address and PIN

• The sale price or declared value of the property

• Intended use of the property (residential, rental, commercial)

• Type of transfer (sale, gift, inheritance, divorce)

• Signatures of both parties

When recording the transfer with DuPage County, this form must be submitted with the deed.

Step 4: Pay Transfer Taxes

When transferring real estate in Lisle, the following transfer taxes may apply:

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

• Municipal Transfer Tax: As of 2024, the Village of Lisle does not impose a transfer tax. However, it’s always a good idea to verify this with the Lisle Village Clerk’s Office before proceeding.

DuPage County imposes no separate transfer tax at this time.

Transfer tax payments are evidenced by stamps affixed to the deed at the recording time.

Learn more about transfer tax obligations here:
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

A title company or real estate attorney can assist with calculating the taxes and acquiring the necessary stamps.

Step 5: Confirm Property Taxes and Utilities Are Paid

Before recording the deed, ensure all property taxes and utility bills are current. Failure to do so can lead to title issues or liens.

To check property taxes in DuPage County, visit:
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/treasurer/

For water, sewer, and municipal bills, contact the Village of Lisle Finance Department:
https://www.villageoflisle.org

All outstanding balances should be paid before recording the title transfer.

Step 6: Record the Deed with the DuPage County Recorder

After you have completed the deed and PTAX-203 form and paid any applicable taxes, you must record the deed with the DuPage County Recorder’s Office.

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

You may record your documents in person or via mail. Some third-party vendors also offer e-recording services for faster processing.

Recording Fees:
Recording fees typically range from $60 to $100, depending on the number of pages and the complexity of the transaction.

Once recorded, the deed becomes part of the public record, and the grantee is officially recognized as the property owner.

Step 7: Notify All Relevant Parties

After the deed has been recorded, notify relevant stakeholders to update their records:

• Mortgage lender, if the property is financed

• Title insurance company to update or issue a new policy

• Homeowner’s insurance provider

• The Village of Lisle, for property and utility billing updates

Keeping these entities informed helps prevent complications with future insurance, taxes, and utilities.

Inheritance and Probate Title Transfers in Lisle

If a property is being transferred due to the death of the owner, the process varies depending on estate planning documents:

• The transfer can occur outside probate if the property was titled with a Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI).

• The trustee can complete the transfer using the trust documentation if the property was held in a revocable living trust.

• The property must go through probate court if no TODI or trust exists.

The probate process can take several months and should be handled by an estate or probate attorney.

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

Transfers Between Spouses or Due to Divorce

A quitclaim deed is usually used in cases where the transfer occurs between spouses—either during marriage or as part of a divorce settlement.

Even in court-ordered transfers, the following steps must still be completed:

• Draft and notarize the deed

• Complete and file the PTAX-203

• Record the deed with DuPage County

Legal counsel should be consulted to ensure the transfer aligns with the divorce judgment or marital agreement.

Timeline for a Real Estate Title Transfer in Lisle

A standard title transfer in Lisle usually takes 5 to 10 business days from when the deed is signed to the final recording with DuPage County. Factors that may extend the timeline include:

• Errors in the deed or forms

• Unpaid property taxes

• Probate proceedings or legal disputes

• Complex ownership structures

Working with a professional can significantly reduce the chance of delays.

Estimated Costs to Transfer a Title in Lisle

Title transfer costs vary depending on the transaction, but general estimates include:

• Illinois transfer taxes: Based on $0.50 per $500 of value

• Recording fees: $60–$100

• Attorney fees (if used): $500–$1,500

• Title company fees (if applicable): Varies based on services

• Notary fees: $25–$50 (if not included with legal services)

Before proceeding, getting an itemized estimate from your attorney or title company is recommended.

Helpful Resources for Property Owners in Lisle

• Village of Lisle
  https://www.villageoflisle.org

• DuPage County Recorder’s Office
  https://www.dupagecounty.gov/recorder/

• DuPage County Treasurer – Property Tax Information
  https://www.dupagecounty.gov/treasurer/

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

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

• Illinois Real Estate Transfer Tax Guidelines
  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 Lisle, IL, is a detailed legal process that must be handled properly to ensure a clear and lawful change of ownership. Each step plays a crucial role, from selecting the appropriate deed and completing the PTAX-203 form to paying taxes and recording the deed with DuPage County.

Whether completing a sale, giving property to a loved one, or handling an inheritance, working with a real estate attorney or title company can provide peace of mind and legal protection.