b) Original Title in Decedent's Name Only One of the following three procedures shall be used to transfer the decedent's title to an heir, legatee or any third party.
1) Probate If the decedent's estate is probated, the Secretary of State requires the following documents to transfer the decedent's certificate of title.
A) A certified copy of the letters of administration, letters testamentary, or letters of guardianship naming the legal representative of the decedent's estate.B) The decedent's title must be surrendered, and it must be assigned by the legal representative of the estate to the transferee.C) An application for title must be completed and signed by the transferee.D) The applicant must submit the required $3 title fee, any applicable registration fees, and proof of compliance with, or exemption from, the Vehicle Use Tax (see 86 Ill. Adm. Code 151).2) Small Estates Affidavit A Small Estates Affidavit can be used to transfer the decedent's certificate of title if the conditions of Section 25-1 of the Probate Act of 1975 [ 755 ILCS 5 ] are satisfied, the estate was not probated, and the following documents are submitted to the Secretary of State.
A) A Small Estates Affidavit describing the vehicle by model year, make, and vehicle identification number. If the vehicle owner dies on or after September 16, 1985, a copy of the death certificate must be attached.B) A certified copy of the will if the vehicle owner died testate.C) The decedent's title must be surrendered.D) An application for title must be completed and signed by the transferee.E) The applicant must submit the required $3 title fee, any applicable registration fees, and proof of compliance with, or exemption from, the Vehicle Use Tax.3) Attorney's Affidavit The Attorney's Affidavit can be used to transfer the decedent's certificate of title if the following documents are submitted.
A) Attorney's Affidavit on the attorney's letterhead stationery, stating: i) The name and last address of the decedent.ii) The model year, make and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.iii) To whom the vehicle is being transferred and the relationship between the transferee and the decedent, if any.B) A copy of the death certificate.C) The decedent's title must be surrendered.D) An application for title must be completed and signed by the transferee.E) The applicant must submit the required $3 title fee, any applicable registration fees, and proof of compliance with, or exemption from, the Vehicle Use Tax.