Money & Debt

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Part of the Drivers' rights library, sponsored by Reed Smith.

The Big Picture

A small [no-lexicon]estate affidavit[/no-lexicon] is a way for a person’s property to be transferred when they die without having to go to court.

When a person dies, the things they own…

Transferring a car with a Small Estate Affidavit Print this to take with you Share this page to social media channels QUICK EXIT

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You can use a Small Estate Affidafit (SEA) to transfer title to a car. But you need to go through the Secretary of State. This article explains the process.

Note: These steps only apply when the vehicle's title is in the name of the deceased and no one else. Also, there must not be any outstanding loan on the vehicle.

Step 1: List the vehicle on the SEA. Include the make, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the name of the new owner.

Step 2: Visit the Secretary of State's website to help you fill out and print the required forms. You can also call them or go to a facility to get the forms. Tell them you need an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD-190) and a Proof of compliance with the Motor Vehicle Use Tax (RUT-50).

Step 3: Fill out the forms using the instructions, if you didn't use the website to help you fill them out.

Step 4: Collect these documents:

The vehicle title (if is lost, go to the the SOS page on corrected titles)
A certified copy of the death certificate
A certified copy of the will, if there is one

Step 5: Bring all of the above documents to a SOS facility, or send them to:

Office of the Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
014 Howlett Building
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756

Remember to include a check for the fees and the taxes.

Step 6: Receive the new title in the mail.