Illinois VSD 773 Beneficiary Affidavit Guide – Planning for the future of your vehicle in Illinois does not have to involve complex probate proceedings. The Illinois Secretary of State offers a straightforward way for sole vehicle owners to designate a beneficiary on the certificate of title using Form VSD 773, known as the Beneficiary Affidavit. This transfer-on-death (TOD) designation allows ownership of the vehicle to pass directly to the named beneficiary upon the owner’s death, bypassing the traditional probate process in many cases.
This guide explains everything U.S. vehicle owners in Illinois need to know about Form VSD 773, including eligibility, how to complete it, submission requirements, and what happens after the owner’s death. All information is drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State resources and related state regulations.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 773?
Form VSD 773 is the official Beneficiary Affidavit issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Titles Division. It allows a vehicle owner to add, change, or remove a single beneficiary on an Illinois certificate of title.
The form is authorized under Illinois law (Public Act 095-0784 and 625 ILCS 5/3-104). Once processed, the beneficiary’s name, address, and related information appear on the face of the title under the heading “BENEFICIARY INFORMATION.” The beneficiary has no ownership interest or control over the vehicle during the owner’s lifetime.
Download the current official form here: Illinois Form VSD 773 Beneficiary Affidavit (PDF).
Who Can Use Form VSD 773?
Eligibility is limited. The vehicle must meet these requirements:
- The title must list a sole individual owner (not a business or corporation).
- There can be no lienholder or lessor listed on the title.
- Ownership cannot be designated as joint tenancy.
- Only one beneficiary name may be listed.
If a lienholder or lessor is later added to the title, the beneficiary designation is automatically removed. A business may be named as a beneficiary in some cases, but ownership transfer upon death may not be possible if the business no longer exists.
How to Complete Form VSD 773?
The form is relatively short and must be printed or typed clearly. Key sections include:
- Select one action: Adding Beneficiary, Removing Beneficiary, or Changing Beneficiary.
- Provide the full legal name of the beneficiary, mailing address, city, state, ZIP code, and the beneficiary’s driver’s license or ID card number.
- Enter the vehicle’s identification number (VIN), year, make, model, and body type.
- The vehicle owner prints their full legal name, provides their Illinois driver’s license or ID number, and signs the form.
- The form must be notarized. The notary completes the “Subscribed and sworn to before me” section.
The owner also signs a release holding the Illinois Secretary of State harmless from liability related to contests over the beneficiary designation.
Important note from the official form: Once the sole owner dies and a beneficiary has been established on the title, the designation generally cannot be changed or revoked by a will, other instrument, or change in circumstances except by court order.
How and Where to Submit Form VSD 773?
There is no online filing option for consumers. Submit the completed, notarized Form VSD 773 along with any required supporting documents and applicable fees in one of these ways:
- By mail to: Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Titles Division, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756.
- In person at most Illinois Secretary of State facilities. Use the facility locator on the official website ilsos.gov.
Adding, changing, or removing a beneficiary typically requires a corrected title application (often via Form VSD 190). Standard corrected title fees apply (commonly $50; reduced fees may apply in limited circumstances). Confirm current fees with the Secretary of State, as they are subject to change. Payment is usually by check or money order payable to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Contact Vehicle Services at 800-252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois) or 217-785-3000 for confirmation of requirements.
What Happens After the Owner’s Death?
Ownership of the vehicle passes to the named beneficiary upon the death of the sole legal owner. The beneficiary does not automatically receive the deceased owner’s license plates or registration.
To obtain a new title in their name, the beneficiary typically submits:
- The original title (if available).
- A certified copy of the death certificate of the vehicle’s legal owner.
- Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190).
- Applicable title fee (standard original title fee is currently $165 for most vehicles).
- Any required tax form and payment payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue (if applicable).
- In many cases, the Beneficiary Claim Form (VSD 774).
Related official forms include the Beneficiary Claim Form (VSD 774) and the Unable to Locate Beneficiary Affidavit (VSD 775), available on the Illinois Secretary of State publications page.
The beneficiary must obtain new registration to legally operate the vehicle on public roads.
Benefits of Using a Beneficiary Designation
Designating a beneficiary with Form VSD 773 offers several advantages for Illinois vehicle owners:
- Avoids or simplifies probate for the vehicle.
- Provides a clear, low-cost method to transfer ownership.
- Allows the owner to retain full control during their lifetime.
- Can be changed or removed by the owner at any time while living by filing a new VSD 773.
This option is particularly useful for sole owners who want a simple estate-planning tool specifically for their vehicle.
Important Limitations and Considerations
Form VSD 773 is not available for jointly owned vehicles, vehicles with liens, or business-owned titles. It applies to vehicles for which an Illinois certificate of title is issued.
Always use the most current official form from the Illinois Secretary of State. Third-party fillable versions may not match the latest requirements. The form version current as of early 2026 is marked VSD 773.4 ADA (February 2026 printing).
For complex estate situations, multiple vehicles, or questions involving wills and trusts, consult a qualified Illinois attorney. This article provides general information based on official sources and is not legal advice.
Official Resources and Next Steps
Start by downloading the official form:
Download Illinois Form VSD 773 – Beneficiary Affidavit (PDF)
Additional helpful pages on the Illinois Secretary of State website include Title and Registration Publications and Forms, information on corrected titles, and vehicle services contact details. Visit www.ilsos.gov or call 800-252-8980 for the most up-to-date guidance.
By completing Form VSD 773, Illinois vehicle owners can create a clear path for their vehicle to transfer smoothly to a chosen beneficiary, reducing administrative burden for loved ones during a difficult time.