Illinois VSD 774 Beneficiary Claim Form Guide – When a vehicle owner in Illinois passes away and has named a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary on the title, the named beneficiary can claim ownership without going through probate. The key document for this process is the Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 774, officially titled the Beneficiary Claim Form. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, required supporting documents, fees, and how to submit it successfully.
All information is based on current guidance from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department and applicable Illinois administrative rules.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 774?
Form VSD 774 is the official Beneficiary Claim Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. It must be completed by the individual named as the Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary on a vehicle title when the sole owner dies.
The form certifies that the applicant is the designated TOD beneficiary, identifies the deceased owner and the vehicle, includes an odometer disclosure statement, and affirms under oath that the information is true. Ownership of the vehicle legally passes to the beneficiary upon the owner’s death, but the beneficiary must apply for a new title to complete the transfer.
You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form VSD 774 (Beneficiary Claim Form)
Who Needs to File Form VSD 774?
Only the person (or entity) specifically named as the Transfer on Death beneficiary on the Illinois certificate of title needs this form. Key eligibility points include:
- The vehicle must have been titled in the sole name of the deceased owner (no joint tenancy and no lienholder at the time the beneficiary was added).
- The beneficiary designation must appear on the Illinois title.
- The beneficiary does not automatically receive rights to the deceased owner’s license plates or registration.
If no beneficiary was named, other procedures such as probate, letters of administration, or a Small Estate Affidavit may apply instead.
Required Documents to Submit with VSD 774
According to the instructions on Form VSD 774 and Illinois administrative rules (92 Ill. Admin. Code 1010), the following must accompany the completed claim form:
- Completed Form VSD 774 — signed and dated by the beneficiary under oath.
- Proof that the vehicle was last titled in Illinois showing the owner and TOD beneficiary (the original title or an Illinois Secretary of State title screen print).
- Certified copy of the death certificate for the owner named on the Illinois title.
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (Form VSD 190) — completed and signed, requesting a new title (and registration if desired).
- Applicable title fee payable to the Secretary of State, plus any registration fees if new plates are requested.
- Appropriate Illinois Department of Revenue tax form (typically RUT-50 or equivalent) and payment payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue, if vehicle use tax applies.
- Affidavit of Correction (Form VSD 393), item 6, if the beneficiary’s name on the decedent’s title does not exactly match the name on the beneficiary’s identification or other paperwork.
Check the box on VSD 774 if you are unable to surrender the current title.
How to Complete Form VSD 774 Step by Step?
- Print or type the full legal name of the Transfer on Death Beneficiary.
- Enter the full legal name of the deceased vehicle owner and the date of death.
- Provide complete vehicle details: year, make, model, body type, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and current title number.
- Complete the odometer disclosure section (actual mileage, excess of mechanical limits, or discrepancy warning).
- Sign and print your name and date the form. The signature is made under penalty of perjury.
Submit the completed package in person at an Illinois Secretary of State facility or by mail to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Titles Division
501 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-785-3000
Fees Associated with the Beneficiary Claim
Title fees are set by the Illinois Secretary of State and can change. As of the most recent published information:
- Standard original title fee is typically $165.
- Registration fees apply separately if you request new plates (the beneficiary has no rights to the deceased owner’s plates).
- Vehicle use tax may be due to the Illinois Department of Revenue depending on the circumstances of the transfer.
- Expedited processing, when available, carries an additional fee.
Always confirm current fees on the official Illinois Secretary of State website or by contacting a local facility before submitting payment.
Important Notes and Common Issues
- The beneficiary designation cannot be changed or revoked by a will after the owner’s death.
- If the named beneficiary no longer wants the vehicle, they must first title it in their own name before selling or transferring it to another party.
- Non-Illinois residents may be able to title the vehicle in their home state using the death certificate and supporting documents.
- Name mismatches between the title and the beneficiary’s identification require Form VSD 393.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Related Forms You May Need
- VSD 773 — Beneficiary Affidavit (used by the living owner to add, change, or remove a TOD beneficiary).
- VSD 190 — Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (required with every title application).
- VSD 393 — Affidavit of Correction (for name discrepancies).
- VSD 775 — Unable to Locate Beneficiary Affidavit (used by an estate when the named beneficiary cannot be found).
These forms are available on the official Illinois Secretary of State publications page.
Why Using Form VSD 774 Matters?
Properly completing and submitting Form VSD 774 allows the designated beneficiary to obtain clear title to the vehicle quickly and outside of probate. This avoids delays, court costs, and potential disputes that can arise with other estate-transfer methods. Following the exact instructions and attaching all required documents the first time significantly reduces the chance of rejection or processing delays.
For the most current version of the form, fee schedules, and facility locations, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov or cyberdriveillinois.com.
Download the form now: Illinois Form VSD 774 — Beneficiary Claim Form (PDF)