Governed by 760 ILCS 5/8.5, the certificate of trust is the document a trustee provides to a lending institution or other third party that certifies the existence of a trust and his/her authority to act on behalf of the trust.

The document presents only essential information about the trust in lieu of the actual trust document. It names the settlor of the trust and all acting trustees, as well as any successor trustees who may be named under the terms of the trust document. If there are co-trustees, it states the number of trustees required to authorize actions. In addition, the certificate identifies whether or not a trust is revocable and amendable, and who holds authority to revoke and/or make amendments. Certain information, such as the parties having a beneficial interest in the trust, remains confidential.

The recipient of a certificate of trust is not liable for any actions they may take based on false representations within the certificate (760(ILCS 5/8.5(f)). While notarization is not obligatory, a third party may require that the certification of trust be acknowledged.

(Illinois Certificate of Trust Package includes form and completed example)

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each county in Illinois.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

Common Uses for Certificate of Trust

Transfer property between family members
Add or remove names from property titles
Transfer property into or out of trusts
Correct errors in previously recorded deeds
Gift property to others

Back to Illinois Forms