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)

These are different form types, not alternate versions of the current form.

Administrator Deed

Transfer estate property through an administrator.

Executor Deed

Transfer estate property through an executor.

Disclaimer of Interest

Formally decline or renounce an interest in property.

Trustees Deed

Transfer property from a trust through a trustee.

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each of the 102 counties 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.

Back to Illinois Forms