Illinois County Deed Filing Fees: What Recorders Charge and How to File
Recording a property deed in Illinois does not cost the same amount in every county. Cook County lists $107 for a standard deed, DuPage County lists $86, and Champaign County lists $70. Other counties set their own predictable fees under Illinois law.
If you are transferring a home, adding someone to a deed, filing a quitclaim deed or recording a property transfer after closing, this guide explains the county-by-county costs, transfer-tax requirements, PTAX-203 filing steps and document rules that can affect your total expense.
How Much Does It Cost to Record a Deed in Illinois?
Published examples from Illinois county offices range from $70 in Champaign County to $107 in Cook County for an ordinary deed or standard real-estate recording, with some counties charging less or more. This is an illustrative comparison of selected counties, not a statewide minimum-to-maximum limit.
Recording Fee
The flat fee the county clerk or recorder charges to accept, index and preserve a qualifying deed. Illinois uses predictable recording-fee schedules, but county-approved amounts differ.
Transfer Taxes
Many deed transfers also require Illinois real estate transfer-tax stamps, and some transactions incur county or municipal taxes. These are separate from the recorder’s document filing fee.
Special Document Costs
Irregular-format documents, certain multi-parcel recordings, plats and other special document classes can have different charges. The exact fee depends on the county’s current classification schedule.
Illinois County Recorder Deed Filing Fee Range: Real Examples
The following amounts come from public county fee pages or official schedules. They help show how widely prices differ, but do not represent every Illinois county. Fee schedules may be amended, especially after legislative surcharge changes.
| County | Published Standard Deed / Real-Property Fee | Schedule Context | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Chicago area |
$107 | Document Class 1: Deeds; published schedule effective April 1, 2024. | Cook Clerk fee PDF ↗ |
| DuPage Wheaton area |
$86 | Deeds, Document Class 1; county code and published predictable schedule. | DuPage fee PDF ↗ |
| Kane Geneva area |
$99 | Real-estate-related general instrument; schedule effective October 1, 2024. | Kane price list ↗ |
| Champaign Urbana area |
$70 | Standard document; nonconforming documents listed at $82. | Champaign filing fees ↗ |
| Knox Galesburg area |
$82 | Standard document; nonstandard document listed at $94. | Knox recording fees ↗ |
| Jasper Newton area |
$100 | Standard real-estate document; nonstandard fee $129; effective March 1, 2025. | Jasper fee schedule ↗ |
| Will Joliet area |
Check current classification | Updated fee schedule effective October 1, 2025, under county resolution 25-224. | Will current fees ↗ |
| Lake Waukegan area |
Check current schedule | County publishes recording information and eRecording guidance; an older county guide lists $70 for most standard documents, which should not be assumed current. | Lake recording information ↗ |
Why Illinois Counties Charge Different Deed Recording Fees
Illinois adopted a predictable fee system to reduce surprises at the recording counter. Under 55 ILCS 5/3-5018.2, counties covered by that section generally set a fixed fee by document classification instead of calculating ordinary recording charges based on every page, PIN or legal-description detail.
Counties also have statutory authority to adopt or revise fees under the applicable schedule, including documented cost-based changes. Cook County is governed by provisions for third-class counties, including 55 ILCS 5/4-12002.3.
What a Predictable Fee Includes
The document-class recording fee generally includes applicable county and state components such as automation, document storage, GIS and the Rental Housing Support Program surcharge. It is not normally necessary to add each included surcharge again to the published regular deed fee.
What Predictable Fees Do Not Eliminate
Separate real estate transfer taxes, optional eRecording-provider charges, certain specialized statutory charges, irregular-document classes and municipal requirements can still affect the overall transaction amount.
How to File a Deed With an Illinois County Recorder
Use this process for a conventional deed recording. A deed transferring ownership has legal consequences, and the recorder generally does not draft it or decide whether it is the correct instrument for your transaction.
Identify the County Where the Property Lies
Start with the property’s legal description, parcel identification number (PIN), current tax bill or closing documents. Record the deed in the appropriate county, not the county where the buyer, seller or deed preparer lives.
Choose the Correct Document and Fee Category
Determine whether you are filing a warranty deed, quitclaim deed, trustee’s deed, executor’s deed, transfer-on-death instrument or another document. These are not interchangeable, and some have special fees or execution rules.
Prepare the Recordable Instrument
Check the current legal description, named parties, grantee and mailing information, PIN, preparer details, signatures and acknowledgment requirements. For legal drafting or unusual ownership questions, consult a qualified Illinois real-estate attorney.
Check Page Format and Indexing Requirements
A commonly required format includes 8.5-by-11-inch sheets, legible text, clear margins and a 3-by-5-inch blank recording area at the upper right of the first page. Review the receiving county’s exact formatting rules to avoid irregular-document charges.
Complete PTAX-203 or Document an Exemption
When required, complete the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration, PTAX-203. The buyer and seller provide transaction details. Some exempt transfers require the correct statutory exemption statement instead; county-specific instructions control what must accompany the deed.
Resolve State, County and Municipal Transfer Taxes
Confirm whether Illinois and county transfer-tax stamps are due. For property in a municipality that requires a separate transfer stamp or clearance, obtain that approval before presenting the deed for recording.
Submit the Deed and Pay the County’s Fee
Follow the county’s accepted method: in person, by mail or through an approved eRecording service if available. Confirm payment types and whether the transaction has additional provider charges. Keep copies of submission and payment confirmation.
Verify the Recorded Instrument
After recording, confirm the document number, recording date and indexed names. Check that the full recorded image is correct. Keep the recorded reference for your title, closing or estate records.
Illinois Deed Filing Document Checklist
Usually Needed for a Transfer
- Correctly prepared deed and full legal description.
- Names and required addresses of the parties.
- Valid signatures and acknowledgments applicable to the instrument.
- Parcel/PIN details as required by the county.
- PTAX-203 or an accepted transfer-tax exemption statement.
- Transfer-tax stamps or municipal clearance when applicable.
- Recording payment in the method accepted locally.
Items That May Require Extra Attention
- Transfer into or out of a trust.
- Estate or executor/administrator deed.
- Multiple parcels or more than five PIN references.
- Legal description involving new parcel divisions.
- Condominium or subdivision plat.
- Property in a municipality with an additional stamp requirement.
- Deed prepared in another state or using unusual formatting.
Illinois Real Estate Transfer Tax Is a Separate Cost
The price to record a deed is not always the complete cost of transferring property. Illinois imposes a state transfer tax, some counties impose an additional county tax, and certain municipalities impose their own transfer charges.
| Charge | General Rate or Rule | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Recorder document fee | County-adopted flat fee by document class. | County recording-fee schedule. |
| Illinois state transfer tax | $0.50 per $500 of taxable consideration, or applicable fraction. | Transfer value and statutory exemptions. |
| County transfer tax | Counties may impose $0.25 per $500 of value under the applicable rules. | Whether the county imposes it and which exemptions apply. |
| Municipal transfer tax | Varies by municipality. | Local rate, payer, stamps and municipal clearance. |
| eRecording provider charge | Varies by service and account. | Provider’s fees in addition to county recording charges. |
Estimate Illinois Deed Recording Plus State and County Transfer Tax
Enter the taxable transfer consideration and a verified county recording fee. This educational calculator assumes a nonexempt transfer and uses the basic state rate plus an optional county rate. It does not calculate city transfer taxes, nonstandard-document charges or special exceptions.
Tax stamps are generally charged in $500 increments or fractions. The estimator rounds taxable consideration upward to the next $500 increment and applies a nonexempt transaction assumption. Verify the legal tax base and local rules before payment.
Why a Deed Can Cost More in Cook, Kane, Will or Lake County
Cook County: Separate Irregular and Blanket Classes
Cook County’s published fee schedule lists an ordinary deed at $107, but an irregular document can incur the document-class charge plus $88. Blanket recordings with many PIN or document references have tiered amounts. A multi-parcel instrument should be classified before you calculate its fee.
Kane County: Document Type and Payment
Kane County’s recorder lists $99 for real-estate-related general instruments and publishes special amounts for plats and nonconforming categories. Its fee page says recording payments are currently accepted by cash or check and that $100 bills are not accepted.
Will County: Municipal Stamps Before Recording
The Will County Recorder identifies several municipalities where local transfer stamps may be required, including Joliet, Bolingbrook, Naperville, Romeoville and Channahon. A deed may be otherwise prepared correctly but still need municipal compliance before recording.
Lake County: Deed Contents and Municipal Review
Lake County’s published recording guide identifies grantee address, legal description, preparer information, taxpayer mailing details and PTAX-203 or exemption documentation among its deed requirements. It also notes municipal transfer stamps for specified communities.
Common Illinois Deed Filing Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Matters | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Using another county’s recording fee | Fees are county-specific. | Check the recorder for the property’s county. |
| Adding the RHSP surcharge to a published all-inclusive fee | Can double-count an included charge. | Read whether the county’s predictable fee already includes surcharges. |
| Ignoring transfer tax | Recording charge and transfer tax are distinct obligations. | Review PTAX-203 and applicable tax-stamp requirements. |
| Missing municipality-required stamps | A county may require local clearance before recording. | Contact the municipality before presenting the deed. |
| Wrong PIN or incomplete legal description | Can cause rejection or inaccurate indexing. | Check current parcel records and closing documents. |
| No first-page recording space | May trigger irregular-document pricing. | Follow the receiving county’s formatting requirements. |
| Assuming a quitclaim deed avoids transfer tax automatically | Tax treatment depends on the transaction and exemptions, not just the title of the form. | Verify statutory exemption eligibility and document it correctly. |
Official Illinois Deed Recording Fees, Forms and Filing Instructions
1. Illinois General Assembly — Predictable Recording Fee Law
Statewide framework for deed classes and approved county fees.
- Read the predictable-fee framework and deed classification.
- Review how state and county charges are included.
- Use the county’s adopted schedule to determine the actual price.
2. Illinois Department of Revenue — Real Estate Transfer Tax
PTAX-203, taxable consideration, exemptions and local tax rules.
- Find the transfer-tax rate and county/local tax guidance.
- Open the PTAX-203 instructions and any applicable supplemental form.
- Prepare the declaration through the supported method or follow county exemption instructions.
3. Cook County Clerk — Official Recording Fee PDF
Deed, irregular-document, blanket-recording and copy fees.
- Find the Deeds line under Document Class 1.
- Check whether the deed qualifies as irregular or blanket recording.
- Review mailing, certification and service charges separately.
4. DuPage County — Recorder Fee Schedule
Published document-class fees and document standards.
- Find Deeds (Document Class 1).
- Compare the deed against the standard-format criteria.
- Check whether an exemption or special recording class changes the fee.
5. Kane County Recorder — Price List
Recording fees, plat classes and accepted payment methods.
- Find the Real Estate Related Documents charge.
- Review nonconforming or more-than-five-reference rules.
- Confirm cash or check requirements before an in-person visit.
6. Will County Recorder — Current Fees and Recording Guidelines
Current deed classifications, standardization rules and transfer-stamp requirements.
- Read the fee schedule effective for your submission date.
- Check the accepted document class and formatting.
- Open the Recording Guidelines to review municipal stamp requirements.
7. Champaign County Clerk — File Records
Fee amounts, required transfer declaration and filing instructions.
- Find the deed recording requirements and PTAX-203 instructions.
- Compare standard versus nonconforming fees.
- Follow the Clerk’s published submission process.
What Should You Do Next?
You Are Closing on a Property Sale
Ask the closing or title professional for an itemized estimate separating deed recording, Illinois tax, county tax, municipal transfer tax and any electronic-submission charge.
You Are Filing a Family or Gift Transfer
Do not assume the deed is automatically exempt from tax. Check the relevant exemption language and get legal advice about ownership, tax and estate consequences before signing.
Your Deed Was Rejected
Read the county’s rejection notice carefully. Correct the missing formatting, tax declaration, PIN, signature or stamp issue identified, then follow the county’s resubmission process.
You Need a Copy, Not a New Recording
Use the recorder’s official recorded-document search and request a certified copy only when required. Copy fees are different from a new deed filing charge.
Illinois County Deed Filing Fee FAQs
1. What is the Illinois county recorder deed filing fee range?
There is no single statewide deed recording price. Selected published fees include $70 in Champaign County, $86 in DuPage County, $99 in Kane County, $100 in Jasper County and $107 in Cook County. These are examples, not a statewide minimum or maximum.
2. What is the minimum Illinois deed recording fee under state law?
For ordinary deeds, the predictable-fee statutes provide minimum aggregate charges that differ by county class, generally $31 in first/second-class counties and $39 in third-class counties. County-adopted fees are often higher and control the actual amount paid.
3. How much does Cook County charge to record a deed?
Cook County’s published recording-fee schedule lists $107 for a standard deed under Document Class 1. Irregular or blanket recordings may incur higher charges. Real estate transfer tax is separate.
4. What is the DuPage County deed recording fee?
DuPage County’s published schedule lists $86 for a deed under Document Class 1. Before filing, review the latest county schedule and confirm whether your document is treated as standard or subject to another category.
5. Are Illinois deed recording fees charged per page?
For standard documents under the predictable-fee system, recording fees are generally flat by document class rather than increasing with every page. Special document classes and exceptions may still have different charges.
6. Is Illinois real estate transfer tax included in the deed filing fee?
No. The recorder’s filing fee and real estate transfer taxes are separate costs. A taxable transaction may incur Illinois state tax, applicable county tax and additional municipal transfer charges.
7. What is Illinois Form PTAX-203 used for?
PTAX-203 is the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration completed by the buyer and seller for qualifying transfers. It reports information used for real estate transfer-tax administration. A statutory exemption statement may be required for exempt transfers.
8. Do quitclaim deeds have a lower recording fee in Illinois?
Not necessarily. Many county fee schedules classify an ordinary quitclaim deed as a deed and charge the usual deed document-class amount. Any transfer-tax exemption depends on the transaction and applicable law, not simply the deed’s title.
9. Can I record an Illinois deed electronically?
Many Illinois counties allow electronic recording through approved service providers. Availability, document eligibility and provider charges vary. Check the destination county’s current recording instructions and accepted vendor list.
10. How can I find the exact deed filing cost for my Illinois county?
Find the county clerk or recorder’s official predictable fee schedule, locate the appropriate deed document class, check standard-format rules and confirm state, county and municipal transfer-tax requirements. Contact the recording office if the classification is unclear.
Sources, Scope and Editorial Notice
Reviewed: October 22, 2026.
This guide uses Illinois General Assembly statutes, the Illinois Department of Revenue’s transfer-tax guidance, and official county recorder or clerk schedules for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Champaign, Knox, Jasper, Will and Lake counties.
Important: Some published county schedules were adopted in 2023–2025. These are labeled as published examples and may be amended. Obtain the current payable amount from the recording office before filing; an old online PDF should not override a newer county resolution.
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with an Illinois county recorder, county clerk or the Illinois Department of Revenue. This article does not provide legal advice, determine exemption status, record deeds or collect government filing payments.
The price of recording a document is different from attorney, notary, title, closing, transfer-tax or eRecording provider charges. No result on this page is an official fee quote.