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Introduction to Verifying and Stamping

Real Property transactions purchased without support of an authorized Title Company must be reviewed by, and stamps purchased from, Cook County and (if applicable) the City of Chicago.  This requirement doesn't change with the advent of EZ Dec.

However, government agencies will only review and authorize stamps for Closed transactions.  Pre-purchase of transfer tax stamps is not allowed for EZ Dec transactions.

When presenting a transaction for review, please provide the deed, pertinent Chicago certifications (water, building and zoning) and the EZ Dec Declaration ID.  The Declaration ID displays in the upper left corner of the declaration.  Printed copies of the EZ Dec Declaration are NOT required.

 
 
Verifying City of Chicago Transfers with EZ Dec

Locations

Chicago Declarations can be reviewed and Chicago Real Property Transfer Tax stamps can be purchased at:

City of Chicago Department of Finance
City Hall Room 107
121 North. LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 747-4747

 

Water Certifications

City of Chicago water certification requirements are unchanged with EZ Dec.  Instead of completing page 7 of the Chicago paper declaration, please present a copy of the Water Certification Application, along with Full Payment Certificate when submitting your transaction for review. The application to obtain a water/sewer full payment certificate, as well as more information, can be found here.

 

Building & Zoning Certifications

City of Chicago building and zoning certification requirements are unchanged with EZ Dec.  Please present certifications when submitting your transaction for review.  Links to the the City of Chicago Departments of Building and Zoning & Land Use Planning can be found here.

 

After City of Chicago Approval

After city approval, Chicago property transactions must also be reviewed (and stamps purchased from) the Cook County Recorder.  Addresses and contact information for the Cook County recorder are displayed below.

 
 
Verifying Cook County Transfers with EZ Dec
Locations

Initially, EZ Dec declarations will only be reviewed, stamped and recorded at the downtown Chicago County Building.  


Cook County Recorder's Office
118 North Clark St - Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5050

 

Municipal Authorization

The City of Chicago, along with several other Cook County municipalities, require a municipal declaration and transfer tax stamp purchase.  The Cook County Recorder requires municipal authorization before County review.  For instructions on City of Chicago municipal reviews, please scroll to the top of the screen.  For instructions on other municipalities in Cook County, please contact your municipality directly.