When any real estate is sold by virtue of a judgment, or enforcement of mechanic's lien, or vendor's lien, or for the payment of money, the sheriff or other officer, except as otherwise provided in Part 1 of Article XII of this Act, instead of executing a deed for the premises sold, shall give to the purchaser a certificate describing the premises purchased by him or her, showing the amount paid therefor, or if purchased by the judgment creditor, the amount of his or her bid, and the time when the purchaser will be entitled to a deed unless the premises are redeemed, as provided in Part 1 of Article XII of this Act.
12-119.Certificate.
Article XII. Judgments - Enforcement · Part 1. In General · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceWhen real estate is sold to enforce a judgment or certain liens, the officer gives the buyer a certificate describing the property and price instead of a deed, along with the deadline for a deed if no one redeems.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/12-119
Plain-English Summary
Whenever real estate is sold to enforce a judgment, a mechanic's lien, a vendor's lien, or for the payment of money, the selling officer doesn't hand over a deed right away. Instead, except as otherwise provided in Part 1 of Article XII, the officer gives the purchaser a certificate describing the property purchased, the amount paid for it, or, if the purchaser is the judgment creditor, the amount of their bid.
That certificate also states when the purchaser becomes entitled to a deed unless the property is redeemed first, tying the certificate directly to the redemption procedure elsewhere in this Part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the buyer at a judgment sale get a deed right away in Illinois?
No, the officer first gives the buyer a certificate describing the property and the price paid or bid, rather than a deed.
What must the certificate of sale include?
A description of the premises purchased, the amount paid or, if the buyer is the judgment creditor, the amount bid, and the time the purchaser becomes entitled to a deed unless the property is redeemed.
When does the buyer finally get a deed after a judgment sale?
After the redemption period runs without the property being redeemed, as provided elsewhere in Part 1 of Article XII.
Does this certificate procedure apply to mechanic's lien or vendor's lien sales too?
Yes, the section covers sales to enforce a judgment, a mechanic's lien, a vendor's lien, or for the payment of money.
Why does the law use a certificate instead of a deed at the time of sale?
The certificate holds the sale open during the redemption period before a deed issues.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 85-907.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: certificate of sale illinois judgmentsheriff sale certificate illinoiswhen do you get a deed after a judgment sale illinoiscertificate instead of deed illinois judgment sale