Granted ILR but have been out of UK for 3 years

[kaiinthesky]

I'm a US citizen that got my Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2005. However, due to financial reasons, I moved back to the US in 2009 and have popped back to the UK twice for a couple of weeks each time. I believe my ILR is now void, but wondered what the reapplication process for it would be?

UKBA state that:
"If you have been away for more than 2 years, you must apply for a visa or an entry clearance certificate before you can return here"

What sort of visa or certificate would I need to return to live in the UK permanently? I'm not clear on what my status is with the UK anymore.

Thanks for the help!