Loading form...
When you're ready, we're here.
California Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.
In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
Free California revocable transfer on death deed form. Transfer property at death without probate. notary acknowledgment. Record before death. PDF.
Step 1 of 3
Enter your information as the property owner (transferor). Cal. Prob. Code 5642's statutory form is single-signer by design — the form's FAQ states: "This deed only transfers MY ownership share of the property. Any co-owner who wants to name a TOD beneficiary must execute and RECORD a SEPARATE deed." Cal. Prob. Code 5664 further provides that if, at the time of the transferor's death, title is held in joint tenancy or as community property with right of survivorship, the deed is VOID. Co-owners must each execute a separate deed; survivorship rights operate first. Verified 2026-05-22 against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov sections 5642 and 5664.
FREE & PRIVATE: This form is free—no account or credit card required. Your form entries and generated document never leave your browser—SimplyTrust does not transmit or store them. You are responsible for saving your completed document.
SELF-HELP SERVICE: SimplyTrust provides a self-help document preparation service. We are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice, select forms for you, or tell you how to complete forms. Our role is limited to providing a platform where you input your own information into document templates.
NOT LEGAL ADVICE:This document was created entirely based on your selections. SimplyTrust does not review, analyze, or verify your entries, nor do we verify your identity, capacity, or authority to act. You are solely responsible for determining whether this document meets your needs and for completing all required execution formalities (signatures, witnesses, notarization, or recording) in accordance with your state's laws. For any legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
A revocable transfer on death deed in California transfers real property directly to a named beneficiary upon the owner's death, without probate.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026 The deed is revocable during your lifetime. Use the TOD deed checker to see if this is the right fit.
California requires the owner's signature, 2 witnesses, and notary acknowledgment.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026 All signatures must be completed before recording. See all California signing requirements.
Yes. A California revocable transfer on death deed must be recorded with the County Recorder before death to be effective.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026 An unrecorded deed has no legal effect. Must be recorded within 60 days after the date it is acknowledged before a notary. Cal. Prob. Code 5626. A deed not recorded within 60 days is void. The 60-day clock starts from the notarization date, not the signing date.
Yes. California allows multiple beneficiaries on a revocable transfer on death deed. Unless specified otherwise, they take title as tenants in common.
Yes. You can revoke at any time by recording a revocation instrument, executing a new revocable transfer on death deed for the same property, or transferring the property during your lifetime.
No. A revocable transfer on death deed only transfers the specific real property named in it. Bank accounts, investments, and other property pass through whatever else you have in place — a will (probate) or a trust. A revocable living trust covers everything in one document, including the property this deed transfers. Set up a trust if you want a single instrument for the whole estate.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Your home is probably your biggest asset. Protect it like one. Property titling, trust ownership, and how to keep your home out of probate.
Learn more
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
Learn more