Do I Need a Transfer on Death Deed in District of Columbia?

A transfer on death deed in District of Columbia requires notarization (standard acknowledgment). The signed deed must be recorded at the dc recorder of deeds before death to be effective.D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 30, 2026

Yes. A transfer on death deedis revocable at any time during the owner's lifetime. Revocation methods in District of Columbia include: Recording an instrument of revocation that expressly revokes the deed (must be acknowledged after the original deed and recorded before death), Recording a subsequent TOD deed that expressly revokes or is inconsistent with the earlier deed (must be acknowledged after the original deed and recorded before death), Recording an inter vivos deed that expressly revokes the TOD deed (must be acknowledged after the original deed and recorded before death).D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 30, 2026

District of Columbia allows transfer on death deeds for all types of real property, including homes, land, condominiums, and commercial properties.D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 30, 2026

Yes. District of Columbia allows multiple beneficiaries on a transfer on death deed. If multiple beneficiaries are named, they take title as tenants in common unless the deed specifies otherwise.D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 30, 2026

A transfer on death deed transfers the property directly to the beneficiary at death, bypassing probate for that asset. Other assets not covered by a TOD deed, trust, or beneficiary designation still go through probate. Use the District of Columbia probate calculator to estimate the cost of probating remaining assets.