Are transfer on death deeds available in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri allows beneficiary deeds under RSMo 461.003 to 461.081. The deed transfers real property to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Transfer on Death Deed in Missouri?

Answer a few questions about the property to see whether a transfer on death deed applies for avoiding probate on real estate.

State where property is located

Find out if a TOD deed is right for you

Select your state to see if a transfer on death deed can keep your property out of probate.

This tool provides general information about transfer on death deeds and is not legal advice. TOD deed availability and requirements vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Missouri allows beneficiary deeds. The deed transfers real property to a named beneficiary at death without probate. See how this compares to a trust with the probate calculator.

A beneficiary deed in Missouri requires notary acknowledgment. The signed deed must be recorded at the county recorder of deeds before death to be effective. Must be filed of record with the recorder of deeds in the city or county where the property is situated prior to the death of the owner. Consideration and delivery to the beneficiary are not required. St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of any county) with its own Recorder of Deeds. RSMo 461.025.

Yes. A beneficiary deedis revocable at any time during the owner's lifetime. Revocation methods in Missouri include: Recording a subsequent beneficiary deed for the same property, Inter vivos conveyance of the property, Dissolution or annulment of marriage (revokes transfer to former spouse or relative of former spouse).

Missouri allows beneficiary deeds for all types of real property, including homes, land, condominiums, and commercial properties.

Yes. Missouri allows multiple beneficiaries on a beneficiary deed. If multiple beneficiaries are named, they take title as tenants in common unless the deed specifies otherwise.

A beneficiary 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 Missouri probate calculator to estimate the cost of probating remaining assets.

TOD Deeds in Missouri

A transfer on death deed in Missouri (Yes) lets property owners name a beneficiary who receives the property at death — bypassing probate entirely for that asset. The owner retains full control during their lifetime, including the right to revoke the deed at any time.

Without a TOD deed, real property in Missouri passes through probate — a process that takes at least 6 months for simple estates. A TOD deed removes that property from the probate estate entirely. Estates under $40,000 may qualify for simplified procedures, but a TOD deed avoids the process altogether. See the full cost breakdown with the probate calculator.

TOD deeds are a focused tool — one deed per property, covering only real estate. A revocable trust handles all assets and provides incapacity planning as well. The trust vs. will tool compares the two approaches side by side.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 15, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Missouri statutes and official state code. How we research.

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