Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
Create a TrustNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
LoginGet started
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsCreate a TrustNew
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA
  • Transfer on Death Deed

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Learn

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Last Will and Testaments
  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events

Directories

  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Create a Trust

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

A will is a wish. A trust is a plan.

Create and manage your trust online.

How it works

No probate. No public record. No court.

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→TOD Deed Assessment→District of Columbia

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. District of Columbia allows transfer on death deeds.D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 7, 2026 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 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 7, 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, Recording a subsequent TOD deed that expressly revokes or is inconsistent, Recording an inter vivos deed that expressly revokes the TOD deed.D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 7, 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 7, 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 7, 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.

TOD Deeds in District of Columbia

District of Columbia allows transfer on death deeds (YesD.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19Verified May 7, 2026), which transfer real property directly to a named beneficiary at death without probate. The deed is revocable during the owner's lifetime and does not affect the ability to sell, mortgage, or otherwise use the property.

Probate in District of Columbia takes at least 6 monthsD.C. Code § 20-751 (PR fees), § 20-753 (attorney fees) (verified from code.dccouncil.gov)Verified May 28, 2026 for simple estates. A TOD deed eliminates probate for the property it covers, regardless of value. For estates under $80,000§ 20-351Verified May 28, 2026, simplified procedures exist, but they still involve court paperwork. Compare the costs with the District of Columbia probate calculator.

A TOD deed covers only real property and requires a separate deed for each parcel. A revocable trust covers all asset types in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. For families with multiple assets beyond real estate, the trust vs. will comparison shows the trade-offs.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 28, 2026

Legal Sources

  • § 20-351
  • D.C. Code § 20-751 (PR fees), § 20-753 (attorney fees) (verified from code.dccouncil.gov)
  • D.C. Code 19-604.01 to 19-604.19

Data sourced from District of Columbia statutes and official state code. How we research.

When you're ready, we're here.

A revocable living trust skips probate, stays private, and takes 15 minutes.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

District of Columbia Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering District of Columbia probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

New Baby or Adoption

New Baby or Adoption

Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.

Learn more
Marriage

Marriage

Starting a life together means planning for it. Beneficiary updates, asset titling, powers of attorney, and what blended families need to know.

Learn more