Are transfer on death deeds available in Washington?

Yes. Washington allows transfer on death deeds under RCW 64.80.010 to 64.80.904. The deed transfers real property to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Transfer on Death Deed in Washington?

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. Washington allows transfer on death 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 transfer on death deed in Washington requires notary acknowledgment. The signed deed must be recorded at the county auditor before death to be effective. Must be recorded in the office of the county auditor in the county where the property is located before the transferor's death. RCW 64.80.060(3).

Yes. A transfer on death deedis revocable at any time during the owner's lifetime. Revocation methods in Washington include: Recording a subsequent TOD deed that revokes expressly or by inconsistency, Recording an instrument of revocation, Recording an inter vivos deed that expressly revokes the TOD deed.

Washington allows transfer on death deeds for all types of real property, including homes, land, condominiums, and commercial properties.

Yes. Washington 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.

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 Washington probate calculator to estimate the cost of probating remaining assets.

TOD Deeds in Washington

A transfer on death deed in Washington (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 Washington passes through probate — a process that takes at least 4 months for simple estates. A TOD deed removes that property from the probate estate entirely. Estates under $100,000 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 Washington statutes and official state code. How we research.

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