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Home→Tools→Signing Requirements Checker→California→TOD Deed

What Do I Need to Sign My TOD Deed in California?

Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for TOD deeds in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

California requires 2 witnesses for a tod deed.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.

Yes, notarization is required for a tod deed to be valid in California.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026

California allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for tod deeds.Cal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026 The notarization can be completed via secure video call with an approved RON provider, without meeting in person. The state also accepts out-of-state RON.

To execute a tod deed in California: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Schedule a notary appointment (in-person or online via RON). Wet signature and physical recording required

No. TOD deeds work by being recorded against a specific parcel of real estate, so the deed must be a California TOD deed recorded with the California county where the property sits. A TOD deed signed in another state cannot transfer California real property, regardless of how it was executed. If you own real estate in more than one state, each parcel needs its own state-appropriate TOD deed. See the document portability tool for the full breakdown.

TOD Deed Signing in California

For a tod deed to do its job in California, it has to clear the state's execution rules — witnesses, notarization, and formatting. Failures here usually surface at the worst time, when the document needs to work.

California allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for tod deeds and accepts notarizations performed under another state's RON authority. Practically, that means the notarization step can be completed over secure video without finding an in-person notary, and the resulting document is valid in California even if the notary was elsewhere.

Not sure if a TOD deed makes sense in California? The TOD deed assessment walks through the eligibility and recording mechanics.

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California Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

California TOD Deed RequirementsCal. Prob. Code 5600-5698Verified May 31, 2026

Wet signature and physical recording required

Requirement
California
Witnesses Required
2 adults
Notarization
Required

Digital Signing Options

TOD Deed Details

Detail
California
Deed Name
Revocable Transfer on Death Deed
Recording Office
County Recorder
Must Record Before Death
Yes
Eligible Property
Specified interests per statute
Multiple Beneficiaries
Allowed
Successor Beneficiaries
Not allowed
Form Requirement
Substantially similar to statutory form
Revocation Methods
Recording a revocation form (statutory form provided in Cal. Prob. Code 5644), Recording a new revocable TOD deed for the same property

This tool provides general information about document execution requirements. Requirements may vary based on specific circumstances. Consult a licensed attorney for advice.Data verified 2026-05-31

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