What Do I Need to Sign My TOD Deed in New York?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York requires 2 witnesses for a tod deed.N.Y. Real Prop. Law 424Verified Aug 24, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.

Yes, notarization is required for a tod deed to be valid in New York.N.Y. Real Prop. Law 424Verified Aug 24, 2026

New York has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but TOD deeds are specifically excluded.N.Y. Real Prop. Law 424Verified Aug 24, 2026 In-person notarization is required.

To execute a tod deed in New York: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Schedule an in-person notary appointment. Wet signature and in-person signing required

No. TOD deeds work by being recorded against a specific parcel of real estate, so the deed must be a New York TOD deed recorded with the New York county where the property sits. A TOD deed signed in another state cannot transfer New York 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.

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New York Estate Planning Resources

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