Document recording › Transfer-on-Death Deed
California's revocable TOD deed lets you pass real property to a beneficiary at death — without probate. But it must be recorded within 60 days of signing. We notarize and file it in one trip so you don't miss the deadline.
60-day rule: a California TOD deed becomes void if not recorded within 60 days of the date it is signed. Once you have it executed, call us immediately to schedule recording.
Key rules
Creating a new Transfer-on-Death deed for a California residential property (1–4 units). The deed names one or more beneficiaries and must be notarized and recorded before it takes effect.
The grantor can cancel a previously recorded TOD deed at any time by recording a revocation. The revocation must also be notarized and recorded before the grantor's death to be effective.
Estimate your cost
TOD deeds are in the deed category — SB2, fraud fee, and AB 1466 apply. Use the calculator for your county.
Estimate Your Recording Costs
Common questions
A Transfer-on-Death (TOD) deed — also called a revocable TOD deed — is a California estate planning tool that lets you transfer real property directly to a named beneficiary when you die, without going through probate. You retain full ownership and control during your lifetime.
A California TOD deed must be recorded with the county recorder within 60 days of the date it is signed. If it is not recorded within 60 days, it is void and cannot be used.
A California TOD deed is valid for 5 years from the date it is recorded. After 5 years, it must be re-executed and re-recorded to remain effective.
Yes. The grantor can revoke a TOD deed at any time while alive and competent by recording a revocation document. The property does not transfer to the beneficiary until the grantor dies and the revocation period has passed.
Yes, for the property covered by the deed. The property passes directly to the beneficiary without a court probate proceeding. However, if the beneficiary predeceases the grantor and no alternate beneficiary was named, the property may still go through probate.
Yes. The same fees apply as for other deeds: first page + additional pages + SB2 + the $10 District Attorney Real Estate Fraud Fee (Gov. Code 27388) + AB 1466. A 2-page TOD deed comes to $105 in LA County fees. Use our calculator for county-specific amounts.
Yes. We notarize the TOD deed at your location, then take it to the recorder's office the same day — critical for meeting the 60-day recording deadline.
That depends on your overall estate plan. A TOD deed is simpler and less expensive to create, but a living trust offers more flexibility and can cover multiple assets. Consult an estate planning attorney to decide which is right for your situation.
Don't miss the 60-day window. Call or text now with your county and we will schedule recording right away.