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Standard Index GroupThe End of Life PlannerUnited States by Valoren

General information · not a substitute for the advice of an attorney · Valoren is a publisher, not a law firm.

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Transfer-on-death deeds in California

What California’s own law and official pages say about transfer-on-death deeds: what the state calls the instrument, what it must say, how it is signed and recorded, and what happens at the owner’s death. Nothing on this page decides whether a deed suits a particular home or family, or how one should be written. That belongs to an attorney in California.

  • Every fact dated, in the official words
  • Each state’s own law

Every quotation checked October 11, 2026 – October 17, 2026

Every quotation on this page is the official body’s own words, as they stood on the day we read them. The date is beside each one.

What a revocable transfer-on-death deed is, and the deadline to record it

(a) 'Revocable transfer on death deed' means an instrument created pursuant to this part that does all of the following: (1) Makes a donative transfer of real property to a named beneficiary. (2) Operates on the transferor's death. (3) Remains revocable until the transferor's death.

(a) A revocable transfer on death deed is not effective unless the deed is recorded on or before 60 days after the date it was acknowledged before a notary.

California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §§5614, 5626

The statutory form’s own questions: property, recording, co-owners, revoking

When you die, the identified property will transfer to your named beneficiary without probate. The TOD deed has no effect until you die. You can revoke it at any time.

This deed can only be used to transfer (1) a parcel of property that contains one to four residential dwelling units, (2) a condominium unit, or (3) a parcel of agricultural land of 40 acres or less, which contains a single-family residence.

Complete this form. Have it notarized. RECORD the form in the county where the property is located. The form MUST be recorded on or before 60 days after the date you sign it or the deed has no effect.

This form only transfers YOUR share of the property. If a co-owner also wants to name a TOD beneficiary, that co-owner must complete and RECORD a separate form.

A TOD deed can only affect property that you own when you die. A TOD deed cannot be revoked by will.

California · general information · checked October 17, 2026 · San Bernardino County ARC; Prob. Code §5642 form

FAQ

Common questions

(a) 'Revocable transfer on death deed' means an instrument created pursuant to this part that does all of the following: (1) Makes a donative transfer of real property to a named beneficiary. (2) Operates on the transferor's death. (3) Remains revocable until the transferor's death.

(a) A revocable transfer on death deed is not effective unless the deed is recorded on or before 60 days after the date it was acknowledged before a notary.

California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §§5614, 5626

(a) 'Revocable transfer on death deed' means an instrument created pursuant to this part that does all of the following: (1) Makes a donative transfer of real property to a named beneficiary. (2) Operates on the transferor's death. (3) Remains revocable until the transferor's death.

(a) A revocable transfer on death deed is not effective unless the deed is recorded on or before 60 days after the date it was acknowledged before a notary.

California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §§5614, 5626

When you die, the identified property will transfer to your named beneficiary without probate. The TOD deed has no effect until you die. You can revoke it at any time.

This deed can only be used to transfer (1) a parcel of property that contains one to four residential dwelling units, (2) a condominium unit, or (3) a parcel of agricultural land of 40 acres or less, which contains a single-family residence.

Complete this form. Have it notarized. RECORD the form in the county where the property is located. The form MUST be recorded on or before 60 days after the date you sign it or the deed has no effect.

This form only transfers YOUR share of the property. If a co-owner also wants to name a TOD beneficiary, that co-owner must complete and RECORD a separate form.

A TOD deed can only affect property that you own when you die. A TOD deed cannot be revoked by will.

California · general information · checked October 17, 2026 · San Bernardino County ARC; Prob. Code §5642 form

(a) 'Revocable transfer on death deed' means an instrument created pursuant to this part that does all of the following: (1) Makes a donative transfer of real property to a named beneficiary. (2) Operates on the transferor's death. (3) Remains revocable until the transferor's death.

(a) A revocable transfer on death deed is not effective unless the deed is recorded on or before 60 days after the date it was acknowledged before a notary.

California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §§5614, 5626

When you die, the identified property will transfer to your named beneficiary without probate. The TOD deed has no effect until you die. You can revoke it at any time.

This deed can only be used to transfer (1) a parcel of property that contains one to four residential dwelling units, (2) a condominium unit, or (3) a parcel of agricultural land of 40 acres or less, which contains a single-family residence.

Complete this form. Have it notarized. RECORD the form in the county where the property is located. The form MUST be recorded on or before 60 days after the date you sign it or the deed has no effect.

This form only transfers YOUR share of the property. If a co-owner also wants to name a TOD beneficiary, that co-owner must complete and RECORD a separate form.

A TOD deed can only affect property that you own when you die. A TOD deed cannot be revoked by will.

California · general information · checked October 17, 2026 · San Bernardino County ARC; Prob. Code §5642 form