California Certificate of Trust
County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as June 23, 2026 by our Forms Development Team
About the California Certificate of Trust
How to Use This Form
- Select your county from the list on the left
- Download the county-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county recorder's office
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California Certification of Trust
In California, the certification of trust is governed by Probate Code Section 18100.5.
A certificate of trust is used by an acting trustee or trustees of a trust to prove to financial institutions or other third parties that he/she/they has/have the authority to act on behalf of the trust. The certificate is used in lieu of the full trust document to keep nonessential information about the trust, such as the identities of trust beneficiaries, confidential.
The certificate verifies the existence of the trust and presents the pertinent details of the trust, such as the settlor, the trustee, the powers granted to the trustee, and, in the case that there are co-trustees, the number and identity of persons required to sign legal documents dealing with the trust. The certificate also specifies how the trust will vest title to real property.
Like all documents affecting real estate, the certification requires a legal description of the real property subject to the trust. In California, the certification also must include the trust's taxpayer ID, a number that is either the SSN of the settlor (in the case of revocable trusts) or an EIN assigned by the IRS (in the case of irrevocable trusts).
Trust law can quickly become complicated, and each case is unique, so contact a lawyer with any questions that arise.
(California Certificate of Trust Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)
How to Use This Form
- Select your county from the list above
- Download the county-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county recorder's office
What Others Like You Are Saying
"fine job, fellas, fine job"
"Was hoping I would be sent copies on paper so I can fill them out without a desk computer"
"so far so good"
"I was very impressed on how simple the process was to record the documents I needed recorded. Thank …"
"Deeds.com was an amazing experience. They made it so easy and stress free. The agent I worked with w…"
Common Uses for Certificate of Trust
- Transfer property to a successor trustee
- Transfer property from a deceased person's estate
- Transfer property held in a revocable or irrevocable trust
- Provide proof of trust existence without disclosing trust terms
- Satisfy title company requirements for trust-held property
- Provide evidence that a trustee has authority to transact
Compare other California deed forms and documents
Important: County-Specific Forms
Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each county in California.
After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.