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)

These are different form types, not alternate versions of the current form.

Administrator Deed

Transfer estate property through an administrator.

Trustee Deed

Instrument used by a trustee to convey real property held in trust to a beneficiary or third-party purchaser, executed under the authority granted by the trust instrument or applicable state law.

Executor Deed

Transfer estate property through an executor.

Disclaimer of Interest 2 options

Formally decline or renounce an interest in property.

Waiver of Right to Disclaim

Waives a person’s right to disclaim an interest in property that they are entitled to receive.

Personal Representative Deed 5 options

Transfer estate property through a court-appointed personal representative.

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each of the 58 counties 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.

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