District Of Columbia Transfer on Death Deed
County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as April 15, 2026 by our Forms Development Team
About the District Of Columbia Transfer on Death Deed
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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Owners of real property in the District of Columbia now have access to a useful estate planning tool: the transfer on death deed (TODD). Modeled after the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act and located at D.C. Code 19-604.01 et seq (2013), this statute governs the use of transfer on death deeds in the District of Columbia.
Transfer on death deeds are nontestamentary (not using a will) instruments that allow transferors/owners to retain absolute ownership of and control over their land during their lives ( 19-604.07). Because they deal with after-death assets, however, their execution requires the same level of competency as a will ( 19-604.08). The owners may sell, mortgage, rent, or otherwise use the real estate however they choose, with no penalty for waste or obligation to notify the beneficiaries ( 19-604.12).
By recording the executed TODD, property owners may also take advantage of one of the most unique aspects of these instruments: revocability ( 19-604.06). Revocability is possible for two primary reasons: there is no obligation to notify the beneficiaries about the potential future interest they stand to gain when the owner dies; and these conveyances generally do not involve consideration (something of value given in exchange for the property) ( 19-604.10).
The statutes provide several methods for revoking a TODD. The owner may execute and record a new TODD, cancelling the prior deed and designating a different beneficiary. The owner may also sell the real estate to someone else using a standard inter vivos conveyance such as a warranty deed or a quitclaim deed that contains a comment revoking the TODD. A third option uses a revocation form, which, after recording, cancels all previously recorded TODDs ( 19-604.11).
In much the same way that owners may wish to change or revoke a beneficiary designation, sometimes beneficiaries are unable or unwilling to accept the property after the owner dies. To address this need, beneficiaries may disclaim all or part of the interest in land ( 19-604.14).
TRANSFER ON DEATH DEEDS AND ASSOCIATED REVOCATIONS MUST BE RECORDED WHILE THE OWNER IS ALIVE OR THEY HAVE NO EFFECT.
Overall, TODDs offer a useful, flexible estate planning tool to owners of real property in Washington, DC. Before committing to a TODD, consider the effect it will have on taxes, access, and eligibility for income-and/or-asset-based benefits. Each situation is unique, so for complex circumstances or additional questions, contact a local attorney.
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
"Easy, quick and very proficient. I am glad I used Deeds."
"The sample completed form was a big help. While not exactly on point with my situation, it was enoug…"
"Quick and Easy/Immediate Access after payment. Now seeking other forms needed ASAP! Thanks!"
"Would have been beneficial to have more information about the previous sale history of the property.…"
"Best platform to buy forms. Simple and easy."
Common Uses for Transfer on Death Deed
- Name a trust as the beneficiary of your real property
- Designate a beneficiary to receive property upon your death
- Name your children as beneficiaries of your real estate
- Designate a spouse as the beneficiary of your property
- Revoke a prior transfer on death or beneficiary designation
- Ensure your property passes directly to heirs at death
- Update beneficiary designations after a life change
Compare other District Of Columbia deed forms and documents
Important: County-Specific Forms
Our transfer on death deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in District Of Columbia.
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.