Can you use a transfer-on-death deed in Washington?
Yes. In Washington, an individual may pass property at death by a transfer on death deed that has the formalities of a recordable deed, states that the transfer occurs at the owner’s death, and is recorded before the owner’s death with the auditor of the county where the property is located. This is Washington’s Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act. The deed is revocable even if it says otherwise, requires the capacity needed to make a will, cannot be used as a deed in lieu of foreclosure of a deed of trust, and takes effect without notice to, delivery to or acceptance by the beneficiary during the owner’s life, and without consideration. This is RCW 64.80.020, 64.80.030, 64.80.050, 64.80.060, 64.80.070.
| What | Washington |
|---|---|
| Transfer-on-death deed | Allowed; record before death |
Source
RCW 64.80.020, 64.80.030, 64.80.050, 64.80.060, 64.80.070
Read the statute in the Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature): app.leg.wa.gov.
Checked against the statute on November 13, 2026.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
How Seayora uses this rule
An owner on Seayora keeps each property’s owners of record, its entity and its documents in one place, so who holds title and how is on file beside the leases and the books.
Guides on this rule
- Joint Tenancy and Transfer-on-Death Deeds by State — How each state reads a deed to two or more people, survivorship rules, and where a transfer-on-death deed is allowed by statute.
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The same question in other states
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
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- District of Columbia
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