Transfer on Death Deed Notary in Houston
A Texas Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) lets a property owner name a beneficiary who automatically receives the home upon the owner's death — no probate required — but only if the deed is properly notarized and recorded before death. Mobile Notary Houston handles TODD signings at your home, hospital, or attorney's office anywhere in the Houston area.
What to Bring
- The completed, unsigned Transfer on Death Deed with the full legal property description
- Current government-issued photo ID for the property owner (transferor)
- Beneficiary name(s) already filled in on the document
- The county recording cover sheet, if you have one
How the Appointment Works
- Schedule the appointment — many TODD signings are urgent (hospital or hospice), so call any time.
- The notary verifies the transferor's photo ID and confirms they are alert and signing voluntarily.
- The transferor signs the TODD in the notary's presence.
- The notary completes the Texas-specific acknowledgment, applies the seal, and logs the signing.
- The original wet-ink TODD must then be recorded in the county where the property is located, before the transferor's death.
A TODD is only effective if it is recorded with the county clerk during the transferor's lifetime. The notarization is just one step — recording promptly is critical.
Mobile Notary Service Areas
We travel to homes, offices, hospitals, and care facilities across the Greater Houston area, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Transfer on Death Deed in Texas?
A TODD is a Texas Estates Code instrument that transfers real property to a named beneficiary at the owner's death without going through probate, as long as the deed is signed, notarized, and recorded before death.
Does a Transfer on Death Deed need to be notarized?
Yes. Texas law requires the transferor's signature on a TODD to be acknowledged before a notary public. Without notarization, the deed is invalid.
Does the beneficiary need to sign or be present?
No. Only the property owner (transferor) signs the TODD in front of the notary. The beneficiary does not need to sign or be present, and does not even need to know about the deed.
Can you notarize a TODD at a hospital or hospice?
Yes — and these are common urgent calls. The transferor must still be alert, oriented, and able to communicate clearly. We respond 24/7 to hospitals and hospice facilities throughout Houston.
Can a notary prepare the TODD form?
No. We notarize signatures only. The Texas statutory TODD form is available through the Real Property Records section of your county or through an attorney.
What happens after the TODD is notarized?
You must record the original notarized TODD with the county clerk in the county where the property is located, during the transferor's lifetime. We hand back the original for recording.
Ready to schedule?
Same-day and after-hours appointments available across Houston.
Legal disclaimer: Mobile Notary Houston is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, draft legal documents, or tell customers which document they need. We notarize signatures on completed documents when all Texas notary requirements are met.