How to Transfer Title from a Trust to a New Owner in California

To transfer title from a trust to a new owner in California, you’ll typically need a copy of the trust, a notarized Trustee’s Deed, and the original property deed. The trustee must sign over ownership, record the deed with the county, and possibly file a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. This process avoids probate but must be executed correctly to be legal and binding.

What’s the process for transferring title from a trust?

If you're dealing with a home or real estate held in a trust, here’s how to transfer the title to a new owner:

Verify Trust Authority
Ensure the person acting has authority as successor trustee. You’ll need the trust documents and possibly a Certification of Trust.
Prepare the Trustee’s Deed
This legal document transfers ownership. It must include:
- The legal property description
- Names of the current trustee(s)
- Name of the new owner (individual, entity, or buyer)
- Statement of trustee authority
Get the Deed Notarized
California law requires the Trustee’s Deed to be notarized before recording.
Complete a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)
This is submitted to the county assessor to determine if a reassessment is needed under Proposition 13.
Record the Deed
File the Trustee’s Deed and PCOR with the county recorder’s office where the property is located (e.g., Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder).

What documents do I need to transfer title from a trust?

You'll typically need the following:

Required DocumentPurposeTrust Document or Certification of TrustShows trustee authorityOriginal Property DeedConfirms ownership and legal descriptionTrustee’s DeedTransfers title from trust to new ownerPreliminary Change of Ownership ReportPrevents reassessment or notifies the countyDeath Certificate (if grantor is deceased)Verifies the need to transfer ownership

Do I need a lawyer to transfer title from a trust?

In most cases, you do not legally need an attorney, but it's often wise to consult one — especially if:

Multiple beneficiaries are involved
There is a dispute or unclear language in the trust
The property is being sold as part of a trust administration process

If you're selling an inherited home in Los Angeles or Pasadena, working with a probate/trust real estate expert (like The Borges Team) ensures the transfer is handled correctly.

How is this different from a probate transfer?

Unlike probate, trust-held properties usually bypass court, allowing the trustee to transfer title more quickly. Here's how they compare:

Feature Trust Transfer Probate Transfer

Court Involvement No (unless contested) Yes

Timeline Weeks Months to over a year

Cost Lower Higher (court + legal fees)

Privacy Private Public record

Can you transfer trust property before someone dies?

No. A revocable living trust doesn’t take effect until the grantor dies or becomes incapacitated. Until then, the person who created the trust retains full control. After death, the successor trustee can then act and transfer title.

Local Tip for Los Angeles & Pasadena Homeowners

In Los Angeles County, the most common errors we see are:

Failing to notarize the deed correctly
Omitting a required PCOR, which can delay recording
Trusts missing property-specific language (e.g., legal description)

If your inherited or trust-held property is located in Pasadena, Highland Park, Glendale, or the San Gabriel Valley, The Borges Real Estate Team can walk you through this step — or handle it completely for you during a sale.