Affidavit - Death Forms

Affidavit – Death forms are used to change the title on real property after the death of a joint tenant, trustee or trustor.  Although we cannot give legal advice, we can provide you with the requirements to make an Affidavit - Death form acceptable for recording.  Blank forms may be available at stationery stores and office supply stores that stock legal forms. Information and forms are also available at the Sacramento County Public Law Library located at 813 Sixth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 874-6012 or online.

When an Affidavit - Death form is presented for recording, we will look for the following information:

• Name of affiant or declarant;
• Name of decedent;
• Certified copy of death certificate attached;
• Description/identification of real property located in Sacramento County;
• Signature of affiant or declarant; and
• Verification.

Additionally, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (Form BOE-502-A) must accompany the document. This form is available free of charge from our office or via the Assessor's Website. If this report is not presented at the time of recording, an additional recording fee of $20.00 will be assessed.

The fee for recording an Affidavit - Death form is $18.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.  The certified copy of the death certificate is considered a page of the document.  If any part of the document is other than 8 1/2" x 11" an additional fee of $3.00 per page will be charged.