Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law. I am more than happy to help you with your situation! Did you retain a recent copy of your deed or a property tax statement handy?

What state is this in?

Ok! Did you need to tell me anything else? If not, I can start with answering your question.

However, if you are filling that out, you need to provide clear info that identifies your property. You can almost always get this from these places: your property deed (the one you got when you bought the house), your real estate tax assessment notice (which you said you have), or your title insurance policy if you have one.

The legal description from your tax notice is likely enough, but it’s always best to match exactly what’s on your most recent deed because that’s what the land records office recognizes.

You can create and record a TODD even if you still have a mortgage. The bank can’t block you from recording it, but remember: the mortgage still has to be paid after you pass, and whoever gets the property takes it subject to that loan.

As for the "Property Identification Number," that’s usually your tax parcel number, which is also on your tax assessment notice.

If the form asks for a "Parcel ID," "Tax Map Number," or "GPIN," that’s all the same thing — your county or city uses that number to track the property for tax purposes.

So, quick game plan: grab your deed and your tax notice, copy the legal description exactly as it shows on your deed, use the parcel or property ID from your tax notice, and fill in the rest of your personal details. Then you’ll need to sign it in front of a notary and record it with your local land records office (the circuit court clerk in Virginia).

You absolutely can do this on your own. Promises!

Yes, of course! Thank you so much for contacting us! We're happy to help whenever you need it.