Free Quitclaim Deed Forms
for All 50 States
Transfer property quickly and easily. Fill out your deed online in minutes. No lawyer required.
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What Is a Quit Claim Deed?
A quit claim deed (also written as “quitclaim deed”) is a legal document that transfers property from one person to another. It transfers only the ownership rights the grantor currently holds. Unlike a warranty deed, the grantor makes no promises about the quality of the title.
Common uses include:
- Transferring property between family members or spouses
- Removing or adding a spouse to a title after marriage or divorce
- Moving property into or out of a trust or LLC
- Clearing a title defect or resolving a boundary dispute
- Gifting property to a child or relative
The party giving up ownership is called the Grantor. The party receiving ownership is called the Grantee. There can be multiple grantors and grantees.
How to Transfer Property with a Quit Claim Deed
Select Your State
Choose the state where the property is located. Every state has specific deed requirements.
Fill Out the Form
Enter the grantor, grantee, and property information. Takes about 5 minutes.
Sign & Notarize
The grantor must sign in front of a notary public. You can do this online with NotaryLive.
Record the Deed
File the notarized deed with the county recorder's office where the property is located.
Understanding Quitclaim Deeds
A quitclaim deed is one of several types of deeds used in real estate. It transfers whatever interest in the property the grantor currently holds. A warranty deed, by contrast, guarantees clear title. A quitclaim deed makes no such promise. This makes it a simple tool when both parties already trust each other.
Here is how a quitclaim deed works. The person transferring the property is called the grantor. The grantor signs the deed to transfer property and has it notarized.
The person receiving the property is called the grantee. The grantee records the deed at the county office. No money needs to change hands. In many family transfers, the stated consideration is $1 or “love and affection.”
When transferring interest in real property, keep in mind that a quitclaim deed does not protect against old liens or prior ownership claims. For sales between strangers, a warranty deed and title insurance offer much stronger protection. Title insurance covers the grantee if hidden title defects appear after the transfer.
Most people use a quitclaim deed to transfer property between trusted parties. Common examples are spouses, parents, children, and business partners. In those cases, the lack of title guarantees is usually acceptable.
If you are unsure about the property’s title history or any existing mortgage, talk to a real estate attorney in your state before recording.
Your deed needs to be notarized before recording
All quit claim deeds must be notarized to be legally valid. Notarize online from your phone or computer — no travel required, available 24/7.
Common Questions
What is a quit claim deed?
A quit claim deed (also spelled "quitclaim deed") is a legal document used to transfer whatever ownership interest the grantor has in a property to a grantee. Unlike a warranty deed, the grantor makes no guarantees about the title — they simply transfer whatever rights they currently hold.
When should I use a quit claim deed?
Quit claim deeds are commonly used to transfer property between family members, add or remove a spouse from a title after marriage or divorce, transfer property into or out of a trust, or clear up a title defect. They are not typically used in arm's-length sales because they offer no title guarantees.
What is the difference between a grantor and a grantee?
The grantor is the person or entity transferring ownership (the seller or giver). The grantee is the person or entity receiving ownership (the buyer or recipient). A deed can have multiple grantors and/or multiple grantees.
Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized?
Yes. In virtually every U.S. state, a quit claim deed must be signed in the presence of a notary public and notarized before it can be recorded. Some states also require witnesses. You can get your deed notarized in person at a bank, UPS Store, or through an online notary service like NotaryLive.
Where do I file a quit claim deed?
Once signed and notarized, the deed must be recorded with the county recorder's office (also called the register of deeds or clerk of court, depending on the state) in the county where the property is located. Recording fees vary by county.