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Free California Quitclaim Deed Form
Use this free California quitclaim deed form to transfer property between individuals, family members, corporations, or trusts. The form complies with California Civil Code requirements and includes all required fields for county recording. A California quitclaim deed must be notarized before recording, and you must file a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) with the county recorder when you submit the deed.
A California quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor currently holds. Understanding how a quitclaim deed works begins with comparing it to other types of deeds. Warranty deeds guarantee clean title: the person transferring the property promises the grantee protection against prior claims or liens. A quitclaim deed makes no such promise. It conveys only the interest the grantor actually owns, which makes it less suitable for transferring interest in property with a complicated title history. This is where title insurance matters most: a title insurer may require a warranty deed before issuing coverage. For trusted transfers between family members or to correct a title error, a quitclaim deed transfers ownership efficiently and with minimal paperwork.
Common Uses for a Quit Claim Deed in California
California quit claim deeds are most commonly used in connection with divorce, where one spouse conveys their interest in the family home to the other as part of a settlement. Married couples also use them to add a new spouse to an existing title or to adjust ownership shares. Estate planning is another frequent use: property owners transfer real estate into a revocable living trust to avoid California's often lengthy probate process. Parents gift homes or vacant land to adult children using quit claim deeds. Real estate investors also use them to transfer property between related entities, such as from an individual owner to an LLC.
California Quit Claim Deed Form
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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.
California Quit Claim Deed Requirements
Before recording a quit claim deed in California, make sure the document meets these requirements:
- ✓Deed must be in writing and signed by the grantor(s)
- ✓Grantor's signature must be acknowledged before a notary public
- ✓Property must be described by its legal description (not just street address)
- ✓Deed must identify both the grantor(s) and grantee(s) by full legal name
- ✓A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) must be filed at recording
- ✓Documentary Transfer Tax is due at recording (county plus any city tax)
- ✓Must be recorded with the County Recorder's Office in the county of the property
- ✓Grantee's mailing address must be shown on the deed
After You Record Your Deed in California
After the County Recorder processes your deed, the original is mailed back to the grantee or the return address listed on the document. Recording times vary by county and range from same-day for in-person recordings to several weeks by mail. The County Recorder notifies the County Assessor of the transfer so that property tax records are updated. California's Proposition 19 rules determine whether the transfer triggers a reassessment of the property's taxable value. The grantee is responsible for property taxes going forward. Keep the recorded deed and a copy of the PCOR in a secure location.
California Quit Claim Deed FAQ
Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized in California?
Yes. California Civil Code section 1189 requires the grantor's signature to be acknowledged before a notary public before the deed can be recorded with the County Recorder. Online notarization through a service like NotaryLive is accepted in California.
Where do I record a quit claim deed in California?
You file the deed with the County Recorder's Office (also called the Assessor-Recorder or Registrar-Recorder) in the county where the property is located. Each of California's 58 counties has its own recorder's office. Recording fees vary by county.
Is there a transfer tax in California?
Yes. California imposes a Documentary Transfer Tax (DTT) at the time of recording, typically calculated at $1.10 per $1,000 of the value being transferred. Some cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, add an additional city-level transfer tax on top of the county rate. Certain transfers, including those between spouses or domestic partners, may qualify for an exemption.
What is a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)?
The PCOR (form BOE-502-A) is required by the California Board of Equalization and must be submitted along with the deed at the time of recording. It discloses the nature and terms of the transfer so the County Assessor can determine whether the transfer triggers a property tax reassessment under Proposition 19. Failing to file the PCOR results in a penalty fee added to the property tax bill.
Does a California quit claim deed trigger property tax reassessment?
It can. California's Proposition 19, effective February 16, 2021, significantly changed the rules for parent-to-child and grandparent-to-grandchild exclusions from reassessment. Transfers between spouses and registered domestic partners are generally excluded from reassessment. You should review the PCOR instructions carefully and consult a tax advisor or estate planning attorney before completing the transfer.
Do both spouses need to sign a quit claim deed in California?
If the property is community property (acquired during the marriage), both spouses must sign the deed for the transfer to be valid under California Family Code section 1102. If the property is one spouse's separate property, only that spouse needs to sign. If there is any uncertainty about whether the property is community or separate property, both spouses should sign to ensure clean title.
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