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Free Quit Claim Deed Form — District of Columbia

Use this free Washington D.C. quit claim deed form to transfer real property between individuals, family members, corporations, or trusts. Deeds in the District are recorded with the DC Recorder of Deeds. DC imposes both a Deed Recordation Tax (1.1% of value) and a Real Property Transfer Tax (1.1% of value), for a combined effective rate of approximately 2.2% on most transfers.

Common Uses for a Quit Claim Deed in District of Columbia

In Washington D.C., quit claim deeds are commonly used to transfer property between spouses in connection with marriage or divorce, and to add a domestic partner to an existing title. Estate planning transfers into revocable living trusts are also frequent, helping owners avoid the DC probate process. Parents gift condominiums or townhomes to adult children, and property owners transfer real estate into LLCs or other business entities. Correcting a name error or updating ownership records after a death in the family are also practical uses.

District of Columbia Quit Claim Deed Form

District of Columbia 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.

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District of Columbia Quit Claim Deed Requirements

Before recording a quit claim deed in District of Columbia, 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 identified by its legal description
  • ✓Deed must name the grantor(s) and grantee(s) by full legal name
  • ✓Must be recorded with the DC Recorder of Deeds
  • ✓Deed Recordation Tax: 1.1% of value
  • ✓Real Property Transfer Tax: 1.1% of value
  • ✓Recording fees are paid at time of filing

After You Record Your Deed in District of Columbia

After the DC Recorder of Deeds processes your deed, the original is returned to the grantee or the designated return address. The Recorder's office updates the land records, and the DC Office of Tax and Revenue receives notification of the transfer for property tax purposes. DC property tax bills will be sent to the grantee's address on file with the Office of Tax and Revenue; be sure to update your mailing address after recording. The grantee is responsible for DC real property taxes from the date of transfer.

District of Columbia Quit Claim Deed FAQ

Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized in Washington D.C.?

Yes. DC requires the grantor's signature to be acknowledged before a notary public before the deed can be recorded. Online notarization through a service like NotaryLive is accepted in DC.

Where do I record a quit claim deed in Washington D.C.?

You file the deed with the DC Recorder of Deeds, located at 1101 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. DC operates as a single jurisdiction and does not have counties. Recording fees are set by DC and are paid at the time of filing.

Are there transfer taxes in Washington D.C.?

Yes. DC imposes two separate taxes on deed transfers: a Deed Recordation Tax of 1.1% and a Real Property Transfer Tax of 1.1%, for a combined rate of 2.2%. For transactions above $400,000, the transfer tax rate increases to 1.45% per tax, resulting in a combined rate of 2.9%. Transfers between spouses and certain family transfers may qualify for an exemption.

Can I use a quit claim deed to transfer property to a family member in Washington D.C.?

Yes. Family transfers are common in DC. Transfers between spouses or domestic partners are generally exempt from both the recordation tax and the transfer tax. Confirm the exemption with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue or a local real estate attorney before filing.

Are there exemptions to the DC recordation and transfer taxes?

Yes. DC provides exemptions for transfers between spouses and domestic partners, transfers to a surviving joint tenant, transfers from an individual to their own revocable living trust, and certain nonprofit and government transfers. The exemption must be claimed on the tax form submitted at the time of recording. Consult a DC real estate attorney if you are unsure whether your transfer qualifies.

What happens after I record my quit claim deed in Washington D.C.?

After recording, the DC Recorder of Deeds returns the original deed to the grantee. The land records are updated to reflect the new ownership. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue also updates the property tax records based on the recorded deed. The grantee should verify that property tax bills are being sent to the correct address and should notify the Office of Tax and Revenue of any address change.

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