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Free DC Quitclaim Deed Form
Use this free District of Columbia quitclaim deed form to transfer real property. Fill out the form online, download your deed, and have it notarized before recording at the DC Recorder of Deeds.
DC does not require witnesses — only a notary acknowledgment is needed (D.C. Code § 1-1231.14). DC uses Square/Suffix/Lot numbers to identify property rather than APN codes. Form FP 7/C (revised 10/2024) must be completed, signed, and notarized by both grantor and grantee and submitted at recording.
DC Quitclaim Deed Form
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.
DC Quitclaim Deed Requirements
Before recording a quitclaim deed in the District of Columbia, make sure the document meets these requirements:
- ✓Deed must be in writing and signed by the grantor (D.C. Code § 42-604)
- ✓Grantor's signature must be acknowledged before a notary public (D.C. Code § 1-1231.14)
- ✓DC does NOT require witnesses — notary acknowledgment alone is sufficient for recording
- ✓Square number and lot number must be included — DC uses Square/Suffix/Lot identifiers, not APNs
- ✓Full legal description must be included, with Office of Surveyor reference information
- ✓Grantor and grantee mailing addresses are required (FP 7/C Part E)
- ✓Consideration amount must appear on the deed face
- ✓Return address must appear on the deed for return after recording
- ✓Minimum 2.5-inch top margin on page 1 for recorder stamp area
- ✓Form FP 7/C (Real Property Recordation and Transfer Tax Form, revised 10/2024) must be completed, signed, and notarized by both grantor and grantee — prior versions not accepted
- ✓Recordation tax: 1.1% base rate; additional 0.35% for residential transfers at $400,000 or more and all commercial transfers
- ✓Transfer tax: same rate structure as recordation tax
- ✓Recording fee: $25.00 plus $5.00 surcharge — check payable to DC Treasurer
- ✓Deed must be recorded within 30 calendar days of execution to avoid a $250 penalty
- ✓All deeds recorded at: DC Recorder of Deeds, 1101 4th Street SW, Suite 270 West, Washington, DC 20024
After You Record Your Deed in DC
After the DC Recorder of Deeds records your deed, the original is returned to the address specified on the deed. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue is notified of the ownership change and updates property tax records. Keep the recorded deed as your primary evidence of title and retain your FP 7/C receipt as proof of transfer tax payment.
Common Uses for a Quitclaim Deed in the District of Columbia
Quitclaim deeds in DC are commonly used to transfer property between spouses or family members, including as part of a divorce settlement or estate plan. DC residents frequently use them to move property into a revocable living trust to avoid probate, to add or remove a co-owner from the title, or to correct a name error on a prior recorded deed. Married couples should consider whether tenancy by the entirety is the appropriate vesting.
DC Quitclaim Deed FAQ
Does a DC quitclaim deed need to be notarized?
Yes. DC requires the grantor's signature to be acknowledged before a notary public before the deed can be recorded (D.C. Code § 1-1231.14). Online notarization through a service like NotaryLive is accepted in the District of Columbia.
Do I need witnesses for a DC quitclaim deed?
No. The District of Columbia does not require witnesses to a deed. Only a notary acknowledgment is required. This makes DC deeds simpler to execute than states that require two witnesses.
Where do I record a quitclaim deed in the District of Columbia?
All deeds in DC are recorded at a single location: DC Recorder of Deeds, 1101 4th Street SW, Suite 270 West, Washington, DC 20024. Electronic recording is also accepted via CSC/Ingeo, Simplifile, and ePN.
What is Form FP 7/C and is it required?
Form FP 7/C (Real Property Recordation and Transfer Tax Form, revised 10/2024) is required for all deed recordings in DC. It must be completed, signed, and notarized by both the grantor and the grantee and submitted at recording. Prior versions of FP 7/C are not accepted. If claiming a tax exemption, you must also submit the ROD 4 exemption form with supporting documentation citing the specific DC Code provision.
What are the DC recordation and transfer taxes?
DC imposes both a recordation tax and a transfer tax. The base rate for each is 1.1% of the consideration or fair market value. An additional 0.35% applies to residential transfers of $400,000 or more and to all commercial transfers. DC uses fair market value as the tax base when the consideration is absent or nominal.
What are Square, Suffix, and Lot numbers in DC?
DC uses Square/Suffix/Lot numbers to identify real property rather than APN (Assessor's Parcel Number) codes used in most states. The Square number identifies the city block, the Suffix (optional) distinguishes sub-squares, and the Lot number identifies the specific parcel within the square. You can find these on your property tax bill or through the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.
What vesting options are available for multiple grantees in DC?
DC grantees may hold title as Tenants in Common, as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship, or as Tenants by the Entirety. Tenancy by the entirety is only available to married couples or domestic partners. Our form prompts for vesting selection whenever two or more grantees are added.
What is the deadline to record a DC quitclaim deed?
A DC deed must be recorded within 30 calendar days of execution. Recording after the deadline subjects the parties to a $250 penalty. Electronic recording via CSC/Ingeo, Simplifile, or ePN is accepted and can help meet the deadline.
What to Bring When Recording Your DC Quitclaim Deed
Before you go to the DC Recorder of Deeds, confirm you have everything on this list. Recording address: 1101 4th Street SW, Suite 270 West, Washington, DC 20024.
- 1Completed deed, signed by grantor and acknowledged before a notary public
- 2Form FP 7/C (revised 10/2024) — completed, signed, and notarized by both grantor AND grantee; prior versions not accepted
- 3Recordation tax payment: 1.1% base rate; additional 0.35% for residential transfers at $400,000 or more and all commercial transfers
- 4Transfer tax payment: same rate structure as recordation tax
- 5If claiming tax exemption: ROD 4 exemption form plus supporting documentation citing the specific DC Code provision
- 6Recording fee: $25.00 plus $5.00 surcharge
- 7Check payable to: DC Treasurer
- 8Record within 30 calendar days of execution to avoid $250 penalty
- 9Electronic recording accepted via CSC/Ingeo, Simplifile, and ePN
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