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Free Quit Claim Deed Form — Louisiana
Use this free Louisiana quit claim deed form to transfer real property between individuals, family members, corporations, or trusts. Louisiana uses a civil law system; property is organized by parishes (not counties), and deeds are recorded with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the property is located. Louisiana requires two witnesses in addition to notarization. Louisiana notaries have expanded authority compared to notaries in other states.
Common Uses for a Quit Claim Deed in Louisiana
Louisiana quit claim deeds are used to transfer property between spouses as part of a community property settlement in a divorce, or to donate immovable property to a family member. Because Louisiana is a community property state, both spouses must typically sign to transfer community property. Transferring property into a trust or LLC is common for estate planning and liability protection. Correcting errors in a previously recorded act of sale or donation is another frequent use. Louisiana property owners also use quit claim-style deeds to resolve succession (inheritance) issues by clarifying ownership after a death.
Louisiana Quit Claim Deed Form
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Quit Claim Deed Requirements
Before recording a quit claim deed in Louisiana, make sure the document meets these requirements:
- ✓Deed must be in writing and signed by the grantor(s)
- ✓Grantor's signature must be notarized AND attested by two witnesses
- ✓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 Clerk of Court in the parish of the property
- ✓Louisiana uses parishes, not counties, for property records
- ✓Transfer taxes may apply depending on the nature of the transfer
- ✓Recording fees are paid at time of filing
After You Record Your Deed in Louisiana
After the Clerk of Court records your deed, the original is returned to the grantee or the designated address. Recording times and fees vary by parish. The Clerk updates the conveyance records, and the parish assessor uses the recorded act to update property tax ownership. Because Louisiana uses a civil law system, the process differs somewhat from common law states. The grantee should update their mailing address with the parish assessor to ensure tax bills are received. The grantee is responsible for property taxes from the date of the act.
Louisiana Quit Claim Deed FAQ
Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires the grantor's signature to be notarized AND witnessed by two adults. Louisiana notaries have broader authority than notaries in most states and can also serve as the preparer of the act. All signatories must be present at the same time. Online notarization through a service like NotaryLive can coordinate the notarization, but two in-person witnesses are still required at the time of signing.
Where do I record a quit claim deed in Louisiana?
Louisiana is divided into parishes rather than counties. You file the deed with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the property is located. Each of Louisiana's 64 parishes has its own Clerk of Court. Recording fees vary by parish.
Are there transfer taxes in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not impose a state-level real estate transfer tax on most deed recordings. However, recording fees apply, and some transactions may be subject to documentary taxes at the parish level. Transfers with significant consideration may have tax reporting obligations. Confirm current requirements with the parish Clerk of Court or a Louisiana real estate attorney.
Can I use a quit claim deed to transfer property to a family member in Louisiana?
Yes. Donations of immovable property between family members are very common in Louisiana. Because Louisiana is a community property state, both spouses must sign if the property is community property. Confirm with a Louisiana attorney whether the transfer requires a formal act of donation (which has specific legal requirements under Louisiana law) or whether a quit claim deed is the appropriate instrument.
Who can serve as a witness for a quit claim deed in Louisiana?
A witness must be an adult who is not a party to the act. Louisiana does not prohibit family members from serving as witnesses, but disinterested parties are recommended to avoid future challenges. Both witnesses must be physically present when the grantor signs. The notary public in Louisiana generally serves a more comprehensive role than in other states and cannot also be counted as one of the two required witnesses.
What is the difference between a quit claim deed and an act of donation in Louisiana?
Louisiana's civil law system uses the term "act" rather than "deed." A quit claim deed functions similarly to a Louisiana quitclaim act, conveying whatever interest the grantor holds without title warranties. An act of donation is a specific Louisiana instrument used for gratuitous transfers (gifts) of property. Both require notarization and two witnesses. A Louisiana-licensed attorney or notary can advise which instrument is most appropriate for your specific transfer.
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