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Free Quit Claim Deed Form — Washington

Use this free Washington quit claim deed form to transfer real property between individuals, family members, corporations, or trusts. Deeds are recorded with the County Auditor in the county where the property is located. Washington State imposes a Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) with graduated rates starting at 1.1% of value. A REET Affidavit must be completed at recording.

Common Uses for a Quit Claim Deed in Washington

Washington quit claim deeds are most often used in divorce settlements, where one spouse transfers their interest in the marital home to the other, and to add a new spouse to a title after marriage. Because Washington is a community property state, both spouses generally need to sign when transferring community property. Estate planning transfers into revocable living trusts are very common in Washington. Real estate investors in Seattle, Bellevue, and other markets use quit claim deeds to move property into LLCs. Parent-to-child gifts and corrections of prior deed errors are also frequent uses.

Washington Quit Claim Deed Form

Washington 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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Washington Quit Claim Deed Requirements

Before recording a quit claim deed in Washington, 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
  • ✓REET Affidavit (Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit) must be completed at recording
  • ✓Must be recorded with the County Auditor in the county of the property
  • ✓Real Estate Excise Tax (REET): graduated rates starting at 1.1% of value
  • ✓Recording fees are paid at time of filing

After You Record Your Deed in Washington

After the County Auditor records your deed, the original is returned to the grantee or the designated address. The REET Affidavit and tax payment are processed by the county treasurer at the time of recording. Recording times and fees vary by county. The Auditor updates the official land records, and the county assessor uses the recorded deed to update property tax ownership records. Washington property taxes are collected by county treasurers. The grantee should update their mailing address with the county assessor. The grantee is responsible for Washington property taxes from the date of transfer.

Washington Quit Claim Deed FAQ

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

Yes. Washington 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 Washington.

Where do I record a quit claim deed in Washington?

You file the deed with the County Auditor in the county where the property is located. Washington has 39 counties, each with its own County Auditor. Recording fees vary by county.

Is there a transfer tax in Washington?

Yes. Washington State imposes a Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) with graduated rates: 1.1% on the portion up to $525,000; 1.28% on $525,001 to $1,525,000; 2.75% on $1,525,001 to $3,025,000; and 3% on amounts above $3,025,000. Transfers between spouses (in divorce proceedings) and transfers with no consideration may qualify for an exemption.

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

Yes. Family transfers are common in Washington, though the REET can be significant given the state's high property values. Transfers between spouses as part of a divorce decree and certain transfers with no consideration may qualify for a REET exemption. Confirm the exemption with the County Auditor or a Washington real estate attorney.

Do both spouses need to sign a quit claim deed in Washington?

Washington is a community property state. If the property is community property (acquired during the marriage), both spouses must sign for the transfer to be valid. If the property is one spouse's separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance), only that spouse needs to sign. When there is uncertainty about the property's character, both spouses should sign.

Are there exemptions to the Washington Real Estate Excise Tax?

Washington provides REET exemptions for transfers between spouses or domestic partners as part of a divorce or legal separation, transfers from an individual to their own revocable living trust, transfers with no consideration between certain family members, transfers to government entities, and certain other transactions. The exemption is claimed on the REET Affidavit filed at the time of recording. A Washington real estate attorney can confirm whether your transfer qualifies.

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