QUIT-DEED
Free · All 50 States · Updated July 2026Quitclaim Deed
A deed used to quickly transfer interest in real estate without warranties.
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What Is a Quitclaim Deed?
A Quitclaim Deed is a legal real estate instrument used to transfer whatever interest or ownership claim a person (the grantor) has in a property to another person (the grantee). Unlike a Warranty Deed, a Quitclaim Deed does not guarantee that the grantor owns the property or that the title is clear of liens and encumbrances. It simply transfers the grantor's current interest, "as-is."
Quitclaim deeds are most commonly used for property transfers between family members, adding or removing a spouse from a title, transferring property into a living trust, or clearing a "cloud" on a title during a sale.
Why You Need a Quitclaim Deed
A Quitclaim Deed is necessary when you need to formally update property ownership records at the county recorder's office. Without a recorded deed, any agreement to transfer property is not legally recognized against third parties or title insurers.
Because it offers no title warranties, it is ideal for low-risk transactions where the parties know and trust each other. It provides a simple, low-cost way to transfer property rights without the expense of a full title search and title insurance policy.
Key Components
1
Grantor
The person or entity currently holding an interest in the property who is transferring it.
2
Grantee
The person or entity receiving the property interest.
3
Consideration
The amount of money paid for the transfer (often a nominal amount like $10.00 for family transfers).
4
Legal Description
The exact legal boundary description of the property, not just the street address.
5
Parcel ID / APN
The tax assessor's parcel number used by the county to identify the property.
6
Notary Acknowledgment
Mandatory notarization of the grantor's signature for the deed to be eligible for recording.
7
Witnesses
State-specific witness signatures (e.g., Florida requires two witnesses; California does not).
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a quitclaim deed guarantee ownership?
No. A quitclaim deed only transfers whatever interest the grantor actually has. If the grantor has no ownership rights, the grantee receives nothing.
Does a quitclaim deed remove you from a mortgage?
No. A quitclaim deed transfers ownership of the property, but it does not affect mortgage liability. To be removed from a mortgage, the remaining owner must refinance the loan or obtain a release from the lender.
Where do I file a quitclaim deed?
You must file the signed, notarized deed with the County Recorder, Clerk of Court, or Registrar of Deeds in the county where the property is physically located.
Is a quitclaim deed taxable?
It can be. While many family transfers are exempt, a quitclaim deed may trigger gift taxes, capital gains taxes, or local transfer taxes depending on the value of the property and state laws.
What is the difference between a quitclaim deed and a warranty deed?
A warranty deed guarantees that the grantor holds clear title and will defend the grantee against any future title claims. A quitclaim deed offers no guarantees or protections.
Quitclaim Deed by State
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AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming