CA · QUIT-DEED · Updated July 2026 · Free
California Quitclaim Deed PDF
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California at a glance: Notary Required: Yes (mandatory for recording) · Witnesses Required: No · Required Forms: Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)
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Overview
Quitclaim Deeds in California
California quitclaim deeds are governed by the California Civil Code and Government Code. To be recorded in California, a quitclaim deed must contain the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), a complete legal description of the property, and the grantor's signature must be notarized (Cal. Gov. Code § 27287).
Additionally, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) must be submitted alongside the deed at the time of recording to avoid property tax reassessment penalties.
Key Facts
California Quitclaim Deed — Quick Reference
| Requirement | California Rule |
|---|---|
| Notary Required | Yes (mandatory for recording) |
| Witnesses Required | No |
| Required Forms | Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) |
| Governing Law | Cal. Gov. Code § 27287 |
Legal Requirements
California Legal Requirements
- Must include the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) on the first page.
- Grantor's signature must be acknowledged by a notary public.
- Must include a complete legal description (metes and bounds or lot/block).
Governing Laws
California Governing Laws
Cal. Gov. Code § 27287
Acknowledgment Required
Requires all deeds and real property conveyances to be notarized before being recorded by the county.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1092
Grant of Estate
Provides the statutory formatting guidelines for real property transfer deeds.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's California legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
California Quitclaim Deed — Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need witnesses for a California quitclaim deed?
No. California does not require witness signatures on deeds; the notary public's acknowledgment of the grantor's signature is sufficient for recording.
What is a PCOR in California?
A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) is a state-mandated form that details the transaction. The county recorder uses it to determine if the transfer triggers a property tax reassessment under Proposition 13.