Free Quitclaim Deed Form

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest the current owner has in a property to someone else. Unlike a sale deed, it does not promise the title is clear, or even that the grantor truly owns the property.

Because of that limited protection, a quitclaim deed form is usually best when there’s already trust between the people involved.

Quitclaim Deed or Quick Claim Deed?

People sometimes say “quick claim deed,” but the correct term is quitclaim deed (or “quit claim deed”).

Quitclaim Deed vs. Warranty Deed

Both documents can transfer real estate, but they protect the buyer (grantee) very differently:

• Quitclaim deed: Transfers only the grantor’s current interest, with no promises about ownership or title.
• Warranty deed: Typically used for real estate sales because it includes warranties that the grantor owns the property and the title is clear. See Cornell’s overview of a warranty deed.

Tip: If you’re buying property, you usually want a warranty deed plus a title search or title insurance. A quitclaim deed form is rarely the right fit for a purchase.

A quitclaim deed form works best when the transfer is simple, and both sides understand the risks.

Common situations include:

• Transferring property between family members, like a parent adding an adult child to the title
• Adjusting ownership after a breakup or divorce, along with a divorce agreement
• Moving property into a trust as part of estate planning (especially when you’re reorganizing ownership, not selling)
• Fixing a title issue, like a misspelled name or an outdated ownership detail

A quitclaim deed doesn’t remove debts tied to the property. For example, liens can still attach to the home, which may affect the new owner.

A quitclaim deed is short, but small errors can slow down recording. Document Genius’s guided form helps you cover the key details in the right order.

1. Confirm When the Deed Takes Effect

Start with the date you plan to sign the quitclaim deed form. In most cases, the transfer becomes part of the public record once you record it with the county.

2. Add the Grantor and Grantee

You’ll list:

• The grantor (the person giving up their interest)
• The grantee (the person receiving that interest)

Double-check legal names, spelling, and addresses. Also, confirm how the grantee will hold title (for example, alone or with someone else), since formatting can vary by state.

3. Describe the Property Clearly

Most quitclaim deed forms require:

• The property’s street address
• The county where the property is located
• The legal description (often copied from a prior deed)
• Sometimes an APN (assessor’s parcel number)

Tip: If you do not have the legal description, you can usually find it on a prior deed or through your local recorder’s office.

4. Enter the Consideration

“Consideration” is what’s being exchanged. In many family transfers, it’s listed as $0 or a nominal amount (like $1), depending on state norms.

5. Sign with the Right Formalities

Most states require a quitclaim deed form to be signed in front of a notary. Some states also require witnesses.

If you’re unsure what your state needs, check your local recorder or county clerk guidance through USAGov’s local government directory.

6. Record the Deed with the County

Recording makes the ownership change public and helps protect the grantee’s claim. You typically file the signed, notarized quitclaim deed with the county recorder (or clerk) where the property is located.

Tip: Recording fees, formatting rules, and required cover sheets vary. If your deed gets rejected, it’s often because of a formatting issue, a missing notary block, or an incomplete legal description.