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California Quitclaim Deed

California Quitclaim Deed Requirements

A California quitclaim deed is commonly used for family transfers, title cleanup, divorce-related transfers, or moving property into or out of a trust. It does not guarantee title.

Create a CA quitclaim deedCompare deed types
Notary
A deed normally needs a proper notary acknowledgment before it can be recorded.
Witnesses
Usually 0

California does not generally require deed witnesses for recording.

Record with
County recorder where the property is located

Quitclaim deed recording rules in California

California deed recording is handled at the county level. A clean deed should include the legal description, assessor parcel number when available, transfer tax details, and a notary acknowledgment.

Transfer tax: County documentary transfer tax may apply. Required or common form: Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) is commonly required or requested with recording.

Reference: California recording and transfer disclosure rules. This is general educational information, not legal advice. County recorder rules can change.

California checklist before recording

  • Use the exact legal description from the current deed or title report.
  • Confirm county recorder formatting, margin, and tax-statement requirements.
  • Add a notary acknowledgment for the grantor signature.
  • Prepare the PCOR or confirm whether your transfer is exempt.
  • Record in the county where the real property is located.

How to create your California quitclaim deed

  1. 1. Create the deed draft with grantor, grantee, vesting, parcel, county, and legal description.
  2. 2. Review transfer tax and exemption language for the county recorder.
  3. 3. Sign before a California notary or other authorized notarial officer.
  4. 4. File the deed and PCOR with the county recorder and keep the stamped copy.
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Frequently asked questions

Does a California quitclaim deed need to be notarized?

Yes for practical recording purposes. County recorders generally require the grantor signature to be acknowledged before recording.

Does California require witnesses for a deed?

California does not generally require subscribing witnesses for ordinary deed recording. The notary acknowledgment is the key execution item.

What is a California PCOR?

A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report tells the county assessor about the transfer. It is commonly filed with deeds, though exemptions can apply.

Quitclaim deed requirements in other states

New YorkTexasFloridaIllinoisPennsylvania

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