What is a California Quit Claim Deed?
A quit claim deed (also written as "quitclaim deed") is a legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor (current owner) holds in a property to the grantee (recipient), without any warranty of title. Unlike a warranty deed, a quit claim deed makes no guarantee that the grantor actually owns the property or that the title is free of liens, encumbrances, or competing claims. The grantee accepts the property interest exactly as-is. In California, Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR / Form BOE-502-A) must accompany every deed. Failure to file triggers a penalty. Subject to property tax reassessment under Proposition 19 (effective Feb 2021) for most transfers other than primary residence parent-child transfers.
What is a Quit Claim Deed used for?
Quit claim deeds are most commonly used for:
- Transferring property between family members (parent to child, between siblings) without a sale
- Adding or removing a spouse from a property title during marriage or divorce
- Correcting a name spelling error or legal name change on an existing deed
- Transferring property into or out of a revocable living trust
- Clearing a 'cloud on title' — removing an old, minor claim against the property
- Transferring property between an individual and their LLC or corporation
- Gifting real estate to a family member or charity A quit claim deed is not appropriate for market-value sales to strangers — a warranty deed is standard in those cases.
How to Fill Out a California Quit Claim Deed
- 1
Enter the grantor's full legal name and mailing address (the current property owner).
- 2
Enter the grantee's full legal name and mailing address (the new owner or recipient).
- 3
State the county and state where the property is located.
- 4
Enter the consideration amount (actual sale price, or "$10 and other valuable consideration" for gifts).
- 5
Include the full legal property description from the current deed or county tax records — a street address alone is not sufficient.
- 6
Include the Parcel Identification Number (PIN/APN) if available.
- 7
Sign the deed before a notary public.
- 8
Have the notary complete the notarial acknowledgment.
- 9
Record the deed with the appropriate county office. Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR / Form BOE-502-A) must accompany every deed
Signing Requirements for a California Quit Claim Deed
California require the grantor's signature before a notary public (no witnesses required). The grantee does not need to sign a quit claim deed. If the property has multiple owners, all co-owners must sign to convey the full interest. Transfer tax: Transfer tax: varies by county (typically $1.10 per $1,000); some cities impose additional taxes. Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR / Form BOE-502-A) must accompany every deed. Failure to file triggers a penalty. Subject to property tax reassessment under Proposition 19 (effective Feb 2021) for most transfers other than primary residence parent-child transfers.
When is a Quit Claim Deed Not the Right Choice?
A quit claim deed is not appropriate when the buyer is purchasing at market value and needs a title guarantee — use a general warranty deed or special warranty deed instead. If the property carries an active mortgage, the lender's due-on-sale clause may be triggered by a title transfer — consult the lender before executing. The grantee of a quit claim deed accepts all existing title defects and encumbrances, so a title search is strongly recommended before accepting a quit claim deed in any transaction.
When to Record a Quit Claim Deed in California
Record the deed as soon as possible after signing. Recording with the County Recorder establishes constructive notice to the public that ownership has changed. Delaying recording creates a risk: if the grantor sells or mortgages the property to another party before the deed is recorded, the other party's recorded interest may take priority under California's recording statutes. Bring the original signed, notarized deed to the County Recorder, pay the recording fee, and any applicable transfer taxes.
Where Can I Get a California Quit Claim Deed Form?
PDF Guru provides a fillable, editable California quit claim deed form preloaded in the online editor. Open the custom template, enter all property and party details, and download a printable PDF ready for signing. You can also obtain quit claim deed forms from the county recorder's office, your local title company, or a licensed real estate attorney. For complex transactions or properties with title issues, consult an attorney before executing a quit claim deed.
How to Sign a California Quit Claim Deed Online
Use PDF Guru to prepare your editable quit claim deed form online — enter all grantor, grantee, and property details, then download the completed document as a printable PDF. Take the printed deed to a notary public for in-person signing. Electronic signatures are not accepted for real estate deeds in most states. After signing, return to PDF Guru if any final adjustments are needed before submitting for recording.
Where to Record a California Quit Claim Deed
File the signed, notarized deed with the County Recorder in the county where the property is located. Bring the original deed along with any required forms (transfer tax declarations, property transfer affidavits). Transfer tax: Transfer tax: varies by county (typically $1.10 per $1,000); some cities impose additional taxes. The office will stamp the deed with recording information and return the original (or a certified copy). The recorded deed becomes a public record confirming the new owner's interest in the property.
