Introduction
If you’re transferring property to a family member, spouse, or co-owner, a quitclaim deed might be the simplest way to do it. However, even though quitclaim deeds are straightforward, they still require proper notarization to be valid. Without it, the deed may be rejected by the county recorder or cause ownership disputes later on.
This guide explains how quitclaim deeds work, when you need one, and how to notarize it correctly.
What Is a Quitclaim Deed?
A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer a person’s ownership interest in a property to another person. Unlike other deeds, it makes no guarantees about ownership — it simply conveys whatever interest the grantor currently has.
For example:
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A homeowner adds a spouse to the title after marriage.
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Parents transfer property to their children.
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A co-owner removes their name after a divorce.
In all these cases, the quitclaim deed passes along ownership interest quickly and simply, but without title warranties.
Why Notarization Is Required
Every state in the U.S. requires a quitclaim deed to be notarized before it can be recorded with the county clerk or recorder’s office.
When a notary public witnesses your signature, they confirm:
✅ You are who you claim to be (via valid ID).
✅ You signed voluntarily, without coercion.
✅ The signature on the document is authentic.
This notarization step protects both parties and ensures the deed becomes part of the official public record.
📝 Without notarization, your county recorder will reject the deed — meaning ownership does not legally transfer.
Step-by-Step: How to Notarize a Quitclaim Deed
1. Complete the Deed Form
Fill out the quitclaim deed with:
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Grantor (current owner) name and address
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Grantee (new owner) name and address
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Property’s legal description
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County and state details
Be sure the information matches the existing title records exactly.
2. Do Not Sign Yet
Wait to sign the deed in front of a notary public.
Signing beforehand invalidates the acknowledgment process, and you’ll have to redo the form.
3. Bring Valid Identification
A notary must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID, such as:
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Driver’s license
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Passport
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State ID card
The name on the ID must match the name on the deed exactly.
4. Meet the Notary (In Person or Online)
You can notarize your quitclaim deed in two ways:
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Traditional notarization: Meet the notary face-to-face at an office or mobile appointment.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON): Meet virtually using a secure video platform. Upload your ID, verify identity, and e-sign.
Both methods are legally valid where RON is approved by state law.
5. Record the Deed
After notarization, file the deed with your county recorder’s office.
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Pay the small recording fee.
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The recorder stamps the document and adds it to the public record.
Only once it’s recorded does the property officially change hands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Signing before meeting the notary
🚫 Using an expired or mismatched ID
🚫 Forgetting to include the property’s full legal description
🚫 Failing to record the deed after notarization
Each of these can delay or void your transfer — so double-check everything before your appointment.
Can You Notarize a Quitclaim Deed Online?
Yes! Many states now allow Remote Online Notarization (RON) for deeds.
Benefits include:
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No travel needed sign from home
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Secure ID verification
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Instant access to a digital notarized copy
However, confirm your county recorder accepts electronic documents before using RON for real estate transfers.
Final Thoughts
A quitclaim deed may be simple in form, but it carries serious legal weight. To make it valid, it must be correctly filled out, signed in front of a certified notary public, and properly recorded.
Whether you need an in-person notarization or an online session, Looking Glass runners Notary ensures your property documents are handled with precision and care — so your ownership transfer is smooth and secure.
