Templates and Forms
Grant Deed-PDFQuitclaim Deed-PDFInterspousal Transfer Deed-PDF
Lee en español: Completar y Registrar Escritura
Warning about adding names
- If you are adding someone as part of a credit repair or loan deal, it may be a scam.
- If you add a name or sign a quitclaim deed, the grantee becomes an owner. You can’t change your mind without their signature.
- If you are adding an heir, you could use a living trust or Transfer on Death Deed instead. This can avoid probate without giving up ownership while you are alive.
Background
Any time owners make a change to the title of real estate, they must record a deed with the County Recorder. This Step-by-Step guide outlines the requirements and provides samples with instructions.
Related Guides
PCOR Tips: All recorded forms must be accompanied by a PCOR (Preliminary Change of Ownership Report). This guide has links to the form and tips on filling it out.Affidavits of Death: If you are transferring Joint Tenancy property, Community Property with Rights of Survivorship, or Transfer on Death Deed property because someone has died, use the Affidavits of Death guide instead of this one.
Types of Deeds in California
California mainly uses two types of deeds: the “grant deed” and the “quitclaim deed.” Most other deeds you will see, such as the common “interspousal transfer deed,” are versions of grant or quitclaim deeds customized for specific circ*mstances. Since the interspousal deed is so commonly requested, we are including a sample in this guide.
Grant deed
A grant deed is used when a person who is on the current deed transfers ownership or adds a name to a deed. The grantor(s) promise that they currently own the property and that there are no hidden liens or mortgages.
Quitclaim deed
A quitclaim deed (sometimes misspelled “quick claim”) is used when someone gives up (waives or disclaims) ownership rights in favor of another person. The grantor may or may not be on the current deed. A quitclaim deed is often used in divorces or inheritance situations, when a spouse or heir gives up any potential rights to real estate. The grantor is giving up their own rights, if any, but not promising anything else.
Interspousal deed
An interspousal deed is used between spouses or registered domestic partners (“DP”) to change real estate to or from community property. Spouses/DPs can use grant or quitclaim deeds to do the same things, but the interspousal deed makes it clear that the transaction is intended to affect community property rights.
The deed I need is not on your list!
There are many other types of deeds, such as warranty deed,joint tenancy deed, easem*nt deed, trust deed, etc. In some states, these may be considered separate deed types, but in California, these are usually just customized grant deeds.
In a warranty deed, the grantor promises to pay for any lawsuits ordamagesdue to undisclosed ownership disputes. In California, title insurance usually covers such disputes.
Other types of deeds, such as joint tenancy deeds,corporationdeeds, easem*nt deeds, or mineral rights deeds, can be created by customizing our grant deed format by downloading the RTF (word) version from our website. Consult an attorney or come to the Law Library to research appropriate wording.
Step by Step Instructions
1
Locate The Current Deed For The Property
You will needinformationfrom the current deed. If you need a copy of the current deed, contact the Recorder’s Office where the property is located. In Sacramento, call (916) 874-6334.
2
Determine What Type of Deed to Fill Out for Your Situation
To transfer ownership, disclaim ownership, or add someone to title, you will choose between a “grant deed” and a “quitclaim deed.” Spouses/domestic partners transferring property between each other may choose an “interspousal deed.”
Here is a flow chart to help you choose:
3
Determine How New Owners Will Take Title
If there is more than one new owner, you are moving the real estate into or out of atrust, or the new owner is married, the form of title can have important effects.
One, unmarried owner: leave blank
If there is only one new owner, and that person is unmarried, title can usually be left blank, although it doesn’t hurt to state something like “a single person” or “a widow” or the like.
More than one owner, owners not married: “Tenants in common” or “joint tenants”
- “Tenants in common” (When one dies, their heirs get their share; probate may be needed. Shares do not need to be equal. Any owner can sell or mortgage their portion.)
- “Joint tenants” (When one owner dies, the other(s) gets their share automatically. Shares must be equal. Any owner can sell or mortgage their portion, but it turns the title into tenants in common.)
If you leave this blank, thedefaultis “tenants in common.”
Examples: siblings who inherit property together, business partners, couples who are not married or registered domestic partners (DP).
Owners are married couple: “Community property,” “community property WROS,” or “joint tenants”
- “Community property” (Both must agree to sell or mortgage the property. At death, a share goes to the surviving spouse/DP and another share to heirs. This will probably require at least a summary probate.)
- “Community property with rights ofsurvivorship(WROS)” (Both must agree to sell or mortgage the property. At death, 100% goes to surviving spouse/DP, with no requirement of probate.)
- “Joint tenants” (When one dies, the other(s) gets 100%. Shares must be equal. Either spouse/DP can sell their portion. May receive less favorable tax treatment when first spouse/DP dies.)
If you leave the title line blank, or fill in something like “as husband and wife” or “as domestic partners,” it will be treated as “community property” and a share will go to any heirs instead of all to the surviving spouse/DP.
Owner is married, but property not shared: “as sole and separate property”
If only one spouse/DP owns the property (because that person already owned it when they got married, or it was a gift or inheritance), they can make that clear by using the phrase “a married man/woman/person as his/her/their sole and separate property.” Note: if any money earned during the marriage is spent to purchase, make mortgage payments, maintain, or improve the house, the community owns a share regardless of what it says on the deed.
Property is being transferred into or out of a trust
The contents of a trust are technically owned by the trustee. Therefore, when transferring property into a trust, the grantee is the “[name of trustee], as trustee of the [name of trust], dated [date trust was signed].”
When transferring property out of a trust, the trustee as grantor is identified the same way, and the trustee will be identified as the “[name of trustee], Trustee of the [name of trust], dated [date trust was signed]” in the signature block.
See “Forms of Title for Multiple Owners,” below, for examples of how these are entered onto the deed.
Your choice of title can have many effects later, such as when you sell or refinance, if one owner falls into debt, if one owner dies, or if a couple divorces. Some examples of potential effects are:
- reassessment of property raising annual property taxes (since 2022, parent-child transfers are no longer always immune);
- higher capital gains taxes when an owner sells;
- how the property is divided in a divorce;
- whether the property can be liened or foreclosed on for one of the owners’ debts;
- ineligibility for benefits such as Medi-Cal;
- difficulty refinancing if one owner has bad credit;
- lack of eligibility for a reverse mortgage.
If you have questions about which form of title to use, talk to a family or estate lawyer or research your options at the law library.
4
Fill Out the New Deed (Do Not Sign)
You will find filled-out samples of each type of deed at the end of this guide.
The deed can be filled out online, typed, or neatly written in dark blue or black ink. You will need the following information:
- Assessor’s Parcel Number. (Find this on the current deed.)
- Document Transfer Tax amount or exemptioncode. (Calculate 1.1% of current market value, or enter applicable exemption.)
- Names of “grantors” (the current owner(s) signing the deed) or of the disclaimingparty(ies). (Enter the name(s) as spelled on the current deed.)
- Names of “grantees.” (Enter all the intended owners, including any current owners who will still own the property).
Important: If you add a name, that person legally becomes an owner. You cannot change your mind without their signature. - Form of title the grantee(s) will use. (If no form of title is entered, this will be “tenants in common” for unmarried owners or “community property” for married couples.)
- The legal description of the property. (Find this on the current deed.)
5
Grantor(s) Sign in Front of a Notary
The notary willchargea fee for this service. You can find notaries at many banks, mailing services, and title companies.
The new owners do not need to sign.
6
Fill Out the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)
The PCOR is required when property changes hands, to update the tax records. Turn it in at the Recorder’s Office along with the deed. You can download aSacramento version of the PCORfrom Cal Assessor e-Forms. Each county has its own version; contact the assessor’s office in the county where the property is located to obtain the proper form.
7
Record the Deed and File the PCOR at the Recorder’s Office
The Recorder’s Office charges a recording fee (currently $20/first page plus $3 for additional pages).Current Sacramento feesare available at the CountyClerk/Recorder’s website.You may also need to pay the Documentary Transfer Tax or a $75 “Building Homes and Jobs Act” fee.
8
File Reassessment Exclusion Claim, if any, at the Assessor’s Office
When property changes hands, it is reassessed for tax purposes, often causing a sizeable increase in property tax for the new owner.
Certain transfers are excluded from reassessment, including:
- Parent to child or child to parent (“Prop 58 Exclusion” for deaths before 2/15/2022, “Prop 19 Exclusion” for deaths after 2/15/2022)
- Grandparent to grandchild (but not vice versa) (“Prop 58 Exclusion” for deaths before 2/15/2022, “Prop 19 Exclusion” for deaths after 2/15/2022)
- Transfers between spouses or registered domestic partners during marriage or as part of a propertysettlementor divorce
- Changes in method of holding title that do not change ownership interests (for instance, changing joint tenants into tenants in common)
If your transfer is excluded from reassessment, you may need tofilea claim with the County Assessor. For more information in Sacramento, call the Assessor’s office (916‑875-0750) or visit theSacramento Assessor’s office website.
Common questions when filling out deeds
Some parts of deeds often need more explanation.
Documentary Transfer Tax
When property changes hands, the county charges a one-time tax of $.55 per $500 of the value of the real estate (1.1%). Some kinds of transfers are exempt. If yours is exempt, enter the Revenue and Taxation code that provides the exemption, and an explanation, then sign. If yours is not exempt, calculate the dollar amount and write it in.
Common exemption codes and explanations:
- Gift(transferring property, or adding name to property, without compensation):
Code: “R&T 11911” Explanation:“Gift.” - Living Trust(transfer into or out of revocable living trust):
Code: “R&T 11930” Explanation: “Transfer into or out of a trust” - Name Change(confirming name change after marriage orcourt-ordered name change):Code: “R&T 11925” Explanation: “Confirming change of name, the grantor and grantee are the same party.”
- Conveyances indissolution of marriage:
Code: “R&T 11927” Explanation: “Dissolutionof marriage.”
Other exemptions may be available. See the list of“Transfer Tax Exemptions”on the Sacramento Recorder’s website.
Building Homes and Jobs Act Fee (SB 2)
There is an additional $75 fee on mortgage refinances and other real estate transactions that are exempt from Documentary Transfer Tax. Some exceptions apply. Contact your county recorder’s office to determine the total amount you will need to pay.
Identifying grantors and grantees
Grantor(s): The current owner or person transferring the property rights or part of the property rights. This is the person or people who will sign this deed.
Grantee(s): List all people who are receiving property rights from the grantor(s). If the grantor is staying on title, be sure to list the grantor’s name as one of the grantees also.
It’s often helpful to include the grantors’ and grantees’ marital status.
Forms of Title for Multiple Owners
When there is more than one grantee, you will need to specify the form of title. It can also be helpful to do that if a grantee is a married person or domestic partner.
Here are examples of common title phrases:
- One owner, not married: generally no form of title is needed.
- Tenants in Common: [Names of the co-owners], as tenants in common. If shares are unequal, specify percent or fraction owned by each.
- John Doe, A 50% interest, Jeffrey Doe, a 25% interest, and Paula Smith, a 25% interest, as tenants in common
- Joint tenants: [Names of co-owners], as joint tenants.
- John Doe, Jeffrey Doe, and Paula Smith, as joint tenants
- Community property: [Names of the spouses/DPs,] “as community property.”
- Pat Jones-Larsen and Jan Jones-Larsen, as community property
- Community property with right of survivorship: [Names of the spouses/DPs], “as community property WROS” or “as community property with right of survivorship.”
- Pat Jones-Larsen and Jan Jones-Larsen, as community property with right of survivorship (WROS)
- Married person as separate property: [Name of owner,] “a married person, as his/her/their sole and separate property”
- Pat Jones-Larsen, a married person, as their sole and separate property
- Property placed into a trust: [Name(s) of trustee(s)], as trustee(s) of the [name and date of the trust]
- Janet and Lewis Campbell, as trustees of the Campbell Family Living Trust, dated January 3, 2017
- Partnership: [Fictitious business name, if any]or[names of partners], a partnership
- Elm Street Books, a partnership
- Janet Smith and Mark Baker, a partnership
- Corporation or LLC: [Name of corporation], a [state of incorporation] corporationor [Name of LLC], a [state of registration] limited liability company
- Acme, Inc., a Delaware corporation
- Initech, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company
Here is a quick reference chart comparing common forms of title.
Legal Description
This is the full description of the property, not just the address. It may bebriefor very long and full of legalese. It must match the current deedexactly.
You may want to photocopy the legal description and attach it to the new deed as anexhibit, especially if it is too long to fit on the page.
Name Changes: Updating Title after Changing Your Name
If you change your name (by court-ordered name change, marriage, or divorce), deeds made out to your old name should be updated. Make out a new grant deed from yourself ([new name], who acquired title under the former name [old name]) as Grantor to yourself ([new name]) as Grantee. For example:
For More Information
On the Web
Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Sacramento County Assessor’s Office
- Change in Ownership Reassessment Exclusions
- Proposition 19 (Changes to Parent/Child and Grandparent/Grandchild Exclusions)
DivorceNet: “Interspousal Transfers vs Quitclaim Deed”
Self-help information about the differences between these two deeds.
At the Law Library
Deeds for California Real Estate (KFC 170 .Z9 R36, Self-Help)
This book, published by Nolo Press, a respected publisher of self-help legal books, is a guide to choosing the right kind of deed, completing the required forms, and filing them. It also discusses related legal issues such as disclosure requirements, community property issues, and tax and estate planning. It contains forms for most transfers of property.
Miller & Starr California Real Estate Forms (KFC 140 .M53)
Sections 1:133-1:137 offer language for grant, interspousal, quitclaim, and easem*nt deeds.
California Real Property Practice Forms Manual (KFC140 .A65 C34)
A range of sample forms for specific situations such as easem*nts, mineral rights, and more.
Samples & Instructions
Below are samples of the deeds discussed in this guide.
PCOR Instructions and Tips
In addition to your deed, you will also need to turn in a PCOR (Preliminary Change of Ownership Report). Download the Sacramento PCOR or obtain it from the county assessor where the property is located (the form is different in each county).
This material is intended as general information only. Your case may have factors requiring different procedures or forms. The information and instructions are provided for use in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Please keep in mind that each court may have different requirements. If you need further assistance consult a lawyer.
