Correction Deed Forms & Complete Guide

Fix Errors in Previously Recorded Deeds

A correction deed fixes clerical errors in previously recorded deeds without changing ownership Also called corrective deeds or scrivener's deeds. Used to fix typos, misspelled names, wrong legal descriptions, or missing signatures. Cannot change the actual transfer or add/remove parties. Choose between correction deed, scrivener's affidavit, or re-recording based on error type. Costs typically $50-500 including recording fees.

All 50 States State-Compliant Forms Instant Download Since 1997

Used by 45,000+ customers to transfer property safely and legally

Sample Correction Deed Form

Sample Correction Deed Form

Select Your State

What is a Correction Deed?

A correction deed is a legal document used to correct minor errors or omissions in a previously recorded deed. It doesn't transfer ownership or change the substance of the original transaction—it only fixes clerical mistakes, typos, or technical defects.

Key Point

Correction deeds reference the original deed and explain what's being corrected. They don't replace the original—both remain in the public record with the correction deed clarifying the error.

How Correction Deeds Work

You record a new deed that states: "This deed corrects the deed recorded on [date] at [book/page]" then identifies the specific error and provides the correct information. The original parties must sign.

This makes correction deeds:

  • Non-substantive only - Cannot change the actual deal
  • References original - Must cite recording information
  • Same parties sign - Original grantor(s) must execute
  • Multiple methods - Deed, affidavit, or re-recording

The Correction Deed Process

1

Identify Error

Find specific mistake

2

Choose Method

Deed vs. affidavit

3

Draft Document

Reference original

4

Get Signatures

Same parties sign

✓

Record

File with county

When to Use a Correction Deed

Good Uses

  • Misspelled names - John Smith vs. Jon Smith
  • Wrong legal description - Lot 15 vs. Lot 51
  • Missing middle initial - Adding or correcting
  • Typos in address - 123 Main vs. 132 Main
  • Wrong marital status - Single vs. married
  • Missing signature - Spouse didn't sign
  • Notary errors - Wrong date or venue
  • Vesting mistakes - Joint tenants vs. TIC

Never Use For

  • Adding new owner - Need new deed
  • Removing party - Need new transfer
  • Changing price - Substantive change
  • Different property - New transaction
  • Boundary disputes - Need court/survey
  • Fraud correction - Need legal action
  • Mortgage changes - Loan modification
  • After foreclosure - Too late to correct

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Identify and Classify the Error

Determine exactly what needs correction and whether it's correctable:

  • Clerical errors: Typos, misspellings, wrong lot numbers
  • Technical defects: Missing signatures, notary issues
  • Scrivener's errors: Drafting mistakes by preparer
  • NOT correctable: Substantive changes to the deal
  • Get copy of recorded deed showing the error

Time: 1-2 hours

Step 2 Choose Correction Method

Select the appropriate correction instrument:

  • Correction Deed: For significant errors (wrong legal description)
  • Scrivener's Affidavit: Minor typos by deed preparer
  • Corrective Affidavit: Party explains and corrects error
  • Re-recording: If allowed, fix and re-record original
  • Court order: For disputed or complex corrections

Time: 30 minutes

Step 3 Prepare Correction Document

Draft the appropriate correction instrument:

  • Title it clearly: "Correction Deed" or "Corrective Deed"
  • Reference original: Recording date, book/page or document number
  • State the error: Quote exact incorrect language
  • Provide correction: State the correct information
  • Include full legal description (even if not being corrected)

Time: 1-2 hours

Step 4 Obtain Required Signatures

Get proper parties to sign:

  • Correction Deed: All original grantors must sign
  • Scrivener's Affidavit: Person who prepared original
  • Missing signature: Person who should have signed
  • Use same names as original (even if misspelled)
  • Notarization required for all correction documents

Time: 1-3 days

Step 5 Record the Correction

File with the county recorder:

  • Record in same county as original deed
  • Pay recording fees ($50-200 typical)
  • Some counties require cover sheet explaining correction
  • Get certified copy showing recording information
  • No need to re-record original in most states

Time: 1-5 days

Complete After Recording

Final administrative steps:

  • Send copies to all parties involved
  • Update title insurance company if applicable
  • Keep with original deed documents
  • Tax assessor may need notification
  • Both deeds remain in public record

Correction Deed Costs & Fees (2025)

Correction Form

$27.97

State-specific from Deeds.com

Recording Fee

$50-200

County recorder

Notary

$10-25

Required signatures

Additional Potential Costs

  • Attorney review: $200-500 (recommended for complex errors)
  • Title search: $75-200 (verify no other issues)
  • Scrivener's affidavit: $50-150 (if preparer charges)
  • Multiple corrections: May need separate documents
  • Court petition: $500-2000 (if court order needed)

Tax Consideration

Correction deeds should not trigger transfer taxes or reassessment since no ownership change occurs. However, some counties may still require transfer tax forms showing zero tax due.

Correction Deed vs Other Deed Types

Correction Deed

Protection: Full Correction

Speed: 3-5 days

Cost: $100-300

Best for: Major Errors

Scrivener's Affidavit

Protection: Preparer Errors

Speed: 1-3 days

Cost: $50-150

Best for: Typos/Drafting

Corrective Affidavit

Protection: Minor Issues

Speed: 1-2 days

Cost: $50-100

Best for: Names/Status

New Deed

Protection: Substantive

Speed: 5-10 days

Cost: $200-500

Best for: Major Changes

* Costs and timeframes are estimates and vary by location

Common Correction Deed Scenarios & Examples

Scenario: Warranty deed recorded with grantee name as "Johnathan Smith" but correct name is "Jonathan Smith" (no "h").

Process:

  1. Prepare correction deed referencing original
  2. State: "Correcting grantee name from Johnathan to Jonathan"
  3. Original grantor signs correction deed
  4. Record with county showing both spellings
Simple Fix: Name typos are the most common and easiest corrections to make.

Scenario: Deed shows "Lot 51" but property is actually "Lot 15" - transposed numbers by preparer.

Process:

  1. Verify correct lot with survey or prior deed
  2. Prepare correction deed with full correct legal description
  3. Include statement: "Correcting Lot 51 to Lot 15"
  4. May need scrivener's affidavit if preparer error
Verify Carefully: Ensure the correction matches official records and doesn't affect different property.

Scenario: Married grantor signed deed but spouse's signature required for homestead property.

Process:

  1. Cannot use simple correction deed
  2. Spouse must sign new deed or spousal joinder
  3. Reference original deed in new document
  4. Both documents needed for clear title
Not Simple Correction: Missing required signatures often need additional deeds, not just correction.

Scenario: Deed to "Smith Family Trust" but correct name is "Smith Family Trust dated 1/1/2020".

Process:

  1. Prepare corrective affidavit or correction deed
  2. Include full correct trust name with date
  3. Trustee signs affirming correct entity
  4. Attach trust certificate if required
Common Issue: Trust names must match exactly as created in trust document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Trying to Add/Remove Parties

Using correction deed to add new owner or remove someone.

Solution: Must use new deed for ownership changes, not correction.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Referencing Original

Failing to cite original deed's recording information.

Solution: Always include recording date, book/page or document number.

❌ Mistake #3: Wrong Person Signs

Having grantee sign correction when grantor must sign.

Solution: Original grantor(s) must sign correction deeds.

❌ Mistake #4: Changing the Deal

Attempting to change purchase price or terms.

Solution: Can only fix clerical errors, not substantive changes.

❌ Mistake #5: Using Wrong Method

Using correction deed when affidavit would suffice.

Solution: Choose simplest effective method for the error type.

❌ Mistake #6: Not Recording Promptly

Waiting too long to correct known errors.

Solution: Record corrections as soon as errors discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

A correction deed is signed by the original grantor and corrects any type of clerical error. A scrivener's affidavit is signed by the person who prepared the original deed (the scrivener) and typically only corrects drafting errors they made. Correction deeds are more comprehensive; scrivener's affidavits are simpler for preparer mistakes.

You cannot: add or remove parties, change the property being transferred, modify purchase price or consideration, alter the type of ownership, correct fraud or forgery, change the fundamental nature of the transaction. These require new deeds or legal action, not corrections.

Generally, only the original grantor(s) need to sign a correction deed, not the grantee(s). However, if correcting how grantees hold title (joint tenants vs. tenants in common), grantees may need to sign. Some states have specific requirements.

There's typically no time limit for correcting clerical errors. However, it's best to correct errors as soon as discovered. Long delays may complicate matters if parties have died, divorced, or property has been sold again.

No, correction deeds should not trigger reassessment or transfer taxes since no change in ownership occurs. However, you may need to file transfer tax forms showing zero tax due. Some corrections (like changing how title is held) might have tax implications.

If the grantor is deceased, their estate representative may sign if the estate is open. Otherwise, you might need a court order. If the grantor refuses to sign, you may need legal action to compel correction or quiet title.

No, both the original deed and correction deed remain in the public record. The correction deed references the original and explains what's being corrected. Future title searches will show both documents.

Yes, you can correct multiple clerical errors in a single correction deed. List each error and its correction clearly. However, if errors are of different types (some need correction deed, others need affidavit), you might need multiple documents.

Related Articles & Guides

Fix Your Deed Error Today

Get the right correction form for your situation

State-specific forms
Clear instructions
Only $27.97

Select your state from the dropdown above to get started ↑