California Quitclaim Deed
County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as May 4, 2026 by our Forms Development Team
About the California Quitclaim Deed
How to Use This Form
- Select your county from the list on the left
- Download the county-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county recorder's office
What Others Like You Are Saying
"My complete name is Johnny Alicea Rodriguez And the DEED is on my half brother and mine name. Jimmy …"
"Excellent and a very fast way to release important documents. Thank you very much."
"This is my first time using this website and was impressed for the simple and clear web design and e…"
"Recording with Deeds.com was a seamless experience. Communications were timely, clear and profession…"
"I was looking for the proper quit claim deed for my state. I found it on deeds.com along with instru…"
Quitclaim deeds in California are initially defined by Civ. Code, 1092, 1104-1107, 1113, and further in Gov. Code 27279-27297.7, 27320-27337.
Content:
Each document submitted for recording should have the title near the top of the first page (Gov. Code 27324). Include the name and address of the individual requesting recording as well as a name and return address for use after the quitclaim deed is recorded. Provide the name and address of the individual or entity to receive tax bills at the bottom of the first page. (Gov. Code 27321.5, 27361.6). In addition, every quit claim deed must contain the name and address of everyone with an ownership interest in the property. Be certain to present the names in exactly the same way they're found on the prior deed. If there are any unrecorded changes, provide the original and new names like this: Jane Doe, formerly known as Jane Smith. See Gov. Code 27288.1.
Any document which modifies, releases, or cancels the provisions of a previously recorded document shall state the recorder identification number or the book and page of the document being modified, released, or canceled. (Gov. Code 27361.6). Additionally, Gov. Code 27280.5 requires that the names of parties required to be indexed appearing in any instrument, paper, or notice presented for recordation should be legibly typed or printed near the signature. The names of all persons executing or witnessing a document shall be legibly signed or shall be typed or printed to the side of or below the signature.
While not specifically discussed in the statutes, a valid quit claim deed should also include, at minimum, a complete legal description of the property and the name, address, and vesting choice of the grantee.
Recording:
Note that Gov. Code 27293 requires that quit claim deeds in languages other than English are not suitable for recording. Civ. Code 1169 states that quit claim deeds must be recorded by the County Recorder of the county in which the conveyed real estate is situated.
Civ. Code 1213-1214 discuss California's recording statute, which is classified as "race-notice." Basically, the first bona fide purchaser....will prevail over an earlier purchaser who failed to record the conveyance. So, despite Civ. Code 1217, which states that "an unrecorded instrument is valid as between the parties thereto and those who have notice thereof," just because the parties on the quit claim deed know about it, their knowledge does NOT constitute constructive notice to the public. Therefore, RECORD THE QUIT CLAIM DEED as soon as possible after executing it. This protects the interests of all parties.
Gov. Code 27361.6 formalizes some formatting requirements: The top right 2 " X 5" corner is reserved for the Recorder's use only. The top left 2 " X 3 " corner is reserved for the name of the person requesting recording and a return name and address. The title of the document must appear on the first page immediately below the space reserved for the Recorder.
(California Quitclaim Deed Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)
How to Use This Form
- Select your county from the list above
- Download the county-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county recorder's office
What Others Like You Are Saying
"My complete name is Johnny Alicea Rodriguez And the DEED is on my half brother and mine name. Jimmy …"
"Excellent and a very fast way to release important documents. Thank you very much."
"This is my first time using this website and was impressed for the simple and clear web design and e…"
"Recording with Deeds.com was a seamless experience. Communications were timely, clear and profession…"
"I was looking for the proper quit claim deed for my state. I found it on deeds.com along with instru…"
Common Uses for Quitclaim Deed
- Remove a deceased owner from a property title
- Transfer property held in joint tenancy
- Transfer property as part of a divorce settlement
- Transfer property into or out of a trust
- Transfer property between co-owners
Compare other California deed forms and documents
Important: County-Specific Forms
Our quitclaim deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in California.
After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.