California Quitclaim Deed Form: Complete Guide & Download Instructions for 2025 

What is a California Quitclaim Deed?

A California quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer interest in real property from one party (the grantor) to another party (the grantee) without making any warranties about the quality or status of the title. This straightforward property transfer instrument conveys whatever interest the grantor has in the property - if any - without guaranteeing clear ownership or freedom from liens.

California quitclaim deeds are among the most commonly used real estate transfer documents in the state, particularly valued for their simplicity and efficiency in situations involving family transfers, trust administration, divorce settlements, and title corrections. Understanding how to properly complete, execute, and record a California quitclaim deed form is essential for anyone involved in property transactions throughout the Golden State.

GET CA DEED TEMPLATES HERE!

When to Use a Quitclaim Deed in California

Common Uses for California Quitclaim Deeds

Family Property Transfers:

• Adding or removing a spouse from property title

• Transferring real estate to children or grandchildren

• Gifting property between family members

• Estate planning and inheritance arrangements

• Transfers between parents and adult children

Divorce and Legal Separation:

• Transferring one spouse's interest to the other spouse

• Implementing marital settlement agreements

• Removing ex-spouse from title after divorce

• Dividing community property

Trust Administration:

• Transferring property into revocable living trusts

• Moving real estate out of trusts

• Facilitating trustee changes

• Implementing trust terms and distributions

Title Corrections and Clarifications:

• Fixing name misspellings on previous deeds

• Correcting legal descriptions

• Adding or removing middle names or suffixes

• Clearing up title defects or clouds

• Correcting vesting information

Estate Planning Strategies:

• Adding children as joint tenants

• Creating joint tenancy with rights of survivorship

• Facilitating step-up in basis planning

• Coordinating with overall estate plans

California Quitclaim Deed Requirements

To create a valid quitclaim deed in California, you must comply with specific statutory requirements outlined in the California Civil Code.

Essential Elements of a Valid California Quitclaim Deed

1. Written Document: California law requires all real estate transfers to be in writing pursuant to the Statute of Frauds. Oral property transfer agreements are unenforceable.

2. Proper Legal Format: The deed must be formatted according to California Government Code Section 27361.6:

• Margins: At least 1 inch on top, bottom, and left side; ½ inch on right side

• Font size: At least 8-point type (10-point recommended)

• Paper size: 8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"

• Recording information space: 3" x 3" blank space in upper right corner

3. Documentary Transfer Tax Declaration: California requires a preliminary change of ownership report (PCOR) and documentary transfer tax information on all recorded deeds.

4. Proper Parties:

• Grantor: Current owner transferring the property (must be of legal age and competent)

• Grantee: Person or entity receiving the property (clearly identified with full legal name and vesting choice)

5. Adequate Consideration: California requires "consideration" (something of value exchanged), which can be:

• Monetary payment: Actual purchase price

• Family transfer: "love and affection"

• Nominal consideration: "$10 and other good and valuable consideration"

6. Complete Legal Description: The deed must include an accurate legal description, typically obtained from:

• Previous deed

• Preliminary title report

• Property tax statement

• County assessor's records

• Title insurance policy

7. Granting Clause: Specific California language conveying the property, such as "grants to" or "remises, releases, and quitclaims to."

8. Property Address (APN): Must include the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) and street address.

9. Signature Requirements:

• Grantor must sign in the presence of a notary public

• Grantee signature is NOT required in California

• If property is community property, both spouses typically must sign

10. Notarization: The grantor's signature must be acknowledged before a California notary public using the proper acknowledgment form.

11. Recording: File with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located.

How to Fill Out a California Quitclaim Deed Form

Completing a quitclaim deed form correctly is crucial to ensure a valid transfer. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download a California-Specific Quitclaim Deed Form

Using a proper California quitclaim deed template that complies with all state recording requirements is essential. Generic forms downloaded from random websites may not include necessary California-specific elements or comply with formatting requirements.

Need a professionally drafted California quitclaim deed form? Get attorney-prepared templates that comply with all California requirements, include step-by-step instructions, and come with recording guidance and tax documentation support: California Quitclaim Deed Forms - Download Now

Step 2: Recording Information Space

Leave the upper right corner (3" x 3") completely blank. This space is reserved for the county recorder's stamp showing:

• Recording date and time

• Document number

• Recorder's file information

• Fee information

Step 3: Document Title

Clearly label the document "QUITCLAIM DEED" at the top center of the page.

Step 4: Documentary Transfer Tax Section

Complete the documentary transfer tax declaration:

• Calculate the tax based on consideration paid

• California documentary transfer tax: $1.10 per $1,000 of consideration (or equity transferred)

• Some cities impose additional transfer taxes (San Francisco, Oakland, etc.)

• Indicate if transfer is exempt and state the reason

Common Exemptions:

• Transfers between spouses

• Transfers to trusts for estate planning

• Certain family transfers

• Transfers for no consideration

Step 5: Identify the Grantor(s)

Enter the complete legal name(s) of the current owner(s) exactly as they appear on the current deed:

Single Owner: "John Michael Anderson, an unmarried man"

Married Couple (Community Property): "Robert James Smith and Jennifer Marie Smith, husband and wife as community property"

Married Couple (Joint Tenants): "Michael Lee Brown and Sarah Ann Brown, husband and wife as joint tenants"

Multiple Owners: "David Williams, a single man, and Maria Garcia, a single woman, as tenants in common"

Include complete mailing addresses for all grantors.

Step 6: Identify the Grantee(s)

Enter the complete legal name(s) of the person(s) receiving the property and specify exactly how they will hold title:

California Vesting Options:

Sole Ownership: "Emily Rose Martinez, a single woman"

Community Property (Married Couples Only): "Thomas Green and Lisa Green, husband and wife as community property"

• Each spouse owns 50% undivided interest

• Right of survivorship (property automatically passes to surviving spouse)

• Special capital gains tax treatment

Community Property with Right of Survivorship: "James Davis and Patricia Davis, husband and wife as community property with right of survivorship"

• Combines community property tax benefits with automatic survivorship

• Most popular choice for married couples in California

Joint Tenancy: "Andrew Johnson and Michelle Johnson, as joint tenants with right of survivorship"

• Equal ownership interests required

• Automatic right of survivorship

• Can be used by any parties (not just married couples)

Tenancy in Common: "Christopher Lee, a single man as to an undivided 75% interest, and Rebecca Taylor, a single woman as to an undivided 25% interest, as tenants in common"

• Ownership shares can be unequal

• No automatic right of survivorship

• Each owner's share passes through their estate

Trust Vesting: "The Anderson Family Trust dated March 15, 2024, Robert Anderson and Mary Anderson, Trustees"

Step 7: State the Consideration

Include the amount paid or other consideration:

Arms-Length Sale: "For valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the sum of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00)"

Family Transfer: "For valuable consideration, the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration"

Gift Transfer: "For love and affection and other good and valuable consideration"

Step 8: Insert the Granting Language

California quitclaim deeds typically use language such as:

"does hereby remise, release, and forever quitclaim to [Grantee name]"

OR

"hereby grants to [Grantee name]"

Step 9: Insert the Complete Legal Description

Copy the legal description exactly from your current deed or preliminary title report. California legal descriptions typically include:

Lot and Block Format: "Lot 27, Block 5, Tract No. 12345, in the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California, as per map recorded in Book 45, Pages 10 through 15 of Maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of said County"

Metes and Bounds: "That certain real property situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Northerly line of Main Street..."

Government Description: "The West Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 24, Township 5 North, Range 8 West, San Bernardino Base and Meridian, County of Riverside, State of California"

Critical: Even minor errors in the legal description can invalidate the deed or cause serious title problems.

Step 10: Include Property Identification Information

Assessor's Parcel Number (APN): "APN: 123-456-789-000"

Property Address: "The real property described above is commonly known as: 1234 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028"

Step 11: Add Required California Statements

Include all legally required disclosures and statements:

Exemption from Documentary Transfer Tax (if applicable): "This transfer is exempt from California documentary transfer tax pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section _____"

Tax Computation: "Computed on full value of property conveyed, OR Computed on full value less liens and encumbrances remaining at time of sale"

Step 12: Execution by Grantor

The grantor(s) must sign and date the deed in the presence of a California notary public.

Signature Requirements:

• Sign legal name as shown in grantor section

• Date the signature

• Sign in blue or black ink

• Sign in notary's physical presence

Step 13: Notary Acknowledgment

The California notary must complete the proper acknowledgment certificate:

California All-Purpose Acknowledgment includes:

• State and county where acknowledgment taken

• Date of notarization

• Grantor's name

• Statement that grantor personally appeared

• Statement of identification verification

• Notary's signature and seal

• Notary's commission expiration date

• Optional: Notary's thumbprint in journal

Important: California has specific acknowledgment language required by Civil Code Section 1189. Using incorrect acknowledgment forms can cause recording rejection.

California Quitclaim Deed Download Options

Free Quitclaim Deed PDF Templates

Many websites offer free California quitclaim deed PDF downloads. However, free templates often have significant limitations:

Risks of Free Downloads:

• May not comply with current California recording requirements

• Often lack proper formatting (margins, font size, spacing)

• Missing required California-specific language and disclosures

• No documentary transfer tax calculation guidance

• Typically missing crucial instructions

• No support for Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)

• Potential recording rejections costing time and fees

• No professional support if questions arise

• May not be updated for recent law changes

Professional Quitclaim Deed Forms

Professionally prepared California quitclaim deed forms provide comprehensive protection:

What's Included:

• Current California statutory compliance

• Proper formatting for all 58 California counties

• All required disclosures and statements

• Documentary transfer tax calculation worksheets

• Detailed completion instructions

• Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) guidance

• Recording requirements by county

• Sample completed deeds for various situations

• Vesting option explanations

• Access to customer support

• Updates for law changes

Download comprehensive California quitclaim deed forms: Get Professional Forms Here

Recording Your California Quitclaim Deed

Why Recording Matters

While a properly executed quitclaim deed transfers ownership between parties upon signing, recording provides critical legal protection:

Legal Protections:

• Establishes public notice of ownership change

• Creates priority over later recorded interests

• Protects against fraudulent subsequent transfers

• Establishes chain of title documentation

• Provides evidence in disputes

• Satisfies lender requirements

Practical Benefits:

• Proof of ownership for refinancing

• Documentation for property tax purposes

• Evidence for insurance claims

• Clear title for future sales

• Protection against claims by grantor's creditors

Where to Record in California

Record your quitclaim deed with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is physically located (not where you live if different).

Major California County Recorder Offices:

• Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

• San Diego County Clerk-Recorder

• Orange County Clerk-Recorder

• Riverside County Clerk-Recorder

• San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk

• Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder

• Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office

• Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder

• Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder

• Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters

California Recording Fees

Recording fees vary by county but generally include:

Base Recording Fees (2025):

• First page: $15-$30

• Each additional page: $3-$5

• Documentary transfer tax: $1.10 per $1,000 of consideration

• City transfer tax: Varies (can be significant in San Francisco, Oakland, etc.)

Additional Fees May Apply For:

• Expedited recording

• Certified copies

• Electronic recording service charges

• Special handling requests

Required Documents for Recording

When recording your California quitclaim deed, you must submit:

1. Original Quitclaim Deed

• Properly executed with original signatures

• Properly notarized with notary seal

• Formatted according to California requirements

2. Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)

• Required by California Revenue and Taxation Code

• Form BOE-502-A (most common)

• Due at time of recording

• Provides information to county assessor

3. Documentary Transfer Tax Payment

• Calculated based on consideration or equity transferred

• Some transfers are exempt

• Declaration on deed or separate form

4. Payment for Recording Fees

• Check, money order, or cash (varies by county)

• Some counties accept credit cards (with fees)

5. Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope

• For return of recorded original or certified copy

• Include sufficient postage

How to Record Your California Quitclaim Deed

In-Person Recording:

1. Visit the county recorder during business hours

2. Bring original signed and notarized deed

3. Bring completed PCOR form

4. Bring payment for all fees

5. Submit documents at recording window

6. Obtain recording receipt

7. Request certified copy (recommended)

Mail Recording:

1. Send original deed with cover letter

2. Include completed PCOR form

3. Include check for recording fees and transfer tax

4. Include self-addressed stamped envelope

5. Mail to county recorder's office

6. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing and return

Electronic Recording (where available): Many California counties now accept e-recording through approved vendors:

• Faster processing (often same-day)

• Immediate recording confirmation

• Slightly higher fees

• Must use approved e-recording vendor

• Check county website for availability

After Recording

The county recorder will:

• Review document for compliance

• Reject if formatting or content issues exist

• If accepted, stamp with official recording information

• Assign document number

• Index in public records

• Make available for title searches

• Return recorded document to address provided

Important: Keep your recorded deed in a safe place. Provide copies to:

• Your attorney

• Title insurance company

• Mortgage lender (if applicable)

• Estate planning documents file

California Quitclaim Deed and Property Taxes

Proposition 13 and Property Tax Reassessment

California's Proposition 13 (1978) fundamentally changed how property taxes work in the state. Understanding its interaction with quitclaim deeds is crucial.

Proposition 13 Basics:

• Property tax based on assessed value at purchase

• Annual increases capped at 2% or inflation (whichever is less)

• Property reassessed to current market value upon "change in ownership"

Change in Ownership Triggers: When you transfer property via quitclaim deed, it may trigger reassessment to current market value, potentially significantly increasing property taxes.

Property Tax Reassessment Exclusions

California law provides several important exclusions from reassessment:

Parent-Child Transfer Exclusion (Proposition 19 - Effective February 16, 2021):

NEW RULES under Proposition 19:

• Primary Residence: Can transfer to children without reassessment IF child makes it their primary residence within one year

• Value Limit: Exclusion applies only to assessed value up to $1 million over current assessed value

• Other Property: Transfers of non-primary residences, vacation homes, and rental properties DO NOT qualify

• Grandchildren: Only qualify if parents are deceased

This is a MAJOR CHANGE from prior law! Before Prop 19, parents could transfer $1 million of real property (and unlimited primary residence value) to children without reassessment.

Interspousal Transfer Exclusion: Transfers between spouses or registered domestic partners are excluded from reassessment:

• During marriage or partnership

• In divorce or legal separation

• Upon death of spouse

• Adding or removing spouse from title

Trust Transfers: Certain transfers to/from trusts are excluded:

• Transfer to revocable trust where transferor is also beneficiary

• Transfer from trust back to original trustor

• Transfer between spouses' separate trusts

Other Exclusions:

• Transfers between co-owners (doesn't change proportionate interests)

• Certain legal entity transfers

• Replacement home for disaster victims

• Certain manufactured home transfers

Claiming Property Tax Exclusions

To claim an exclusion from reassessment, you must file:

BOE-19-P Form: Parent-Child exclusion claim BOE-19-G Form: Grandparent-Grandchild exclusion claim BOE-58-AH Form: Interspousal transfer claim

Critical Timing:

• File within 3 years of transfer date

• Retroactive relief available if filed within deadline

• Missing deadline = permanent loss of exclusion = higher taxes forever

Calculating Documentary Transfer Tax

California's state documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of consideration (or $0.55 per $500).

Calculation Example: Purchase price: $500,000 Existing mortgage: $200,000 Equity transferred: $300,000

Tax: $300,000 ÷ $1,000 = 300 × $1.10 = $330

City/County Transfer Taxes: Some California cities impose additional transfer taxes:

• San Francisco: $25 to $30 per $1,000 (depending on property value)

• Oakland: $15 per $1,000 (properties over $300K)

• Berkeley: $15 per $1,000

• Culver City: $4.50 per $1,000

• Santa Monica: $6 per $1,000

These can add thousands to recording costs!

Common Mistakes When Using California Quitclaim Deeds

Mistake #1: Using Outdated or Non-California Forms

Free quitclaim deed downloads may not comply with current California requirements. Using an outdated or generic form can result in:

• Recording rejection

• Invalid transfer

• Title insurance problems

• Future sale complications

• Property tax issues

• Missing required disclosures

Solution: Always use California-specific forms updated for current law.

Mistake #2: Incorrect Legal Description

Even minor errors in the legal description can:

• Transfer the wrong property

• Create title gaps or overlaps

• Cause recording rejection

• Result in expensive corrections

• Create title insurance problems

Solution: Copy the legal description exactly from your current deed or preliminary title report. If uncertain, obtain a legal description from:

• Title company

• County assessor

• Licensed surveyor

• Attorney or title professional

Mistake #3: Improper Vesting Choice

Choosing the wrong vesting option has significant consequences:

Community Property vs. Joint Tenancy:

• Different tax treatment upon death

• Different creditor protection

• Different estate planning implications

Tenancy in Common without Percentages:

• Default is equal shares

• May not reflect parties' actual agreement

• Creates problems at sale or death

Solution: Understand each vesting option or consult an attorney before choosing. Consider:

• Relationship between parties

• Estate planning goals

• Tax implications

• Creditor protection needs

Mistake #4: Improper Notarization

California requires proper notarization, including:

• Grantor appears in person before notary

• Valid California-issued or government ID presented

• Correct California acknowledgment language used

• Notary seal affixed

• Commission expiration date current and noted

• Notary journal entry (strongly recommended)

Solution: Use a California notary public who understands real estate document requirements.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)

Failing to file the required PCOR form (BOE-502-A) results in:

• Recording rejection in many counties

• Penalties up to $500

• Delayed reassessment

• Property tax problems

Solution: Always complete and submit PCOR with your deed recording.

Mistake #6: Not Claiming Property Tax Exclusions

Failing to claim available exclusions (parent-child, interspousal, etc.) results in:

• Immediate property tax reassessment

• Significantly higher property taxes forever

• Lost savings of thousands per year

Example Impact:

• Current assessed value: $200,000 (annual tax: $2,500)

• Current market value: $800,000 (annual tax: $10,000)

• Annual increase: $7,500

• 10-year cost: $75,000+

Solution: File appropriate exclusion claim forms within 3 years of transfer.

Mistake #7: Not Understanding Proposition 19 Changes

Many California property owners still believe old parent-child transfer rules apply:

Old Rules (before Feb 16, 2021):

• Could transfer primary residence to children without limits

• Could transfer $1 million of other property without reassessment

New Rules (after Feb 16, 2021):

• Primary residence transfer excluded ONLY if child occupies as primary residence

• $1 million cap on excluded assessed value

• Non-primary residences DO NOT qualify for exclusion

Solution: Understand current law before transferring property to children. Consider alternative estate planning strategies.

Mistake #8: Overlooking Mortgage Issues

Transferring property with an existing mortgage via quitclaim deed:

• Doesn't remove grantor's mortgage obligation

• May trigger "due on sale" clause requiring full repayment

• Can result in foreclosure if not handled properly

• May require lender consent

Solution: Review your mortgage documents and consider:

• Contacting lender before transfer

• Formal assumption process

• Refinancing in new owner's name

• Alternative transfer structures

Mistake #9: Assuming Quitclaim Deeds Clear Title Issues

Quitclaim deeds do NOT:

• Remove liens or judgments

• Clear title defects

• Provide warranty of ownership

• Create ownership if grantor has none

• Resolve disputes about ownership

Solution: Obtain title report before transfer. Resolve title issues through appropriate legal channels.

California Quitclaim Deed vs. Grant Deed

Key Differences

Quitclaim Deed:

• No warranties about title

• Transfers only the interest grantor actually has (if any)

• No liability for title defects

• Fast and simple

• Lower cost

• Suitable for known parties

• Common for family transfers and title corrections

Grant Deed:

• Implied warranties about title

• Grantor guarantees they haven't transferred to anyone else

• Grantor guarantees no undisclosed encumbrances

• Greater protection for grantee

• Standard for purchase transactions

• Required by most title insurance companies

• Preferred for arms-length transactions

When to Use Each Type

Use Quitclaim Deeds For:

• Family transfers between trusted parties

• Adding/removing spouse from title

• Divorce property transfers

• Trust transfers

• Title corrections or clearing clouds

• Property gifts

• Interfamily estate planning

Use Grant Deeds For:

• Arms-length sales to third parties

• Transfers to strangers

• Transactions requiring title insurance

• Any situation where grantee needs warranty protection

• Standard real estate purchases

California Quitclaim Deed for Specific Situations

Adding a Spouse to Title

Process:

1. Obtain current deed showing your name

2. Prepare quitclaim deed from "John Smith, a married man" to "John Smith and Mary Smith, husband and wife as community property with right of survivorship"

3. Execute before California notary

4. Record with county recorder

5. File BOE-58-AH (interspousal transfer exclusion)

Benefits:

• Avoids probate for the property

• Creates automatic right of survivorship

• May provide creditor protection

• No property tax reassessment

• Step-up in basis benefits at first death

Important: Consider consulting an attorney about estate planning implications and whether community property with right of survivorship is best for your situation.

Removing a Spouse After Divorce

Process:

1. Obtain certified copy of divorce decree or marital settlement agreement

2. Prepare quitclaim deed from both spouses to one spouse

3. Both parties execute before notary (or per court order)

4. Record deed with county recorder

5. File BOE-58-AH (interspousal transfer exclusion)

Important Considerations:

• Verify the divorce decree specifies who receives the property

• Ensure both parties understand mortgage liability continues

• Consider requiring refinance as condition of transfer

• Address any existing liens or judgments

• Coordinate with property settlement terms

Transferring to Children or Family Members

Process:

1. Determine if transfer qualifies for Proposition 19 exclusion

2. Prepare quitclaim deed specifying vesting type

3. Execute before California notary

4. Record deed with county recorder

5. File BOE-19-P form to claim parent-child exclusion (if applicable)

Critical Proposition 19 Considerations:

For Primary Residence Transfer:

• Will child use property as their primary residence?

• Is property value more than $1 million over current assessed value?

• Can you structure transfer to occur at death instead (better tax treatment)?

For Other Property:

• NO EXCLUSION AVAILABLE under current law

• Property will be reassessed to full market value

• Consider keeping property until death (stepped-up basis benefits)

• Explore alternative estate planning strategies

Capital Gains Tax Considerations:

• Gifting during life = child receives your basis (carryover basis)

• Transfer at death = child receives stepped-up basis

• Can mean hundreds of thousands in tax savings

Example:

• Property purchased in 1980 for $100,000

• Current value: $1,200,000

• Appreciation: $1,100,000

If gifted during life:

• Child's basis: $100,000

• If child sells for $1,200,000: $1,100,000 taxable gain

• Capital gains tax (20% federal + 13.3% CA): ~$366,000

If inherited at death:

• Child's basis: $1,200,000 (stepped-up)

• If child sells for $1,200,000: $0 taxable gain

• Tax savings: $366,000

Solution: Consider whether lifetime transfer makes sense or if retaining until death is better strategy.

Transferring Property into a Trust

Process:

1. Prepare quitclaim deed from individual to trustee

2. Name trustee properly: "John Smith and Mary Smith, Trustees of the Smith Family Trust dated January 1, 2025"

3. Execute before California notary

4. Record deed with county recorder

5. File PCOR indicating transfer to trust

Benefits:

• Avoids probate

• Facilitates trust administration

• Maintains privacy

• No property tax reassessment (if properly structured)

• Simplifies estate planning

Important: Trust transfer is excluded from reassessment only if:

• Transferor is also the trustor (creator of trust)

• Transferor (or their spouse) is the present beneficiary

• Trust is revocable

California Quitclaim Deed Form Templates and Samples

What Should Be Included in a California Quitclaim Deed Template

A complete California quitclaim deed PDF should include:

Formatting Requirements:

• Proper margins (1" top, bottom, left; ½" right)

• 8-point minimum font size

• 3" x 3" blank space in upper right corner for recording information

• 8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14" paper size

Required Content:

• Document title: "QUITCLAIM DEED"

• Documentary transfer tax declaration

• APN (Assessor's Parcel Number)

• Recording requested by line

• Return document to address

• Grantor identification (name and address)

• Grantee identification (name, address, and vesting)

• Consideration statement

• Granting language

• Complete legal description

• Property address

• Tax computation basis statement

• Signature lines for grantor(s)

• Notary acknowledgment certificate

• Space for notary seal

Optional But Recommended:

• Exempt from transfer tax statement (if applicable)

• Title company information

• Attorney attribution

• Recording reference to prior deed

Quitclaim Deed Template vs. Custom Preparation

Using Templates:

• Cost-effective for straightforward transfers

• Faster than custom attorney drafting

• Suitable for simple family transfers

• Requires careful, accurate completion

• Must ensure California compliance

Custom Preparation:

• Necessary for complex situations

• Multiple properties

• Business entities involved

• Complicated ownership structures

• Significant value transactions

• Title issues requiring resolution

• Tax planning concerns

Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)

What is the PCOR?

The Preliminary Change of Ownership Report is a California form required by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 480.3. It provides the county assessor with information about property transfers.

Most Common Form: BOE-502-A (California Change of Ownership Statement)

When PCOR is Required

You must file a PCOR when:

• Recording a deed transferring real property

• Recording any document that reflects a change in ownership

• Mobile home ownership changes

• Business property changes

• Even if transfer is exempt from reassessment

Information Required on PCOR

Property Information:

• APN (Assessor's Parcel Number)

• Property address

• Type of property (residential, commercial, etc.)

Transfer Information:

• Date of transfer

• Type of transfer (sale, gift, foreclosure, etc.)

• Purchase price or value

• Financing information

• Whether property will be owner-occupied

Party Information:

• Buyer's name, address, phone

• Seller's name, address

• Relationship between parties (if any)

Tax Exclusion Information:

• Whether claiming any exclusion from reassessment

• Which exclusion type

• Supporting information

PCOR Filing Process

When to File:

• At time of recording deed (most common)

• Within 90 days of recording (if not filed with deed)

Where to File:

• With county recorder when recording deed

• OR directly with county assessor within 90 days

Penalties for Not Filing:

• $100 penalty for failure to file

• Additional $100 if not filed after county request

• Maximum penalty: $500

California Quitclaim Deed Checklist

Before recording your California quitclaim deed, verify:

Document Preparation:

• [ ] California-specific quitclaim deed form used

• [ ] Proper formatting (margins, font, spacing)

• [ ] 3" x 3" blank space in upper right corner

• [ ] Recording requested by information completed

• [ ] Return address provided

• [ ] Document titled "QUITCLAIM DEED"

• [ ] Grantor name(s) exactly match current deed

• [ ] Grantor address(es) included

• [ ] Grantee name(s) complete and correct

• [ ] Grantee vesting specified

• [ ] Grantee address(es) include

📞 Mobile & Online Notary Services: Call 1-877-540-6104 for professional notarization at your location

Don't leave your property transfer to chance. Use professional forms, proper execution, and expert support to ensure your quitclaim deed accomplishes your goals without complications.

This article provides general information about CA quitclaim deeds and should not be considered legal advice. Property transfers involve complex legal and tax implications. Consult with qualified CA attorneys and tax professionals to discuss your specific situation and needs.