Deed Forms
A deed conveys property ownership from a seller ('grantor') to a buyer ('grantee'). Select from multiple deed types, check your state's signing requirements, estimate transfer taxes, and file electronically where available.
Key Components
- Grantor & Grantee Identification
- Legal Property Description
- Consideration (Purchase Price)
- Warranties / Covenants of Title
- Notarization & Witness Signatures
- County Recording Information
Is the Property being Purchased or Gifted?
This determines the consideration clause and applicable transfer taxes.
NextDeed Types
Choose the right deed based on the level of title protection you need.
50-State Signing & Recording Database
Every state has unique requirements for executing and recording deeds. Search your state below.
| State | Signing Requirements |
|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Notary PublicAla. Code § 35-4-20 |
| Alaska(AK) | Notary PublicAlaska Stat. § 34.15.150 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Notary PublicA.R.S. § 33-401 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Notary PublicArk. Code § 18-12-104 |
| California(CA) | Notary PublicCal. Civ. Code § 1185; Gov. Code § 27287 |
| Colorado(CO) | Notary PublicColo. Rev. Stat. § 38-35-101 |
| Connecticut(CT) | 2 Witnesses + NotaryConn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5 |
| Delaware(DE) | Notary Public25 Del. C. § 153 |
| Florida(FL) | 2 Witnesses + NotaryFla. Stat. §§ 689.01, 695.03 |
| Georgia(GA) | Notary PublicO.C.G.A. § 44-2-15 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Notary PublicHRS § 502-41 |
| Idaho(ID) | Notary PublicIdaho Code § 55-805 |
| Illinois(IL) | Notary Public765 ILCS 5/18 |
| Indiana(IN) | Notary PublicInd. Code § 32-21-2-3 |
| Iowa(IA) | Notary PublicIowa Code § 558.20 |
| Kansas(KS) | Notary PublicKan. Stat. § 58-2205 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Notary PublicKRS § 382.130 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Notary Public + 2 WitnessesLa. Civ. Code Art. 1833 |
| Maine(ME) | Notary Public33 M.R.S.A. § 201 |
| Maryland(MD) | Notary PublicMd. Code, Real Prop. § 4-101 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Notary PublicM.G.L. ch. 183, § 4 |
| Michigan(MI) | Notary Public + 2 WitnessesMCL § 565.8 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Notary PublicMinn. Stat. § 507.24 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Notary PublicMiss. Code § 89-3-1 |
| Missouri(MO) | Notary PublicMo. Rev. Stat. § 442.130 |
| Montana(MT) | Notary PublicMont. Code § 70-21-203 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Notary PublicNeb. Rev. Stat. § 76-211 |
| Nevada(NV) | Notary PublicNRS § 111.310 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Notary PublicRSA § 477:2 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Notary PublicN.J.S.A. § 46:4-1 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Notary PublicN.M. Stat. § 47-1-44 |
| New York(NY) | Notary PublicRPP § 306 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Notary PublicN.C.G.S. § 47-17 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Notary PublicN.D.C.C. § 47-19-04 |
| Ohio(OH) | Notary PublicORC § 5301.01 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Notary Public16 Okla. Stat. § 15 |
| Oregon(OR) | Notary PublicORS § 93.410 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Notary Public21 Pa. C.S. § 351 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Notary PublicR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-11-1 |
| South Carolina(SC) | 2 Witnesses + NotaryS.C. Code § 30-5-30 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Notary PublicSDCL § 43-25-7 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Notary PublicTenn. Code § 66-22-101 |
| Texas(TX) | Notary PublicTex. Prop. Code § 12.001 |
| Utah(UT) | Notary PublicUtah Code § 57-1-6 |
| Vermont(VT) | Notary Public27 V.S.A. § 341 |
| Virginia(VA) | Notary PublicVa. Code § 55.1-300 |
| Washington(WA) | Notary PublicRCW § 64.04.020 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Notary PublicW. Va. Code § 36-3-5 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Notary PublicWis. Stat. § 706.02 |
| Wyoming(WY) | Notary PublicWyo. Stat. § 34-1-113 |
Source: State statutes and county recorder offices. Always verify with your local recording office.
Real-Time Transfer Tax Calculator
Estimate your deed transfer taxes based on state and purchase price.
Property Description Helper
Understand how to locate and use the legal description for your deed.
The "Legal Description" is the most critical part of any deed. It must precisely identify the property using surveyor-standard language. Common formats include Metes and Bounds, Lot and Block, and Government Survey (Section/Township/Range).
Metes & Bounds
Uses compass directions and distances from a point of beginning. Common in eastern states.
Lot & Block
References a specific lot within a recorded subdivision plat map. Common in planned developments.
Government Survey
Uses Section, Township, and Range references to the Public Land Survey System. Common in western/midwestern states.
e-Recording Directory
Check if your county supports electronic deed filing.
Ownership Types
How you hold title affects inheritance, creditor protection, and what happens if an owner dies.
Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship
Each owner has an equal, undivided interest. When one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) — bypassing probate entirely.
Requires the "four unities": time, title, interest, and possession. Available in all 50 states.
Tenants in Common
Each owner has a distinct, transferable share that can be unequal. Upon death, their share passes to their heirs through probate — not to the other owners.
Default form of co-ownership in most states if no other form is specified.
Tenants by the Entirety
A special form of joint ownership available only to married couples. Both spouses own the entire property together, with automatic survivorship rights and additional creditor protections.
Recognized in ~25 states. Provides protection from individual creditors of one spouse.
How to Transfer Property
Follow these five steps to complete your property transfer.
Choose Your Deed Type
Select the deed that best fits your transfer situation (warranty, quitclaim, TOD, etc.).
Enter Property & Party Details
Provide the legal description, APN, grantor/grantee names, and consideration.
Review State Requirements
Check your state's notary/witness rules and transfer tax obligations.
Sign & Notarize
Execute the deed per your state's signing requirements (notary, witnesses).
Record the Deed
File the signed deed at your county recorder's office or via e-recording.
Recording a Deed
Watch this instructional overview of the deed recording process.