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Deeds

Deeds transfer ownership or rights to real property. Access attorney-drafted deed templates that are accurate, secure, and easy to complete for any property transaction.

intro Deeds

What is Deed?

A deed is a signed, written document used to convey real estate ownership from one party to another. It identifies the property, names the new owner, and defines ownership rights. Select your state for the most up-to-date, legally valid deed forms.

Common Deed documents

  • Warranty Deed — Transfers property with a full guarantee that the title is clear.
  • Quitclaim Deed — Transfers ownership interest without guaranteeing clear title.
  • Grant Deed — Confirms the seller owns the property and hasn’t transferred it before.
  • Bargain and Sale Deed — Conveys ownership but offers limited title protection.
  • Gift Deed — Transfers property without payment, often between family members.
  • Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) — Allows the owner to retain full control during life and transfer property automatically at death, avoiding probate.
  • Executor’s or Administrator’s Deed — Used by an estate representative to convey property from a deceased person’s estate.
  • Deed of Trust — Transfers property to a trustee as security for a loan.

Deed forms by State

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Warranty Deed vs. Quitclaim Deed — A warranty deed guarantees clear ownership; a quitclaim transfers whatever interest the grantor holds, without promises.
  • Lady Bird Deed vs. Traditional Life Estate Deed — Both let an owner keep lifetime rights, but a Lady Bird Deed allows selling or changing beneficiaries without consent.
  • Transfer-on-Death Deed vs. Will — A transfer-on-death deed transfers property automatically at death, while a will must go through probate first.
  • General Warranty Deed vs. Special Warranty Deed — A general warranty covers all past ownership claims; a special warranty covers only the grantor’s ownership period.
  • Gift Deed vs. Sale Deed — Gift deeds involve no payment; sale deeds transfer property for consideration.
  • Deed of Trust vs. Mortgage — Both secure loans with property, but a deed of trust involves a neutral third-party trustee.

  • A deed must include the grantor’s and grantee’s names and a clear property description.

  • It becomes effective once signed, delivered, and accepted by the grantee.

  • Most states require notarization for recording in the public land registry. Sign in the presence of disinterested witnesses where required.

  • Different deed types offer varying levels of title protection.

  • Ownership rights transfer immediately upon proper execution and recording.

  • Deeds can be used for sales, gifts, estate transfers, or financing.

  • Always ensure names, property details, and legal descriptions are accurate before recording.

How to get started

Complete your property transfer confidently with these steps.

  • Find the deed form or package that fits your property transaction.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Unlock full access with a subscription.
  • Complete the form easily in the online editor.
  • Export or send — download, email, mail, notarize online, or e-sign (Premium).

Practical tip

When transferring property, match the deed type to your goal — a quitclaim is often best for family transfers, while a warranty deed provides stronger buyer protection.

FAQs

A deed legally transfers property ownership and provides evidence of title.

Yes. Recording protects ownership rights and notifies the public of the new owner.

Yes. Gift deeds and quitclaim deeds often transfer ownership without money changing hands.

No. The deed is the legal document transferring ownership; the title is the ownership right itself.

Corrections can be made with a correction deed or re-recording, depending on the situation.

Glossary

  • Deed — Written document transferring property ownership.
  • Grantor — Person transferring property rights.
  • Grantee — Person receiving property rights.
  • Warranty Deed — Transfers property with full title guarantees.
  • Quitclaim Deed — Transfers ownership without guarantees.
  • Lady Bird Deed — Enhanced life estate allowing control during life and transfer at death.
  • Bargain and Sale Deed — Transfers property with limited warranties.
  • Deed of Trust — Security instrument involving a third-party trustee.
  • Gift Deed — Transfers property without payment.
  • Title — Legal right to own or control property.
  • Recording — Officially filing a deed with the county registry.

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