Transferring property in Oklahoma via a quitclaim deed can facilitate a seamless transition. This approach simplifies the property conveyance, avoiding the complexities typically associated with traditional warranty deed transactions.
Step 1 – Obtain the Property Deed
You should have a copy of the property deed in your possession if you are the owner. If not, request a copy from the owner or contact your local county clerk’s office to file a request. The deed includes critical information you need for the quitclaim deed process.
Step 2 – Transcribe the Legal Property Description
In Oklahoma, any deed conveying property must have a legal description of the real estate, according to Okla. Stat. tit. 19 § 298. Property descriptions in Oklahoma may include the following systems:
- Block and lot
- Township, section, and range
- Metes and bounds
- Condominium unit designation
For the sake of clarity, consider including the property address, if available.
Step 3 – Draft an Oklahoma Quitclaim Deed
Quitclaim deeds in Oklahoma must be written in plain English per Okla. Stat. tit. 16 § 28.
Per Okla. Stat. tit. 19 § 298, the deed must:
- Be written, typed, or printed in black ink
- Be on a paper color that can be easily copied using a photocopier or scanner used by the county clerk’s office.
- Be on legal-size paper of 8 ½ in. x 14 in. or smaller
- Be in an easy-to-read font no smaller than 10 points.
- Retain space at the top of the document for the recorder’s stamp and filing information.
- Have at least a 1 in. margin at the top of the first page. All remaining margins should be a minimum of ½ in.
Ensure your Oklahoma quitclaim deed includes the following information:
- Name and marital status of grantor (Okla. Stat. tit. 16 § 4)
- Grantee’s full name and return address (Okla. Stat. tit. 19 § 298)
- Legal real estate property description (Okla. Stat. tit. 19 § 298)
- Warranty disclaimer and vesting information (Okla. Stat. tit. 16 § 41)
Step 4 – File the Quitclaim Deed
File your Oklahoma quitclaim deed with the register of deeds at the county clerk’s office in the county where the property is situated, in accordance with Okla. Stat. tit. 16 § 15. If the conveyed property is in more than one county, you can use a certified copy of the original deed to file in other counties, per Okla. Stat. tit. 16 § 43.
