What Is a South Carolina Quitclaim Deed?
The state of South Carolina offers its residents the option to transfer interest and ownership in a property to another party quickly and without title discovery through the South Carolina (SC) quitclaim deed. This works best when it is between family members because it does not add any guarantee to the title.
Quitclaim deeds in South Carolina are sometimes called “quit claims deeds,” “quit claim deeds,” or “quick claim deeds” by mistake. These are all the same thing, and these terms refer to deeds with no guarantee of ownership or title issues.
For transactions where title and ownership guarantees are necessary, a warranty deed is the correct form to use. All types of deeds in South Carolina, including South Carolina quitclaim deeds, require adherence to the current applicable laws.
Important Laws & Requirements
Signing: Per § 30-5-30, the South Carolina quitclaim deed requires the signature of two witnesses and the notarization of a notary public. The notary public can double as one of the witnesses.
Recording: Quitclaim deeds in South Carolina are recorded and filed with the County Registrar of Deeds office. Choose the office in the county where the property is located.
Fees: Each county has its own filing fee for quitclaim deeds in South Carolina. This is required when you file the deed with the Registrar of Deeds.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in South Carolina
Step 1: Download the SC quitclaim deed form.
Step 2: Enter the preparer’s information. This is the person who is preparing the form. You need the name and address.
Step 3: Enter the return address and name. This is often the buyer of the property, but it is the person who receives the completed document after the County Recorder’s Office is done with it. You need a complete mailing address.
Step 4: Add the county where the property resides in the first blank under the “South Carolina Quitclaim Deed” title.
Step 5: Write the amount of money the seller (grantor) receives from the buyer (grantee). First, write it out using words. Then, write the numerical value.
Step 6: Record the grantor’s name and address next. This comes after the words “in hand paid to.” After the grantor’s name, write the word “grantor.” After the street address, write the county, city, and state in the appropriate blanks.
Step 7: Repeat this step for the grantee. Write “grantee” after the grantee’s full name.
Step 8: Record again the county where the property is located. This goes after the word “situated in” and before the words “County, South Carolina.”
Step 9: Give the property’s legal description and official address. If needed, add an attachment with the description, but be sure to cite it in the space designated for the official description.
Step 10: Have the grantor sign the document in the presence of two witnesses, including a notary public. Under the grantor’s signature, the grantor must print their name and write their address again. The notary public will notarize the document after the signature. Per § 30-5-30 two witness signatures are necessary.
Step 11: Check with the Registrar of Deeds in the county where the property is located to learn the county filing fees or any other guidelines for registering property. Submit the document, any attachments, and the appropriate fee to the county’s Registrar of Deeds.
