A Washington, D.C. Quitclaim Deed is a document allowing a property’s owner (grantor) to transfer property to a new owner (grantee) without guaranteeing the title. This works best when the two parties know and trust one another, such as when adding a spouse to a deed or transferring property within the same family.
When someone wants a warranty on the title, they need to use a warranty deed. This uses different terminology and only applies when the deed’s title has been properly cleared.
Sometimes a quitclaim deed is mistakenly called a “quit claim deed,” “quick claim deed,” or “quit claims deed,” but these are not different types of deeds. All refer to the same deed that comes with no warranty or guarantee on the title.
Important Laws & Requirements
The following are important laws and requirements related to Washington, D.C. Quitclaim Deeds.
Laws
District of Columbia Code § 42–601
Recording
Quitclaim deeds in Washington, D.C. are recorded at the Recorder of Deeds office. District of Columbia Code, Title 42, Chapter 4 and Chapter 12
Signing
Per District of Columbia Code § 42–401, the deed must be signed in the presence of a notary public and include the notary’s seal (if applicable), signature, name, and expiration date. The Recorder of Deeds General Recording Requirements states the grantor and grantee must sign and have their signatures acknowledged and notarized.
Filing Fee
The Recorder of Deeds office charges $31.50 to record deeds. A check or money order must be sent to the “D.C. Treasurer.” This fee can also be paid via credit card or cash.
Document
The Recorder of Deeds requires the Real Property Recordation and Transfer Tax Form FP-7/C to be completed and filed.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Washington, D.C.
Use the following steps as guidance for filing out and filing a Washington, D.C. quitclaim deed.
Step 1 – Get the Washington, D.C. Quitclaim Deed Form
Obtain the Washington, D.C. quitclaim deed form from our free download or use our document builder.
Step 2 – Fill Out Name and Address of Preparer
In the top left-hand corner, record the name of the person who is filling out the form. You will also need their address.
Step 3 – Enter Name and Address of Receiver
Under the preparer’s name, record the name and address of the person who will receive the completed deed after it is appropriately filed. This is typically the grantee but can be anyone you choose.
Step 4 – Write Date of Deed Preparation
Write the date the deed is being prepared. Start with the calendar day, then the month and year.
Step 5 – Fill in Name of Grantor
After “by and between” write the name of the grantor, followed by the words “party of the first part” and the name of the grantee, followed by the words “parties of the second part.”
Step 6 – Note Consideration
After “consideration in the sum of” write the value paid for the property. This will be written in words and then in numbers.
Step 7 – Write Legal Description
After this, record the property’s legal description, including the address, lot number (Assessment and Taxation (A&T)), square number, subdivision, and reference information as recorded with the Office of the Surveyor. If you need additional space, add an attachment to the deed.
Step 8 – Sign Before Notary Public
Have the grantor and grantee sign the deed before a notary public.
Step 9 – File with Recorder of Deeds
Take the deed and other required documents to the Washington, D.C. Recorder of Deeds. Pay the fee and file the deed to make it legally binding.
Washington D.C. Quitclaim Deed Sample
Below is what a quitclaim deed in Washington D.C. typically looks like.