Fill & Sign
A Vermont deed is a legal instrument that records a property title’s change in ownership. A deed will state the grantor and grantee’s names and a description of the property, in addition to warranties or a guarantee of the grantor’s right to transfer the title. Depending on the type of deed, the language contained therein may include covenants to determine who will be legally responsible for claims against the property title, such as unpaid debts to contractors or property tax liens.
Deeds must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and filed in the town or county clerk’s office.
Contents |
Types (5)
Deed of Trust – Used by a purchaser of property and their creditor to convey a title to a neutral party who will return it to the purchaser after their debt is settled.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Enhanced Life Estate Deed – Used to name a successor for a property; the property title will be automatically transferred after the grantor’s death.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
General Warranty Deed – Used to transfer a property title with a guarantee of the title’s condition and the owner’s right to convey the title.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Quit Claim Deed – Used to convey a property title without covenants against encumbrances.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Special Warranty Deed – Used to convey a property title with covenants guaranteeing the condition of the title from the grantor’s period of ownership only.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Laws & Requirements
- Statutes: Chapter 5 – Conveyance of Real Estate
- Formatting: No state-wide requirements. Individuals can contact the city/town/county clerk for local requirements.
- Signing Requirements (§ 341(a)): Notary Public
- Where to Record (§ 402): City/Town/County Clerk’s Office
- Recording Fees (§ 1671(a)(6)): $15 per page
- Forms:
- Property Transfer Tax Return (Form PTT-172): Must be filed with the clerk when recording a property deed (or online). The property transfer tax can be paid online or by check (see link below for mailing address).
- Smoke Detector Certificate (§ 2883(a)): Sellers of single-family homes must complete and provide the buyer with this form certifying that the property’s smoke detectors comply with legal guidelines.