California Deed Forms (6)

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California Deed Forms (6)

A California deed is a document used to legally transfer property from one party to another. California recognizes several classes of deed forms that may be used in various scenarios, providing the grantee (property buyer) with varying degrees of protection against encumbrances. The deed type selected will depend primarily on the nature of the parties’ relationship.

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Last updated May 27th, 2025

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A California deed is a document used to legally transfer property from one party to another. California recognizes several classes of deed forms that may be used in various scenarios, providing the grantee (property buyer) with varying degrees of protection against encumbrances. The deed type selected will depend primarily on the nature of the parties’ relationship.

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Types (6)

Deed of Reconveyance – Returns the property title to the borrower under a deed of trust when they have repaid their debt.

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Deed of Trust – Transfers the property’s title to a trustee until the property’s financing is repaid by the borrower.

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Grant Deed – Gives the grantee guarantees that the conveyed property has a clear title from the grantor’s time of ownership only.

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Interspousal Transfer Deed – Conveys a property from one spouse to another (often used for divorce).

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Quit Claim Deed – Transfers property ownership with no guarantees.

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Revocable Transfer on Death Deed – Names a beneficiary who will receive full ownership of the grantor’s property when the grantor dies.

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Formatting

Deeds in California must fulfill the following specifications[1]:
  • Be printed on paper with dimensions of 8.5″ x 11″ to 8.5″ x 14″
  • Include a 3.5″ blank space at the top left corner of the first page
  • Have 0.5″ side margins and 2.5″ top margins
  • Be sufficiently legible

Recording

Signing Requirements – Deeds require the grantor’s signature with a notary acknowledgment.[2]

Where to Record – Deeds are recorded at the County Recorder’s Office with jurisdiction over the conveyed property.[3]

Cost – Fees cannot exceed $10 for the first page, and $3 for each additional page. An additional fee of $75 may be charged if the deed is exempt from the documentary transfer tax.[4]

Additional Form

Preliminary Change of Ownership Report – Real estate transferees must file this document with any deed changing a property’s ownership.[5]

Sources

  1. §§ 27361.5, 27361.6, 27361.7
  2. § 1189
  3. § 1169
  4. § 27361
  5. § 480