Who fills this out
The grantor (current owner) signs the deed. The grantee (new owner) does not sign. If the property is community property, both spouses must sign even if only one is on title.
When to file
Record with the county recorder where the property sits. Recording is what gives the world notice of the transfer; an unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but vulnerable to later recorded interests.
What you will need
- Full legal names of grantor and grantee.
- Property's full legal description (not the street address).
- Assessor's parcel number.
- Notarized signature of every grantor.
- Arizona Affidavit of Property Value (or exemption code) if applicable.
- County recording fee (typically $30 flat).
Common mistakes
- Using a street address instead of legal description. A deed without a legal description is unrecordable.
- Forgetting the spouse signature. Community property requires both spouses to sign even if the deed shows only one name.
- Skipping the Affidavit of Property Value. Most transfers need either the affidavit or an exemption code; the recorder will reject the package without it.
- Using it for an arms-length sale. A buyer paying real money should get a warranty deed, not a quit claim.
- Triggering a due-on-sale clause. Lenders may call a mortgage due if title changes; transfers into a trust are usually protected by the Garn-St Germain Act, but other transfers may not be.
Questions families ask
Does a quit claim deed remove me from the mortgage?
No. The deed transfers title only. The mortgage stays in your name until it is paid off or refinanced.
Is a quit claim deed taxable?
Federally, transfers between spouses are not taxable; other transfers may trigger gift tax reporting. Arizona has no real estate transfer tax.