Four Standard Deed Forms
Arizona recognizes four basic templates for property transfers. Each serves a different purpose. The right choice depends on the level of protection the buyer or recipient needs. All deeds must be signed by the grantor and filed at the county recorder's office.
The following or other equivalent forms varied to suit circumstances are sufficient:
A.R.S. § 33-402A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest in the property the grantor currently holds, with no promises about title quality. If the grantor has full ownership, the recipient gets full ownership. If the grantor has nothing, the recipient gets nothing. Quitclaim deeds are common between family members, divorcing spouses, or when clearing up title issues.
A conveyance deed (sometimes called a grant deed) is a straightforward transfer of Arizona property. It does not include the full title guarantees of a warranty deed.
A warranty deed goes further. The grantor guarantees clear title "against all persons whomsoever." This means the grantor is personally responsible if a title defect surfaces later. This is the strongest protection a buyer can receive.
Choosing the Right Deed
A mortgage deed uses the conveyance form but adds a condition: the transfer becomes void once the borrower pays off the debt. This is the traditional structure behind a property-secured loan.
An affidavit of property value often accompanies a deed to document the sale price. This is a separate requirement from the deed itself but is part of the recording process.
For estate planning purposes, the deed type matters. Transferring property into a living trust typically uses a warranty deed or a special warranty deed to maintain clean title. Adding a beneficiary deed is a separate tool under A.R.S. 33-405 that allows property to pass at death without probate. Understanding which form fits your situation is an important part of keeping your estate plan funded and your title clear.
Starting September 12, 2026, the notary must take the signer's thumbprint in the notary journal for any of these deed forms, under A.R.S. 41-254.