As a Colorado real estate attorney with over 12 years of experience drafting and reviewing thousands of deeds, I’ve helped countless clients transfer property quickly using quit claim deeds. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what is a quit claim deed in Colorado, walk you through the exact Colorado quit claim deed requirements, and provide you with a completely free, attorney-reviewed Colorado quit claim deed form that you can download and use today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always consult a licensed Colorado attorney or title professional before recording any deed.
A quit claim deed in Colorado (often spelled “quitclaim deed”) is a legal document used to transfer whatever interest the current owner (the grantor) has in a property to a new owner (the grantee) without any warranties or guarantees about the title. Unlike warranty deeds, a Colorado quit claim deed does not promise that the grantor actually owns the property free and clear—it simply “quits” whatever claim the grantor has.
Common uses in Colorado include:
I always tell clients: Use a quit claim deed only when you completely trust the grantor. Because there are no title warranties, the grantee accepts the risk that liens, other owners, or title defects may exist. In arms-length sales between strangers, a warranty deed is almost always required by lenders and title companies.
Colorado has specific statutory requirements under C.R.S. § 38-30-113 and § 38-35-122. Here are the current must-have elements:
| Requirement | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Legal Description | Exact description from the current deed (not just street address) | C.R.S. § 38-35-122 |
| Grantor’s Signature | Must be signed in front of a notary | C.R.S. § 38-35-101 |
| Notary Acknowledgment | Colorado-compliant notary block required | C.R.S. § 24-21-501 et seq. |
| Grantee’s Mailing Address | Required for tax notices | C.R.S. § 39-1-119 |
| Real Property Transfer Declaration (TD-1000) | Must be submitted at recording (some counties allow electronic) | Colorado Dept. of Revenue |
| Documentary Fee (if consideration > $500) | $0.01 per $100 of consideration (many quit claims are exempt as gifts) | C.R.S. § 39-13-102 |
Click the button below to instantly download my attorney-drafted, up-to-date free Colorado quit claim deed form. This template includes:
Download Free Colorado Quit Claim Deed Form (PDF)
Also available in Word .docx format
This is the exact quitclaim deed Colorado PDF I provide to my own clients when they need a simple intra-family transfer.
Here’s how to complete the form properly (based on the free template above):
After Recording Return To: John A. Smith, 123 Main St, Denver, CO 80202
Grantor: Jane B. Doe, a single person
Grantee: John A. Smith and Sarah C. Smith, as joint tenants
Consideration: Ten Dollars and other good and valuable consideration
Legal Description: Lot 5, Block 2, Sunny Acres Subdivision, City and County of Denver, Colorado, according to the plat recorded...
Each Colorado county clerk has slightly different rules. Here are the most common variations:
Current recording fees and portals: Official Colorado County Clerk List
Colorado charges a documentary fee of $0.01 per $100 of consideration. However, most quit claim deeds qualify for exemption if:
Simply write “Exempt per C.R.S. 39-13-104(1)(f)” or similar on the deed.
In my practice, these are the top errors that cause rejection:
Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized in Colorado?
Yes – always. Colorado requires notary acknowledgment for recording.
Can I file a Colorado quit claim deed online?
Many counties (Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, etc.) now require or prefer e-recording through services like Simplifile or CSC.
Is a quit claim deed reversible in Colorado?
Generally no – once recorded, it’s permanent unless fraud or mutual mistake is proven in court.
Do I need a lawyer to do a quit claim deed in Colorado?
Not required, but strongly recommended if any money, divorce, or probate is involved.
A properly executed Colorado quit claim deed is one of the fastest, cheapest ways to transfer real estate when title insurance isn’t required. I’ve used the exact free blank quit claim deed form Colorado residents download here hundreds of times for family transfers and trust planning.
Download your free template today, follow the instructions, and you’ll likely save $300–$800 in attorney drafting fees. But remember: when in doubt, spend the money on a quick consultation – it’s far cheaper than fixing a defective deed years later.
– Michael T. McCormick, Esq.
Colorado Real Estate & Estate Planning Attorney (2013–Present)
Sources:
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38
IRS.gov – Gift Tax Exclusions (for consideration language)
Colorado Department of Local Affairs – TD-1000 Form