As a California real estate attorney with over 12 years of experience drafting and recording thousands of deeds, I’ve helped countless families, divorcing spouses, and property investors transfer ownership quickly using a quitclaim deed form California residents trust. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain exactly what is a quit claim deed in California, when you should (and shouldn’t) use one, and provide you with a free, attorney-reviewed California quitclaim deed form PDF that meets 2025 recording requirements across all 58 counties—including Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Download your free fillable California quitclaim deed form PDF here: Click to Download Free Quitclaim Deed California Template (Updated November 2025)
A quit claim deed California (spelled “quitclaim” with no space) is a legal document that transfers whatever interest the current owner (the “grantor”) has in a property to a new person (the “grantee”) without any warranties or guarantees about the title. In plain English: the grantor is “quitting” their claim to the property and handing it over “as-is.”
According to the California Civil Code § 1092 and Government Code § 27361.6, a valid quitclaim deed must be in writing, notarized, and recorded with the county recorder where the property is located.
Over my career, 90% of the quit claim deed form California transactions I’ve handled fall into these five situations:
Important: Because a quitclaim offers zero title guarantees, title companies and lenders almost never accept them for arms-length sales. Use a grant deed or warranty deed for selling to an unrelated buyer.
| Requirement | Statewide (2025) | Los Angeles County | Riverside County | San Bernardino County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notarization | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Documentary Transfer Tax | Usually $0 (exempt for no consideration) | $0 + Declaration of Exemption | $0 + Form required | $0 + Form required |
| Parent-Child / Grandparent-Grandchild Exemption (Prop 19) | May apply | BOE-19-P required if claiming | Same | Same |
| Recording Fee (first page) | $89–$150+ | $91 + $3 fraud fee | $104+ | $98+ |
Source: California Government Code § 27361, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder (2025 fee schedule), Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, San Bernardino County Recorder.
I’ve pre-filled the most common exemptions in the free template so you only need to enter names, APN, and legal description.
→ Download California Quitclaim Deed PDF (Attorney-Reviewed, Fillable)
This template includes:
Here’s how a properly completed sample quitclaim deed California looks when transferring a Los Angeles home from a divorcing spouse:
Grantor: Jane A. Smith, a married woman as her sole and separate property
Grantee: John B. Smith, a single man as his sole and separate property
Consideration: $0.00 – Property settlement incident to dissolution of marriage (R&T 11927)
(Full redacted example available inside the downloaded PDF)
Do I need an attorney to file a quit claim deed in California?
No, but consulting one prevents costly re-recordings.
How long does recording take in Los Angeles County?
Mail: 8–12 weeks | In-person drop-off: 2–4 weeks | E-recording (title companies): same day.
Does a quitclaim deed avoid reassessment under Proposition 19?
Only if it qualifies for parent-child or grandparent-grandchild exclusion (file BOE-19-P).
Can I prepare a quitclaim deed for Riverside County online?
Yes—the free template works statewide, including Riverside County quit claim deed requirements.
I’ve made this California quitclaim deed form free because I believe families shouldn’t pay $300+ just to move property into a trust or remove an ex-spouse from title. However, this template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws and county requirements change. Always verify current fees and forms with your county recorder and consult a licensed California attorney or title officer for your specific situation.
Download your free 2025 California quitclaim deed form now:
Free Fillable Quit Claim Deed California PDF
Sources: California Civil Code §§ 1092–1102, Revenue & Taxation Code §§ 11911–11930, IRS.gov (Publication 530), California Board of Equalization Prop 19 forms, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (accessed November 2025).
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