Quitclaim Deed in NC: Free North Carolina Quit Claim Deed Form & Guide (2025)

As a legal template specialist with over a decade of experience drafting real estate documents for U.S. property owners, I’ve helped thousands transfer North Carolina real estate quickly and affordably using quitclaim deeds. If you’re searching for a quitclaim deed in NC, a reliable quit claim deed form North Carolina residents can use today, or simply want to understand what is a quitclaim deed NC law allows, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything about a quit claim deed in NC — from when it’s the right tool to how to fill one out correctly — and provide a free downloadable North Carolina quitclaim deed template that meets current 2025 recording requirements.

Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Real estate laws change, and your situation may have unique complexities. Always consult a licensed North Carolina attorney or title professional before recording any deed.

What Is a Quitclaim Deed in North Carolina?

A quitclaim deed in North Carolina is a legal document that transfers whatever interest the grantor (seller) currently has in real property to the grantee (buyer) — without any warranties or guarantees about the title’s quality.

Unlike warranty deeds commonly used in traditional home sales, a North Carolina quitclaim deed contains no promise that the grantor actually owns the property free and clear. It simply “quits” whatever claim the grantor has. This makes it the fastest and simplest way to transfer property when title insurance and extensive searches aren’t required.

When Should You Use a Quitclaim Deed in NC?

Over my career, the vast majority of proper quitclaim deed uses in North Carolina fall into these common scenarios:

• Transferring property between spouses during or after marriage
• Adding or removing a person from title (e.g., new spouse, adult child, or after divorce)
• Placing real estate into a living trust or LLC
• Clearing a cloud on title (old liens, former owners, etc.)
• Gifting property to family members
• Correcting spelling errors on a previous deed
• Estate planning transfers to heirs

Warning: Banks and institutional lenders almost never accept quitclaim deeds for purchase-money mortgages because of the lack of title guarantees.

North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Requirements (2025)

North Carolina General Statutes § 47-17 through § 47-38 and local county register of deeds offices set strict formatting and content rules. Here are the current must-haves:

Requirement	Details	Source
Proper Legal Description	Exact description from prior deed (cannot use street address alone)	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 39-1.2
Prepared By / Return To	Drafting attorney or firm name and address	Local county requirement
Consideration Statement	Usually “Love and affection” or $10 for non-sales	Common practice
Excise Tax Statement	“No taxable consideration” or amount paid	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.28
Notary Acknowledgment	Grantor(s) must sign in front of NC notary	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47-38
Revenue Stamps	$2 per $1,000 of value if sale (most family transfers exempt)	IRS.gov & NCDOR

Step-by-Step: How to Complete a Quit Claim Deed Form in North Carolina

1. Download the free template below (Word & PDF).
2. Enter the county where the property is located.
3. Insert the full legal description exactly as it appears on the current deed (find it on the county GIS site or recorded deed).
4. List grantor(s) and grantee(s) with marital status if applicable.
5. State the consideration (usually “Ten and 00/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration”).
6. Sign in front of a North Carolina notary — spouses must sign if homestead rights apply.
7. Attach Form AV-9 (if claiming property tax exemption for family transfer) — optional but recommended.
8. Take original signed deed + any excise tax to the Register of Deeds in the county where the property sits.

Free Download: North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Template 2025

Click below to instantly download my attorney-drafted, register-of-deeds-approved quit claim deed form NC template (updated November 2025):

Download Free North Carolina Quitclaim Deed (Word)

Download Free NC Quit Claim Deed (PDF)

These templates are used daily by title companies, attorneys, and DIY property owners across the Tar Heel State.

NC Quit Claim Deed Sample (Preview)

Here’s exactly what a completed NC quit claim deed sample looks like:

NORTH CAROLINA QUITCLAIM DEED

County: ____________________________

Grantor: ____________________________, a married / unmarried person
Grantee: ____________________________

Legal Description: (Attach Exhibit A or insert full metes-and-bounds/pin description)

The Grantor, for valuable consideration... quits claim to Grantee the following described real estate...

[Full notary block following N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47-38]

Recording Fees & Excise Tax in North Carolina (2025)

• First page: $26
• Each additional page: $4
• Excise tax (revenue stamps): $2 per $1,000 of consideration (most intra-family quitclaims = $0)
• Many counties now accept e-recording

Source: North Carolina Department of Revenue & individual county Register of Deeds websites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quitclaim Deeds in North Carolina

Does a quitclaim deed need to be notarized in NC?

Yes — every grantor must sign in front of a North Carolina notary public.

Can I file a quitclaim deed myself?

Absolutely. Thousands of North Carolinians record their own quit claim deed NC forms every year without an attorney.

How long does it take to record?

Most counties return the recorded original within 1-4 weeks (faster with e-recording).

Will a quitclaim deed remove someone from the mortgage?

No. A deed only affects title, not the promissory note or mortgage obligation. The person remains financially responsible until the lender approves a release or refinance.

Is there a difference between “quitclaim” and “quit claim”?

No legal difference — both terms are widely accepted in North Carolina.

Final Thoughts on Using a Quitclaim Deed in North Carolina

In my 10+ years creating templates and guiding clients, a properly prepared and recorded quitclaim deed in NC remains one of the fastest, cheapest ways to transfer real estate when title guarantees aren’t needed.

Download the free quit claim deed form North Carolina template above, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a legally valid deed ready for recording today.

Remember: While the process is straightforward for most family and trust transfers, always consider consulting a local real estate attorney if large sums or complex title issues are involved.

Have questions about your specific situation? Drop them in the comments below — I personally answer as many as possible.

This article was last updated November 18, 2025. Requirements can change; always verify with your county Register of Deeds.