As a real estate attorney who has prepared and reviewed hundreds of deeds in Washington State over the past twelve years, I can tell you that the statutory warranty deed Washington remains the most commonly used and trusted form of deed for residential and commercial sales. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Washington State statutory warranty deed, why it’s the gold-standard choice for most buyers, and—most importantly—I’m giving you a free, attorney-drafted, 2025-updated downloadable template at the end of this article.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific transaction may have unique circumstances. Always consult a licensed Washington real estate attorney or title company before recording any deed.
A statutory warranty deed Washington (sometimes called “statutory warranty deed Washington State”) is the deed form defined by RCW 64.04.030. It provides the strongest level of title protection available to a buyer under Washington law because the grantor (seller) makes five specific statutory covenants (promises) about the title being transferred.
These five covenants are:
Source: RCW 64.04.030 – Washington State Legislature
| Deed Type | Level of Protection | Typical Use | Statutory Covenants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Warranty Deed | Highest – Full covenants | Arms-length sales with title insurance | 5 covenants (RCW 64.04.030) |
| Special Warranty Deed | Moderate – Only during grantor’s ownership | Commercial, REO, foreclosure | 2 limited covenants |
| Bargain & Sale Deed | Low – No warranties | Tax sales, quitclaims between entities | None |
| Quitclaim Deed | None – “As-is” title | Divorce, gifts, family transfers | None |
In 95% of residential sales in Washington State involving conventional financing, lenders require a statutory warranty deed because it maximizes the buyer’s legal protection.
Use a Washington State warranty deed when:
To be recordable and legally effective in 2025, your deed must contain:
Source: Washington Department of Licensing – Recording Requirements
Below is my current, attorney-drafted template that I personally use and update annually for clients. It complies with 2025 formatting requirements for all 39 Washington counties.
Download the free Word .docx version here: Statutory Warranty Deed Washington State Template (2025)
Or copy/paste the text version below and customize:
STATUTORY WARRANTY DEED
THE GRANTOR(S) [Full Name(s) exactly as on current title],
[ ] a married person dealing with separate property
[ ] husband and wife
[ ] a single person
for and in consideration of TEN DOLLARS AND OTHER GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION
in hand paid, conveys and warrants to
[Full Name(s) of Grantee(s)],
[ ] husband and wife as joint tenants with right of survivorship
[ ] as tenants in common
[ ] a married person as their separate estate
[ ] a single person
the following described real estate, situated in the County of _______________, State of Washington:
[Insert full legal description – copy verbatim from current deed or title report. Do NOT use abbreviated or street address only.]
Tax Parcel Number: ____________________
Abbreviated Legal: (Optional) ____________________
This conveyance is subject to easements, restrictions, and reservations of record.
Dated: _________________, 202__
__________________________________ __________________________________
[Grantor 1 Signature] [Grantor 2 Signature if applicable]
State of Washington )
) ss.
County of ___________ )
On this day personally appeared before me _______________________________, to me known to be the individual(s) described in and who executed the within and foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that _____ signed the same as _____ free and voluntary act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.
GIVEN under my hand and official seal this _____ day of _______________, 202__.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Notary Public in and for the State of Washington
Residing at _______________________________
My commission expires: ____________________
State base rate: 1.28% (1.1% + 0.18% graduated)
Local surtax varies by city/county (Seattle currently highest at additional 0.5%)
Typical first-class recording fee: $103–$205 depending on county and page count
Source: Washington Department of Revenue – Current REET Rates
Can I prepare my own statutory warranty deed in Washington?
Yes. Washington allows non-attorneys to prepare deeds for their own transactions (RCW 19.154.040 exception).
Is a statutory warranty deed the same as a “general warranty deed”?
Yes – Washington simply codified it as the “statutory” form.
Do I still need title insurance if the seller gives a statutory warranty deed?
Absolutely. Title insurance protects against undiscovered defects that existed before the seller owned the property.
In my decade-plus of practice across King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties, I’ve seen the statutory warranty deed Washington used correctly thousands of times—and I’ve also fixed hundreds of DIY deeds that were rejected or created future title problems.
Use the free template above with confidence, but remember: when hundreds of thousands of dollars and your family’s largest asset are involved, the few hundred dollars spent on professional review is the best insurance you can buy.
Download your free 2025 Washington State Statutory Warranty Deed template today and move forward with peace of mind.
Click Here to Download the Free Statutory Warranty Deed Washington Template (Word .docx)
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—I read and respond personally.
Originally published January 2025 | Last updated November 2025