North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Overview
How to File a Quitclaim Deed in North Carolina
A quitclaim deed in North Carolina allows an owner of a property to transfer their interest in the property to another party, without any guarantees as to the validity of any title claims. The grantor does not guarantee that they own the property clear and free; they simply transfer whatever interest they own. This means the property giver (grantor) does not promise that the title is free from liens, claims, debts, or other encumbrances; they are simply transferring whatever interest they have and that may not be a good thing.
Common Uses of Quitclaim Deeds
- Transferring property between family members (e.g., grandparent to grandchild)
- Adding or removing a spouse from the title during marriage or divorce
- Transferring property into a trust or business entity such as an LLC
- Correcting errors in a previous deed (e.g., misspelled names or incorrect legal descriptions)
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Quitclaim Deed in North Carolina
1. Obtain a Blank Quitclaim Deed Form
Real estate attorneys can draft a quitclaim deed specific to your needs, and there are North Carolina quitclaim deed forms available through legal form publishers.
2. Complete the North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Form
Ensure the deed includes:
- Full Legal name and address of grantor
- Full legal name and address of grantee
- Property legal description (as stated on the current deed)
- County Tax Office’s Parcel Identification Number (PIN)
- Amount of consideration (as it may be $10 plus other valuable consideration)
- Name and address of the preparer of the deed concerning prepare statement
3. Notarize the Deed
In North Carolina, for a deed to be legally valid, the grantor is required to sign the deed in front of a notary public.
4. Calculate and Prepare to Pay the NC Excise Tax
North Carolina charges an excise tax on the transfer of real estate at an amount of $1.00 per $500 of the property’s value or consideration, whichever is greater. As an illustration, a $200,000 property would attract a $400 excise tax. This tax is usually paid when the deed is recorded.
5. Record the Deed with the County Register of Deeds
The completed and notarized deed will need to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for the relevant North Carolina county where the property is located. We will need to pay the recording fee, which is typically $26 for documents with 15 pages or less; for every page over that, we will need to pay an additional $4. If the documents are non-standard or there are multiple instruments, there may be additional fees.
Important Considerations
- No Title Warranty: Quitclaim deeds do not offer any warranties regarding the title. The grantee takes on the risk of any liens, encumbrances, or other title defects.
- Use in Divorce or Separation: If a property transfer occurs between spouses due to divorce, the excise tax may be waived. This is something you may want to discuss with the Register of Deeds or an attorney for verification
- Legal Advice: Because there are no warranties, an attorney’s opinion may be particularly valuable when considering a quitclaim deed, especially if there is uncertainty about the title history.
Watch How To File A Quitclaim Deed In North Carolina
Understanding North Carolina Property Law
It’s important to review North Carolina’s General Statutes, particularly Chapter 47, which governs property transfers. You can also consult your county’s Register of Deeds website for local requirements and procedures. Where Can You Find More Information?
- North Carolina State Bar
- North Carolina Real Estate Commission
- Your local Register of Deeds website
Online Tools and Deed Preparation Services
Online services and templates for North Carolina quitclaim deeds are available, but they do not replace legal advice. Make sure any form you use meets North Carolina’s specific requirements.
Need Help Selling Your Home in North Carolina?
If you’re thinking of selling a property in North Carolina—whether in Greenville, Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, or anywhere else—Turner Home Team is here to help. We specialize in helping homeowners sell quickly and hassle-free.
For personalized assistance, contact us today at (252) 525-4780 or visit our website. We’re ready to help you through every step of the process.
Conclusion
In North Carolina, filing a quitclaim deed is a simple, yet risky, undertaking because the deed lacks a title warranty. Because the deed is a straightforward document, it is important to seek the guidance of an attorney to better understand what is at stake, particularly with the transfer of the property.
For questions or assistance concerning the preparation of the deed, please consult an attorney or visit the Register of Deeds for your county. If possible, consult with a local attorney before proceeding as it is a lengthy process.

