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 prepare a quitclaim deed to suit your needs, and North Carolina quitclaim deed forms can be obtained from legal form publishers.
2. Fill out the North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Form
The deed must include:
- Grantor’s full legal name and address
- Grantee’s full legal name and address
- Property legal description (as per current deed)
- Parcel Identification Number (PIN) Tax Office County
- Amount of consideration (e.g., $10 plus other valuable considerations)
- Make a statement of the name and address of the preparer of the deed relating to
3. Notarize the Deed
In order to be a valid deed in North Carolina, the grantor must sign the deed in front of a notary public.
4. Calculate and Prepare to Pay the NC Excise Tax
North Carolina imposes an excise tax on the transfer of real property at the rate of $1.00 per $500 of the value of the property or consideration, whichever is greater. For example, a $200,000 property would have an excise tax of $400. This tax is usually paid on registration of the deed.
5. Record the Deed with the County Register of Deeds
The original deed, executed and notarized, shall be filed with the Register of Deeds for the appropriate North Carolina County where the property is located. We will have to pay the recording fee. That is typically $26 for documents that are 15 pages or less. We will pay an additional $4 for each page over that. If the documents are non-standard or there are multiple instruments, additional fees may apply.
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.
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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.

