What you need to do to change a name on a deed
To change a name on a property deed, you file a document called a deed of correction or quitclaim deed with your county recorder's office. The exact form and process depend on your state and the reason for the change — whether it's a legal name change, a marriage or divorce, or a clerical error on the original deed.
The person whose name appears on the current deed must sign the new document in front of a notary public. You then pay a filing fee (usually $25 to $100, depending on your county) and submit the signed, notarized document to the recorder's office where the original deed was recorded. The recorder will assign a new document number and record it in the property's chain of title.
This process does not transfer ownership to someone else — it corrects or updates the name of the person who already owns the property. If you are trying to add or remove an owner, or transfer the property to a different person, you will need a different type of deed.
Key Takeaways
- A deed of correction or quitclaim deed is the document you file to change a name on an existing deed.
- The person whose name is currently on the deed must sign the new document in front of a notary public.
- You file the signed, notarized document with your county recorder's office along with a filing fee.
- The process varies by state and county, so contact your recorder's office before you prepare the document to confirm the exact form they require.
When you need a deed of correction versus a quitclaim deed
A deed of correction is used when there is a clerical error on the original deed — a misspelled name, a wrong middle initial, or a typo in the legal description of the property. This document states that the error exists and provides the correct information. It does not change ownership; it straightforward fixes the record.
A quitclaim deed is broader and can be used for name changes due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change through the court. With a quitclaim deed, the person signing it transfers whatever interest they have in the property to themselves under the new name. This is a common and straightforward way to update a deed after a legal name change.
Some counties have their own specific forms for name changes. Before you prepare any document, call your county recorder's office and describe your situation. They will tell you which form to use and whether your state has any special requirements for your type of name change.
Steps to file a name change with your county recorder
First, obtain a certified copy of your current deed from the county recorder's office where the property is located. You will need this to reference the legal description of the property and the current owner's name exactly as it appears on record.
Second, prepare the deed of correction or quitclaim deed. You can read a template from your county recorder's website, purchase one from a legal document service, or have an attorney prepare it. The document must include the property's legal description (copied from the current deed), the current owner's name, the corrected name, the date, and a statement of the reason for the change.
Third, have the document notarized. The person whose name is on the current deed must sign it in front of a notary public. Bring a photo ID. The notary will witness the signature and stamp the document with their seal and signature.
Fourth, submit the notarized document to your county recorder's office along with the filing fee. You can usually do this in person, by mail, or through an online portal if your county offers one. Keep a copy of the recorded document for your records — the recorder will return a stamped copy showing the new document number and recording date.
What information must be included in the deed
The deed must state the current owner's name exactly as it appears on the recorded deed, and the corrected or new name. It must include the full legal description of the property — the same description that appears on the original deed, including lot number, block number, subdivision name, or metes and bounds description.
The document must identify the county and state where the property is located. It should state the reason for the change — for example, "to correct a clerical error in the original deed" or "to reflect the grantor's legal name change." Include the date you are signing the document and the signature of the current owner, witnessed and notarized.
Some counties require additional information, such as the book and page number where the original deed was recorded, or the document number if your county uses a different system. Call your recorder's office to ask what fields are required on their form.
Common mistakes that delay recording
The most common mistake is having the wrong person sign the deed. Only the person whose name currently appears on the deed can sign a document to change that name. If the property is owned by two people, both must sign and both must be notarized.
Another frequent error is copying the legal description incorrectly. If even one number or word is wrong, the recorder may reject the document or record it with a note that the description does not match the original deed. Copy the legal description word-for-word from your current deed, including all punctuation.
Submitting an unnotarized document will cause the recorder to reject it. The notary's seal and signature must be present and legible. If the notary stamp is faint or incomplete, ask the notary to stamp it again before you file.
Filing with the wrong county recorder is also possible if the property is in a county different from where you live. Always verify which county the property is in by checking the current deed or contacting the assessor's office.
How long the process takes and what happens next
Recording usually takes one to three weeks, depending on how busy your county recorder's office is. Some counties offer expedited recording for an additional fee. Once the document is recorded, the new deed becomes part of the official property record.
You do not need to notify your mortgage lender, insurance company, or property tax assessor — the name change on the deed does not affect your ownership or your obligations. However, if you have a mortgage, the lender's name should still appear on the deed as a lien holder, and that does not change.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, you may also need to update your name with your county assessor's office for property tax purposes, though this often happens automatically once the deed is recorded. Contact your assessor's office to confirm.
When to hire an attorney for a deed change
You can handle a straightforward name change yourself if you have a clear reason — a legal name change, marriage, or divorce — and your county provides a straightforward form. The process is usually inexpensive and does not require legal informed.
Consider hiring an attorney if the situation is more complex: if multiple owners are involved, if there is a dispute about who owns the property, if the property has a mortgage or other liens, or if you are unsure which type of deed to use. An attorney can also prepare the document for you if you prefer not to do it yourself, which typically costs $200 to $500.
If you are changing the deed as part of a divorce settlement or estate matter, an attorney can may support the change is done correctly and does not create problems later. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help with deed changes if you meet their income requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to change a name on a deed?
No. For a straightforward name change due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you can file the document yourself. Your county recorder's office can tell you which form to use and answer questions about the process. An attorney is helpful if the situation is complex or involves multiple owners or liens.
What if the property has a mortgage?
You can still change the name on the deed. The mortgage lender's lien will remain on the property and will be noted in the new recorded deed. You do not need the lender's permission to correct or update your name, but you should notify them of the change so their records match.
How much does it cost to change a name on a deed?
Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $25 to $100. You may also pay for a notary (usually $5 to $15) and a certified copy of your current deed (usually $10 to $25). If you hire an attorney, expect to pay $200 to $500 for document preparation.
Can I change someone else's name on a deed?
No. Only the person whose name currently appears on the deed can sign a document to change that name. If you are trying to add or remove an owner, or transfer the property to someone else, you need a different type of deed, such as a warranty deed or quitclaim deed that transfers ownership.
What if I lost my original deed?
You can obtain a certified copy from your county recorder's office. Call or visit their website to request a copy. You will need the property address or parcel number. Once you have the copy, you can use it to prepare your name change document.