What you need to do to change a name on a house deed
Changing a name on a house deed requires filing a document called a deed of correction or quitclaim deed with your county recorder's office. The exact process and document name vary by state — some use "correction deed," others use "affidavit of correction" — but the core steps are the same: prepare the document, have it notarized, record it with the county, and pay a filing fee.
You do not need a lawyer to change your own name on your deed, though you can hire one if you prefer. Many county recorder offices provide blank deed forms on their websites, and some offer step-by-step instructions for your specific county. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you file, though the actual work is usually done in a few hours.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your county recorder's office first to get the correct deed form for your state and county, since the document name and format vary.
- You will need your current deed, a notary public to witness your signature, and the filing fee (usually $25 to $75, depending on your county).
- The deed must be recorded with your county recorder's office, not filed with the state — recording creates the official record that title companies and lenders will see.
- If the name change was due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring proof of that event (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you record the deed.
Reasons you might need to change a name on a deed
The most common reason is a legal name change — marriage, divorce, or a court order. If you got married and took your spouse's last name, or divorced and returned to a former name, the deed should reflect that. A second common reason is a straightforward error: the name was misspelled when the deed was first recorded, or a middle initial was left off.
You may also need to change a name if you inherited the property and the deed still shows the previous owner's name, or if you are adding a spouse's name to an existing deed after marriage. In all these cases, the process is the same — you file a correction or quitclaim deed with the county.
How to get the right form for your county
Start by calling or visiting your county recorder's office. This is a local government office, usually in the county courthouse or a separate records building. Search online for "[your county name] recorder" or "[your county name] assessor" to find the phone number and website.
Tell them you need to change a name on a deed and ask which form to use. Some counties provide fillable PDF forms on their websites; others mail them to you or let you pick them up in person. A few counties use a standard quitclaim deed form, while others have a specific "correction deed" or "affidavit of correction" form. Getting the right form for your county matters — recording offices will reject forms that do not match their local requirements.
While you have them on the phone, ask about the current filing fee and whether they require the deed to be notarized before recording. Most do, but a few counties have different rules.
Gathering the information and documents you will need
Pull out your current deed — the one recorded when you bought the house or inherited it. You will need the legal description of the property from that deed, which is a formal description of the land (not just the street address). It usually appears in a paragraph starting with "Being all that certain parcel of land" or similar language. Copy this description word-for-word onto your new deed.
You will also need your current name and the new name you want on the deed. If the change is due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the supporting document: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the judge. The recorder's office will want to see these to confirm the name change is legal.
Have your property's parcel number ready — this is on your tax bill or your current deed. Some counties require it on the correction deed; others do not, but it speeds up the recording process.
Filling out the deed form correctly
The deed form will have spaces for the grantor (the person transferring the property — in this case, you) and the grantee (the person receiving it — also you, with the new name). Fill in your old name as the grantor and your new name as the grantee. Some forms ask for the reason for the correction; if yours does, write "name change" or "correction of name."
Copy the legal description from your old deed exactly as it appears, character for character. Do not try to simplify or reword it. Include the parcel number if the form has a space for it. Sign the form in front of a notary public — do not sign it before you meet the notary, as they need to witness your signature.
If you are unsure about any field, call the recorder's office again or ask the notary. Notaries often help people fill out deeds and can spot common mistakes.
Getting the deed notarized and recording it
Find a notary public — they are available at most banks, title companies, law offices, and some UPS stores and pharmacies. Bring your filled-out deed form and a photo ID. The notary will watch you sign the deed, sign it themselves, and stamp it with their seal. This usually costs $5 to $15.
Once notarized, take the original deed to your county recorder's office in person or mail it with a check for the filing fee. The fee varies by county but is typically $25 to $75. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the property address so the recorder can contact you if there are questions. Keep a copy for your records.
The recorder will stamp the deed with a recording number and date, then return it to you or mail it back. This recorded copy is your proof that the name change is official. It usually takes one to three weeks for the recording to appear in the county's online records system.
What to do after the deed is recorded
Once the deed is recorded, notify your mortgage lender, homeowners insurance company, and property tax assessor that your name has changed on the deed. Send them a copy of the recorded deed. Your lender will want to update their records to match the deed, and your insurance company needs to know the correct name on the property.
If you are selling the house in the future, the title company will search the county records and find both the old deed and the new one. They will understand that the names refer to the same person and will not hold up the sale. However, having the correction recorded now prevents confusion and makes the title cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to change my name on a deed?
No. You can file the correction yourself by getting the form from your county recorder, having it notarized, and recording it. A lawyer can do this for you if you prefer, but it is not required and will cost $300 to $800 in legal fees.
What if I lost my original deed?
Contact your county recorder's office and ask for a certified copy of the recorded deed. You can usually get one for $10 to $25. Use that copy to fill out your correction deed. If you have a mortgage, your lender may also have a copy in their files.
Can I change my name on the deed if I still owe money on the mortgage?
Yes. Changing your name on the deed does not affect the mortgage — the lender's interest in the property remains the same. You do not need the lender's permission, but you should notify them after the deed is recorded so they can update their records.
How long does it take for the name change to show up in county records?
The recorder's office will record the deed when ready or within a few days, but it may take one to three weeks for the change to appear in the county's online searchable records. You can call the recorder's office to confirm the recording number and date once it is filed.
What if the recorder's office rejects my deed?
They will tell you why — usually a missing signature, incorrect legal description, or the wrong form for your county. Make the correction and resubmit. You may need to pay the filing fee again, depending on your county's policy.