What you need to do to update your name on the deed

After marriage, your name on the house title does not change automatically. You must file a document with your county recorder or clerk — usually called an affidavit of name change, a quitclaim deed, or a name change certificate — to make the change official. The exact document and process depend on your state and whether you changed your name legally through the court or straightforward by using your new name.

The fastest route is to contact your county recorder's office directly and ask what form they require for a name change on an existing deed. They will tell you the specific document, the filing fee (typically $20 to $100), and whether you need a notary. Some counties let you file by mail; others require you to appear in person.

If you changed your name through a court order during the divorce or marriage process, bring that court document with you. If you changed your name by common law (straightforward using your new name without a court order), you may need to provide a marriage certificate, driver's license, or other proof of the name change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county recorder's office is the only place that can tell you which document to file and what fee applies in your state.
  • A quitclaim deed is the most common way to update your name on an existing title and does not affect your ownership rights.
  • You will need proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, and a notarized signature in most states.
  • Filing takes one to four weeks after submission, and you should request a certified copy of the updated deed for your records.

Quitclaim deed vs. affidavit of name change

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers your interest in the property to yourself under your new name. It sounds odd, but it is the standard way to update a title without refinancing or selling. You sign it, have it notarized, and file it with the county. The quitclaim does not change who owns the property or what you owe on a mortgage — it only updates the name on the public record.

An affidavit of name change is simpler and cheaper in some states. You swear under oath that you are the same person who owned the property under your old name, provide proof of the name change, and file it. Not all counties accept affidavits; some require a quitclaim deed instead. Call your county recorder to find out which one they use.

Both documents accomplish the same goal and cost roughly the same. The difference is what your county's system accepts. A quitclaim deed is more widely recognized if you later sell the house or refinance, because it creates a clear chain of title.

Step-by-step process for filing

Step 1: Contact your county recorder. Call or visit the recorder's office website and ask what document you need to file a name change on a deed. Ask for the form, the filing fee, and whether you need a notary. Write down the mailing address if you plan to file by mail.

Step 2: Gather proof of your name change. You will need your marriage certificate (or a certified copy), your current driver's license or ID, and the original deed or a certified copy. If you changed your name by court order, bring that order as well.

Step 3: Complete the form. Fill out the quitclaim deed or affidavit exactly as your county provides it. Use your old name and new name in the spaces marked. Do not cross out or use white-out; if you make a mistake, start over.

Step 4: Get the document notarized. Take the completed form to a notary public (banks, UPS stores, and some libraries offer this service for $5 to $15). The notary will watch you sign and stamp the document. Bring your ID.

Step 5: File with the county recorder. Mail the notarized document to your county recorder with the filing fee and a cover letter listing what you are submitting. Keep a copy for yourself. Processing takes one to four weeks.

Step 6: Request a certified copy of the updated deed. Once filed, ask the recorder's office to send you a certified copy showing your new name. This proves the change is official and you will need it if you sell or refinance later.

What happens if you have a mortgage

Changing your name on the deed does not automatically change it on your mortgage note. Your lender has a separate record of who borrowed the money. You should notify your mortgage servicer of your name change so their records match the deed, but this is not required to keep the loan in good standing.

Contact your servicer (the company you send payments to) and ask how to update your name on the loan. They may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or the updated deed. Some servicers update it without paperwork; others require a form. This process is separate from updating the deed and usually takes two to four weeks.

If you are refinancing after your marriage, the lender will require the deed to show your current legal name. That is when updating the title becomes urgent.

Costs and timeline

Filing fees for a name change on a deed range from $20 to $100 depending on your county. Notary fees are usually $5 to $15. If you hire a real estate attorney to prepare the documents, expect to pay $200 to $500, though this is not necessary in most cases — the county recorder can tell you exactly what to file.

The entire process takes two to six weeks from the time you mail the document. The county recorder's office processes filings in the order received, and backlogs vary by location. Call ahead to ask how long their current wait is.

If you need the updated deed urgently (for a sale or refinance), ask the recorder's office if you can file in person and pay for expedited processing. Some counties offer same-day or next-day service for an extra fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your mortgage lender will update your name automatically. They will not. You must contact them separately, and even then, some servicers are slow to process the change.

Do not file a quitclaim deed without a notary. It will be rejected. Every county requires a notarized signature for a deed to be valid.

Do not use the old deed as your only proof of ownership. Bring your marriage certificate, driver's license, and any court order related to your name change. The recorder's office will tell you what they need before you file.

Do not skip requesting a certified copy of the updated deed. You will need it to prove the change was recorded if you sell the house, refinance, or dispute ownership later.

If you own the house with a spouse

If both spouses own the house and both changed their names, you may need to file one quitclaim deed listing both old names and both new names. Some counties allow this on a single document; others require separate filings. Ask your county recorder whether you can combine both name changes or must file twice.

If only one spouse changed their name, only that person needs to file. The other spouse's name stays the same on the deed.

If you are adding a spouse's name to the deed for the first time (because they did not own it before marriage), that is a different process and requires a new deed showing both owners. Contact your county recorder for the form and process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my name on the deed if I changed my legal name?

No, you are not required to. Your ownership is valid regardless of what name appears on the deed. However, updating it prevents confusion if you sell, refinance, or pass the house to heirs. It also makes it easier to prove you own the property if a dispute arises.

Can I change my name on the deed without going to the county recorder in person?

Yes. Most counties accept quitclaim deeds and affidavits by mail. You will need a notary to sign the document, but you can find one near you and mail the notarized form to the recorder. Call your county recorder to confirm they accept mail-in filings and ask for the mailing address.

What if I lost my original deed?

You do not need the original. Ask your county recorder for a certified copy of the current deed (usually $10 to $25). Use that copy to complete your name change form. The recorder's office has the official record.

Will changing my name on the deed affect my mortgage or property taxes?

No. A name change on the deed does not change what you owe or how much you pay in taxes. Your mortgage servicer and tax assessor have separate records. You should notify both of the name change so their files match, but it does not affect your obligations.

How long does it take to update my name on the deed after I file?

Most counties process filings in one to four weeks. Some offer expedited service for an extra fee. Call your county recorder's office to ask their current processing time before you file.