NYState guide

New York quitclaim deed

New York records deeds at the county clerk's office, and the state's acknowledgment form is specific. A quitclaim deed that looks fine to the parties can still be rejected if the notary certificate, the transfer tax return or the cover sheet is wrong.

This page explains the signing rule, the recording packet, and the transfer taxes that apply outside and inside New York City.

Written by Nora Whitfield, editorial lead. State rules checked by Samuel Okafor, rules editor, on October 20, 2026.

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Signing rule at a glance

Notary requiredNo witnessesRules cited

New York: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required.

New York: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291 (opens the official source in a new tab).

Acknowledgment rule

New York Real Property Law 291 governs recording, and Real Property Law 309-a supplies the form of the certificate of acknowledgment. No witnesses are required for a deed. The grantor signs before a notary, and the notary completes the New York certificate.

Citation: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291 (opens the official source in a new tab).

If the grantor signs outside New York, the acknowledgment can be taken under the law of the place where it is signed, but the county clerk may require a specific form. Ask the clerk before mailing an out-of-state acknowledgment.

Use the New York form of acknowledgment when signing in New York.
The notary must include the county and state where the acknowledgment was taken.
The deed should name the county where the property is located.
A legal description from the current deed or title report is required for the recording.

Recording packet

Most county clerks require the deed, a cover sheet, and a transfer tax return or exemption form. New York State charges a real estate transfer tax under Tax Law 1402, and New York City charges a separate transfer tax under the city administrative code. The rates and thresholds depend on the price and the property type.

The county clerk can provide the current cover sheet and the transfer tax forms. Some counties also require a TP-584 form for the state tax and an equalization form for the local tax. A title company usually prepares the packet for a sale; for a family transfer, you may be preparing it yourself.

Deed signed and notarized with the New York certificate
County cover sheet
State and local transfer tax returns or an exemption
Recording fee and transfer tax payment

New York City and local rules

New York City properties have additional forms and a separate transfer tax. The city's Department of Finance publishes the current rates and the forms for a deed transfer. Co-op transfers are different: a co-op apartment is transferred by assigning shares and a proprietary lease, not by recording a deed.

If the property is a condominium, the deed transfers the unit and its common interest. The condo board may have a right of first refusal or a transfer fee. Read the bylaws before signing.

A quitclaim deed does not remove a mortgage or a borrower from a loan. The lender must approve any change to the loan.

After recording

The county clerk returns the recorded deed or a copy with the recording stamp. Keep it with the title documents. If the property is in New York City, check that the Department of Finance has updated the ownership record for property tax notices.

Tell the insurer and, for a condo or co-op, the managing agent. A change in ownership can affect the building's records, the insurance and the monthly charges.

Filled sample, New York

Quitclaim deed

STATE OF NEW YORK

This quitclaim deed is made on October 16, 2026, between Maria L. Alvarez, of 1408 Bluebonnet Lane, Austin, TX 78704 (the grantor), and Diego R. Alvarez, of 77 Sunset Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666 (the grantee).

1. Conveyance

The grantor, for the consideration stated below, transfers to the grantee all of the grantor's right, title and interest in the property described in this deed. This is a quitclaim conveyance. The grantor does not covenant or warrant the title, and the grantee takes whatever interest the grantor holds.

2. Property

The property is located at 1408 Bluebonnet Lane, Austin, TX 78704, in Travis County, State of New York, and is described as follows:

Lot 12, Block C, Bluebonnet Heights, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, according to the plat recorded in Volume 88, Page 42, Plat Records of Travis County, Texas.

Parcel or tax identification number: 0102030405.

3. Consideration

This transfer is a gift. The consideration stated above is nominal, and the parties intend this deed to record a gift of the grantor's interest.

4. Encumbrances

The property is transferred subject to the following liens, easements, taxes and other encumbrances, which remain attached to the property: Deed of trust recorded in Volume 2210, Page 118, Travis County records. Utility easement along the rear lot line.. The grantor does not release the grantee from any obligation secured by a lien on the property.

5. Grantor's statements

The grantor states that the grantor has the right to transfer the interest described here, that no other person has an interest in the property that the grantor is withholding, and that the grantor is not acting under duress. The grantor makes no other promise about the title.

6. Recording

The parties intend this deed to be recorded in the office of the county recorder or clerk for Travis County, New York. The grantee is responsible for recording and for paying the recording fee and any transfer tax that applies. The grantor will sign the documents the recorder requires to complete the transfer.

7. Governing law

The laws of the State of New York govern this deed. If any part of this deed is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

Grantor

Signature

Printed name: Maria L. Alvarez

Date

Notary public signature

My commission expires

Signing requirements: New York: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291.

Example answers. The builder replaces them and uses the New York signature block shown above.

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Step 1 of 3

Who is transferring

The grantor is the person giving up the interest. The grantee is the person receiving it. Copy names from the current deed and photo ID.

Grantor's full name

The current owner, exactly as on the deed.

Grantor's address

Grantee's full name

Grantee's address

Signing in New York

Notary requiredRules cited

New York: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291 (opens the official source in a new tab). Read the New York guide

Quitclaim deed

STATE OF NEW YORK

1. Conveyance

2. Property

The property is located at 1408 Bluebonnet Lane, Austin, TX 78704, in Travis County, State of New York, and is described as follows:

Lot 12, Block C, Bluebonnet Heights, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, according to the plat recorded in Volume 88, Page 42, Plat Records of Travis County, Texas.

Parcel or tax identification number: 0102030405.

3. Consideration

This transfer is a gift. The consideration stated above is nominal, and the parties intend this deed to record a gift of the grantor's interest.

4. Encumbrances

5. Grantor's statements

6. Recording

7. Governing law

The laws of the State of New York govern this deed. If any part of this deed is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

Grantor

Signature

Printed name: Maria L. Alvarez

Date

Notary public signature

My commission expires

Signing requirements: New York: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 291.

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Questions about the New York form

Does a New York quitclaim deed need witnesses?

No. New York requires a notarized certificate of acknowledgment. Witness signatures are not part of the deed form.

How much is the New York transfer tax?

The state rate is generally 0.4 percent of the price for residential conveyances over $500, with additional tiers for higher-value properties. New York City has its own tax on top. The county clerk or the city Department of Finance has the current schedule.

Can I use a quitclaim deed for a co-op apartment?

No. A co-op is not real property owned by deed. The transfer is an assignment of shares and the proprietary lease, and the co-op board usually has to approve the buyer.

Not a law firm, not legal advice

PaperDeed is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help templates and general information about signing rules. If you are unsure whether a document fits your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

Every rule above names its statute or state form, and links to the official text where the state publishes it online. This state guide was updated on October 20, 2026.