TXState guide

Texas quitclaim deed

A Texas quitclaim deed transfers the grantor's interest in a property without a warranty of title. County clerks record these deeds every day for family transfers, divorce cleanups and trust transfers. The form is short, but the signing and recording details are where most rejected deeds go wrong.

This page covers the Texas rules that apply to a quitclaim deed, with the statute cited. The builder fills the same rules into the document and prints the notary block the county clerk expects.

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

Texas: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. A notarized deed needs no witness; two witnesses are the alternative if the deed is not notarized.

Texas: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. A notarized deed needs no witness; two witnesses are the alternative if the deed is not notarized. Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007 (opens the official source in a new tab).

Signing rule in Texas

Texas does not require witness signatures on a deed. The grantor's signature must be acknowledged before a notary, and the acknowledgment certificate is what the county clerk checks before recording.

Citation: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007 (opens the official source in a new tab).

One grantor signature is enough when a single person owns the property.
A notary must watch the grantor sign or take the acknowledgment on the same day.
The acknowledgment certificate should name the county and state where it was taken.
A deed signed outside Texas can be acknowledged under the law of the place where it was signed, but the Texas form is the safe choice.

The homestead point

If the property is the grantor's homestead, Texas law generally requires the spouse to join in the conveyance, even when the spouse's name is not on the deed. A quitclaim deed that transfers a homestead without the spouse's signature can be set aside.

The Texas Constitution protects the homestead in article XVI, section 50. If the property has been the family home, check the marital status and the homestead status before recording. A title company or real estate attorney can confirm it quickly.

A quitclaim deed does not release a mortgage. The lender's lien remains on the property and the loan still has to be paid.

Recording in the county

Record the signed and notarized deed with the county clerk in the county where the property sits. The clerk's office assigns a document number and returns a stamped copy. Texas has no state real estate transfer tax, but the county may charge a recording fee and ask for a property transfer form.

Some counties require the deed to include the grantee's mailing address for tax notices. The builder includes both addresses, the legal description and the parcel number so the clerk has what it needs.

Bring or mail the original signed deed, not a photocopy of the signature page.
Ask the clerk whether a cover sheet or transfer form is required in that county.
Keep the stamped copy with your closing file and give a copy to the grantee.
Send the appraisal district a copy so the ownership record follows the deed.

When a Texas quitclaim deed is the wrong tool

A buyer with a mortgage usually needs a warranty deed and title insurance. A title company may refuse to insure a quitclaim transfer or may add an exception. If the goal is to sell to a stranger for value, ask the title company which deed it will accept before you sign.

A quitclaim deed also cannot clear a lien, settle an estate or remove a borrower from a loan. Those problems need a release, a probate order or a refinance, not a different signature on the same page.

Filled sample, Texas

Quitclaim deed

STATE OF TEXAS

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 Texas, 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, Texas. 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 Texas 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: Texas: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. A notarized deed needs no witness; two witnesses are the alternative if the deed is not notarized.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007.

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

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State where the document will be used

This changes the signing block and the rule citations.

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 Texas

Notary requiredRules cited

Texas: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. A notarized deed needs no witness; two witnesses are the alternative if the deed is not notarized.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007 (opens the official source in a new tab). Read the Texas guide

Quitclaim deed

STATE OF TEXAS

1. Conveyance

2. Property

The property is located at 1408 Bluebonnet Lane, Austin, TX 78704, in Travis County, State of Texas, 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 Texas 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: Texas: A notary acknowledgment is required. No witnesses are required. A notarized deed needs no witness; two witnesses are the alternative if the deed is not notarized.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 12.001; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.007.

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Questions about the Texas form

Does a Texas quitclaim deed need two witnesses?

No. Texas requires the grantor's acknowledgment before a notary, not witness signatures. The builder adds the notary block and leaves witness lines off Texas deeds.

Can I record a Texas quitclaim deed myself?

Yes. You can take it to the county clerk or mail it with the fee. Call the clerk first to confirm the current fee and whether a cover sheet is required.

Does my spouse have to sign a Texas quitclaim deed?

If the property is your homestead, the spouse generally must join in the conveyance even if the spouse is not on the title. Confirm the homestead status before recording.

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.