The central difference among these deed forms is the level of title warranty stated by the grantor. This comparison explains the forms; it does not determine which deed a particular transfer requires.
Quit Claim Deed
No title warranties
Transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor has, if any, without promising that the grantor owns the property or that title is free from claims.
Special Warranty Deed
Limited title warranty
Generally addresses title problems caused or allowed by the grantor during the grantor's ownership, subject to the deed language and applicable law.
General Warranty Deed
Broad title warranties
Generally provides broad assurances of title and a promise to defend against lawful claims, subject to stated exceptions and applicable law.
| Comparison | Quit Claim DeedDigital $9.99 · Printed $11.99 | Special Warranty DeedDigital $9.99 · Printed $11.99 | General Warranty DeedDigital $9.99 · Printed $11.99 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title warranty stated in the form | No title warranties | Limited warranty generally tied to the grantor's ownership period | Broad warranties extending beyond the grantor's ownership period, subject to exceptions and law |
| What interest is conveyed | Whatever interest the grantor has, if any | The grantor's stated interest with the deed's limited warranty | The grantor's stated interest with the deed's broad warranties |
| Situations in which the form is commonly considered | Family or spouse transfers, transfers into or out of a trust, and other transfers where no title warranties are intended | Transactions in which the grantor intends to warrant title only against matters arising during the grantor's ownership | Transactions in which the grantor intends to provide broad title assurances |
| Legal description space | Included | Included | Included |
| Multiple-grantee ownership options | Included | Included | Included |
| Warranty-exception space | Not applicable to a no-warranty conveyance | Included | Included |
| Alternative signature pages | Three included | Three included | Three included |
| State-specific information | Available after product registration | Available after product registration | Available after product registration |
Quit Claim Deed
View Product- Warranty
- No title warranties
- Transfer
- Whatever interest the grantor has, if any
- Commonly considered for
- Family or spouse transfers, trust transfers, and other no-warranty conveyances
- Package
- Deed form, instructions, three alternative signature pages, and registered access to state information
Special Warranty Deed
View Product- Warranty
- Limited warranty generally tied to the grantor's ownership period
- Transfer
- The grantor's stated interest with limited warranties
- Commonly considered for
- Transactions where the grantor intends to limit title warranties to matters arising during ownership
- Package
- Deed form, instructions, three alternative signature pages, and registered access to state information
General Warranty Deed
View Product- Warranty
- Broad title warranties, subject to stated exceptions and law
- Transfer
- The grantor's stated interest with broad warranties
- Commonly considered for
- Transactions where the grantor intends to provide broad title assurances
- Package
- Deed form, instructions, three alternative signature pages, and registered access to state information
Do not choose a deed based only on the relationship between the parties. The warranty language affects the grantor's obligations and the grantee's protection. Existing mortgages, liens, marital or homestead rights, taxes, title insurance, lender requirements, and state law can affect the transaction.
Information to gather before preparing any deed
Current vesting deed
Confirm exactly how the current owner is named.
Confirm exactly how the current owner is named.
Complete legal description
Do not rely only on a street address or tax parcel number.
Do not rely only on a street address or tax parcel number.
Grantor and grantee details
Use complete legal names and review marital-status requirements.
Use complete legal names and review marital-status requirements.
Recording requirements
Register the product and review the state-specific signing, formatting, and recording information.
Register the product and review the state-specific signing, formatting, and recording information.
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