How to Do a Name Change on an Existing Deed in California

How to Do a Name Change on an Existing Deed in California
Jul 27, 2017
1 minute read

Several occurrences can prompt the need to change the name on an existing title deed. You might get married and want to add your new spouse's name to the deed. You might divorce and want to remove your ex from the title. One family member might wish to add a son, daughter, niece or nephew to the existing deed. The simplest way to change the name on a deed is to execute what is known as a quitclaim deed.

Photograph your property. You can also have a professional photographer do the job. Photos need to be attached to the quitclaim deed.

Get out your property's legal description. It should be a part of your title deed. If your copy has gone missing, the county recorder's office can make you a copy in exchange for an administrative fee.

Get a hardcopy of the quitclaim form. You can print state-specific forms from a number of websites.

Sign the form. The grantor -- the current owner -- is empowered to add or change names on the deed.

Visit a notary public to have him sign and stamp the quitclaim form.

Arrange for the quitclaim deed to be recorded at the office of the county recorder.

Deliver the newly executed deed to the grantee, the person whose name has been added.

Warnings

In California, changing or adding names to a deed means losing legal control over the property. It may also cause your property taxes to go up. Consult an attorney before making any such changes.

D. Laverne O'Neal

D. Laverne O'Neal, an Ivy League graduate, published her first article in 1997. A former theater, dance and music critic for such publications as the "Oakland Tribune" and Gannett Newspapers, she started her Web-writing career during the…

Sponsored
PocketSense Logo

PocketSense is the ultimate guide to managing your money, with expert information on how to decode your taxes, keep track of spending and stay financially responsible.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.