Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Maryland
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Maryland, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed must name the grantor and grantee, describe the property with reasonable certainty, state the interest granted, and be executed and acknowledged (notarized). Md. Code, Real Property §§ 4-101, 3-104
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must name the grantor and grantee, describe the property with reasonable certainty, state the interest granted, and be executed and acknowledged (notarized). It is recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court (land records) in the county where the property is located, accompanied by a completed intake sheet, with the county tax collector's certificate that current property taxes have been paid. Each signer's name must be typed or printed under the signature. State and county transfer and recordation taxes generally apply when a deed is recorded; rates and exemptions vary by county. Recording rules: § 3-104 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp§ion=3-104&enactments=false). |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes, under the new Maryland Transfer-on-Death Deed Act, which takes effect October 1, 2026. An owner may transfer real property to one or more beneficiaries effective at death. The deed must meet the normal deed requirements (signed and acknowledged), must state that the transfer occurs at the transferor's death, and must be recorded in the land records of the county where the property is located before the owner dies. No notice to, delivery to, acceptance by or payment from the beneficiary is needed. The owner needs the same mental capacity as for a will, and the deed can be revoked by a later recorded deed or recorded revocation. New law: applies to transferors who die on or after October 1, 2026. Before then, Maryland had no transfer-on-death deed statute. |
Free Maryland quitclaim deed template — fill in and print
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Maryland?
A deed must name the grantor and grantee, describe the property with reasonable certainty, state the interest granted, and be executed and acknowledged (notarized). It is recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court (land records) in the county where the property is located, accompanied by a completed intake sheet, with the county tax collector's certificate that current property taxes have been paid. Each signer's name must be typed or printed under the signature.
Does Maryland allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Yes, under the new Maryland Transfer-on-Death Deed Act, which takes effect October 1, 2026. An owner may transfer real property to one or more beneficiaries effective at death. The deed must meet the normal deed requirements (signed and acknowledged), must state that the transfer occurs at the transferor's death, and must be recorded in the land records of the county where the property is located before the owner dies. No notice to, delivery to, acceptance by or payment from the beneficiary is needed. The owner needs the same mental capacity as for a will, and the deed can be revoked by a later recorded deed or recorded revocation.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.