Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Ohio
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Ohio, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public, a judge or clerk of an Ohio court of record, a county auditor or engineer, or a mayor. Witnesses are not required. Ohio Rev. Code 5301.01; 319.202
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public, a judge or clerk of an Ohio court of record, a county auditor or engineer, or a mayor. Witnesses are not required. Before recording, the grantee files a statement of the value of the property conveyed with the county auditor on the form prescribed by the tax commissioner; the deed is then recorded with the county recorder. The conveyance fee rate is set by statute and county resolution and varies by county. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 5301.01; 319.202 |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes. An owner of real property may sign a transfer on death designation affidavit naming one or more beneficiaries; a married owner's spouse also signs. The affidavit must be sworn before a person authorized to administer oaths and must be recorded with the county recorder where the property is located before the owner's death. It does not need delivery to, or consideration from, the beneficiaries. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 5302.22 |
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Ohio?
A deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public, a judge or clerk of an Ohio court of record, a county auditor or engineer, or a mayor. Witnesses are not required. Before recording, the grantee files a statement of the value of the property conveyed with the county auditor on the form prescribed by the tax commissioner; the deed is then recorded with the county recorder.
Does Ohio allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Yes. An owner of real property may sign a transfer on death designation affidavit naming one or more beneficiaries; a married owner's spouse also signs. The affidavit must be sworn before a person authorized to administer oaths and must be recorded with the county recorder where the property is located before the owner's death. It does not need delivery to, or consideration from, the beneficiaries.
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.