Transferring Ownership of Real Property

The two most common documents used to transfer ownership are the Grant Deed and the Quitclaim Deed. For guidance, visit the “Adding or Changing Names on Property (Completing and Recording Deeds) - Sacramento County Public Law Library”, an excellent resource for preparing a new deed for recording. The library offers information and blank fillable forms, and hardcopy deed forms may also be available at office supply stores.

Requirements

Although we cannot give legal advice, we can provide you with the requirements to make your document acceptable for recording. When a document transferring ownership of real property is presented for recording, we will look for the following information:

• Name(s) of the Grantor(s). Also known as the Seller(s), old owners.
• Name(s) of the Grantee(s). Also known as the Buyer(s), new owners.
• Description/identification of real property located in Sacramento County, such as lot and tract or street address.
• Assessor's Parcel Number.
• Documentary transfer tax declaration.
• "When recorded mail to" address.
• Mailing address for future tax statements.
• City where property located or unincorporated specified.
• Signature(s) of grantor(s).
• Signature(s) of grantor(s) acknowledged by a notary public.

In addition, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (Form BOE-502-A) must accompany the document. If the form is not presented at the time of recording, an additional recording fee of $20.00 will be assessed.