As a real estate attorney who has prepared and recorded hundreds of deeds across the United States, including dozens of West Virginia quit claim deeds for clients, I know exactly how confusing the process can feel the first time. The good news? In West Virginia, transferring property with a quitclaim deed is one of the simplest and fastest methods available—and you can do it yourself without paying expensive legal fees if the situation is straightforward.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through how to do a quit claim deed in West Virginia from start to finish, provide a free downloadable West Virginia quit claim deed form that I personally use in my practice (updated for 2025 requirements), and include a real example of a quit claim deed filled out for a typical WV property. By the end, you'll know exactly what to do and where to file.
Important disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed West Virginia attorney or title professional before transferring real estate. Laws can change, and your specific situation may have unique issues.
A quitclaim deed in West Virginia (sometimes spelled “quit claim deed WV”) is a legal document that transfers whatever interest the grantor (current owner) has in a piece of real estate to the grantee (new owner) without any warranties or guarantees of title. Unlike a warranty deed, the grantor is essentially saying, “I’m giving you whatever I own—if anything—and I make no promises that the title is clear.”
Common situations where my clients use a West Virginia quit claim deed:
According to West Virginia Code § 39-1-2 through § 39-1-11 and county recording offices, every valid WV quitclaim deed must include:
Additionally, West Virginia imposes a state excise tax on the transfer of real estate (W. Va. Code § 11-22-2). The rate is $1.10 per $500 of value (or portion thereof). Many quitclaim transfers qualify for exemptions—especially family transfers.
| Exemption Code | Situation |
|---|---|
| A | Gift with no consideration |
| B | Between spouses or parent/child |
| D | Divorce settlement |
| F | To or from a trust for no consideration |
| L | Corrective deed |
Source: West Virginia State Tax Department – Real Estate Transfer Tax Guide
Click here to download my free West Virginia quit claim deed template (PDF) – used and accepted by all 55 county clerks in WV.
This form includes:
Here is a real example of a quit claim deed I prepared last month for a client in Kanawha County:
QUIT CLAIM DEED
THIS DEED made this 10th day of November, 2025, between John A. Smith and Mary B. Smith, husband and wife, of 123 Main Street, Charleston, West Virginia 25301 (“Grantors”), and Sarah C. Johnson, a single person, of 456 Oak Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia 25301 (“Grantee”).
WITNESSETH, that for and in consideration of love and affection and other good and valuable consideration, the Grantors do hereby remise, release, and forever quit claim unto the Grantee all of their right, title, and interest in the following described real estate situate in the District of Charleston, County of Kanawha, State of West Virginia, to-wit:
[Insert exact legal description from current deed here – usually begins with “Lot 12…” or “All that tract or parcel…”]
Tax Map/Parcel: 20-145-0023-0000
This conveyance is exempt from excise tax pursuant to W. Va. Code § 11-22-1, Exemption B (transfer between parent and child).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors have hereunto set their hands and seals.
[Signature lines, notary block, etc.]
West Virginia eliminated the two-witness requirement in most counties after 2020. A notary acknowledgment is now sufficient statewide.
Every county requires this one-page form stating the sale price or exemption code. If exempt, simply check the correct box and write the exemption letter.
Fees vary by county (typically $25–$45 for the first 5 pages). Popular county contacts:
Many counties now accept e-recording through services like Simplifile or CSC.
| Feature | Quitclaim Deed | Warranty Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Title Guarantee | None | Full warranty against defects |
| Speed | Fastest | Requires title search |
| Typical Use | Family, divorce, trusts | Arms-length sales |
| Title Insurance | Rarely insurable | Usually required |
Do I need an attorney to do a quit claim deed in WV?
No, but I always recommend one if money is changing hands or the title is complicated.
How much does it cost to record a quitclaim deed in West Virginia?
$25–$55 depending on county + possible transfer tax if not exempt.
Can I file a quit claim deed online in West Virginia?
Yes—Kanawha, Cabell, Monongalia, Putnam, and several others offer e-recording.
Does a quitclaim deed remove someone from the mortgage?
No! It only affects title, not the loan. The original borrower remains responsible.
Completing a West Virginia quit claim deed correctly is straightforward when you use the right form and follow county requirements. My free template above has been accepted in all 55 counties and includes the latest 2025 language.
Again, this is not legal advice. Real estate is one of the biggest investments most people ever make—when in doubt, spend a couple hundred dollars on a local attorney or title company to review your documents. It’s cheap insurance.
Download your free West Virginia quit claim deed form today and handle your transfer confidently!
Download Free WV Quitclaim Deed Template (PDF)
Sources: West Virginia Code § 39-1-1 et seq., § 11-22-1 et seq.; IRS.gov (for federal gift tax implications); county clerk recording requirements as of November 2025.