As a business and real estate attorney who has prepared and reviewed hundreds of deeds across the United States for over twelve years, I can tell you that the Kentucky quit claim deed form is one of the most frequently requested documents in my practice. Also searched as quit claim deed Kentucky, Kentucky quit claim deed form, or simply quit claim deed KY, this simple yet powerful instrument allows property owners to transfer their interest in Kentucky real estate quickly—often without warranties of title.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-drafted Kentucky quit claim deed template, explain exactly when and how to use it, walk you through recording requirements in all 120 Kentucky counties, and highlight the most common (and expensive) mistakes I still see people make today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique tax or title implications. Always consult a licensed Kentucky attorney or title professional before executing any deed.
A Kentucky quit claim deed (spelled “quitclaim” as one word in most modern legal usage, though both are accepted) transfers whatever interest the grantor currently has in real property to the grantee—without any warranties that the title is clear or even that the grantor owns the property at all.
In my experience, the most common legitimate uses in Kentucky are:
Because there are no warranties, banks almost never accept quitclaim deeds for financed purchases—this is NOT the form you use when buying a home from an unrelated seller.
Click here to download the free Kentucky Quit Claim Deed Form (Word .docx – updated for 2025)
This template is drafted to comply with Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 382 and has been used successfully by my clients in counties from Jefferson to Pike. It includes the mandatory “Consideration Certificate” language required since the 2019 amendments and the new 2024 formatting preferences many county clerks now expect.
Follow these steps exactly—missing even one can cause rejection at the clerk’s office.
| County | Recording Fee (First Page) | Additional Pages | Marginal Notation Fee (if releasing lien) | Transfer Tax? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson (Louisville) | $46.00 | $3.00 | $18.00 | No state transfer tax |
| Fayette (Lexington) | $46.00 | $3.00 | $18.00 | No |
| Kenton / Campbell | $46.00 | $3.00 | Varies | No |
| Most rural counties | $36–$46 | $3.00 | $12–$18 | No |
Source: Kentucky County Clerks Association 2025 fee schedule & KRS 142.050 (Kentucky has no real estate transfer tax, unlike many states).
Even though Kentucky has no state transfer tax, federal gift tax rules still apply:
See IRS Publication 551 (Basis of Assets) and Publication 559 at IRS.gov for details.
| Feature | Quitclaim Deed | General Warranty Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Warranties of title | None | Full warranties against all claims |
| Typical use | Family transfers, divorce, trusts | Standard real estate sale |
| Title insurance accepted? | Rarely | Always |
| Speed | Fastest | Slower (title search needed) |
Do I need an attorney to file a quitclaim deed in Kentucky?
No, but I strongly recommend at least a consultation—especially if mortgage liens or divorce judgments are involved.
How long does recording take?
Most Kentucky clerks now record same-day or next-day if submitted in person; mail can take 4–8 weeks.
Can I file online?
Only a handful of counties (Jefferson, Fayette, Boone) allow true e-recording for non-attorneys as of 2025.
Does a quitclaim deed remove a mortgage?
Absolutely not. The loan remains attached to the property regardless of title changes.
In my twelve-plus years of practice, a properly executed Kentucky quit claim deed form remains the fastest, cheapest way to move real estate between family members or into estate-planning entities. Download the free 2025 template above, follow the instructions exactly, and you’ll save hundreds (or thousands) compared to what many law firms charge for the same document.
Again, this is not legal advice specific to your situation. When in doubt, spend the $200–$400 for a quick consultation—it’s far cheaper than fixing a clouded title years later.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—I read and respond to every one.
Originally published January 2025; last updated November 18, 2025.