As a business and real estate attorney who has prepared and reviewed hundreds of quit claim deeds across Pennsylvania for over a decade, I’ve helped countless individuals transfer property interests quickly and affordably—especially in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and throughout the state. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about a quit claim deed in PA, including current Pennsylvania quit claim deed requirements, how to properly complete and record the form, and a free downloadable Pennsylvania quit claim deed template I personally use in my practice.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a completely free, attorney-drafted quit claim deed form for Pennsylvania that meets all 2025 recording standards.
A quit claim deed in PA is a legal document that transfers whatever interest the grantor (seller) has in a property to the grantee (buyer) without any warranties of title. Unlike a warranty deed, the grantor makes no promise that they actually own the property free and clear—only that they are transferring whatever interest they currently hold.
In my experience, the most common situations where clients use a Pennsylvania quit claim deed include:
In Philadelphia and surrounding counties (Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester), quit claim deeds are especially popular for divorce settlements and estate planning because they are fast and inexpensive compared to warranty deeds.
Pennsylvania law imposes specific formatting and content rules for all deeds, including quit claim deeds. Failure to meet these Pennsylvania quit claim deed requirements will result in the recorder of deeds rejecting your document.
Here are the current mandatory requirements (as of November 2025):
| Requirement | Details | Statutory Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Written Document | Must be in writing and signed by grantor | 21 P.S. § 351 |
| Notarization | Grantor’s signature must be notarized | 57 Pa.C.S. § 301 et seq. |
| Legal Description | Full metes and bounds or lot/block reference (street address alone is NOT sufficient) | Recorder standards |
| Prepared By Statement | Name and address of person who drafted the deed | 21 P.S. § 441 |
| Recording Fee Statement | “This document is recorded for the purpose of complying with the recording requirements” or similar | Local county rules |
| Realty Transfer Tax | Statement of Value form or exemption reason (most family transfers are exempt) | 72 P.S. § 8102-C |
| Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) | Required in Philadelphia and many 2nd-class counties | Act 24 of 2018 |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and individual county recorder offices (last confirmed November 2025).
If you’re filing a quit claim deed form Philadelphia residents need to know that the City of Philadelphia Department of Records has some of the strictest rules in the state:
Pro tip from my practice: Even if no money changes hands (e.g., parent to child), Philadelphia still requires the Statement of Value showing fair market value and claiming exemption 9 (family transfer).
Here’s exactly how I complete quit claim deeds for clients using my free Pennsylvania quit claim deed form:
Click below to download my completely free, up-to-date Pennsylvania quit claim deed template in both PDF and Word formats. This is the exact form I use for clients in Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and across the Commonwealth.
Download Free Pennsylvania Quit Claim Deed Form (PDF)
Download Free PA Quit Claim Deed Template (Word .docx)
This template includes:
After signing and notarizing, you must record the deed at the county Recorder of Deeds where the property is located. Current average fees (2025):
Many counties now accept e-recording, which I highly recommend—your deed can be recorded the same day instead of waiting weeks by mail.
In my 10+ years of practice, these are the top reasons Pennsylvania quit claim deeds get rejected:
| Feature | Quit Claim Deed | Warranty Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Title Guarantee | None | Full guarantee of clear title |
| Typical Use | Family transfers, divorce, trusts | Traditional real estate sales |
| Cost | Usually $0 transfer tax | 1–2% transfer tax |
| Recording Speed | Same day possible | Same day possible |
Do I need an attorney to do a quit claim deed in Pennsylvania?
No, but I strongly recommend at least having one review it—especially in Philadelphia where mistakes are expensive to fix.
Is a quit claim deed reversible in PA?
Generally no. Once recorded, it’s permanent unless fraud or duress is proven in court.
Does a quit claim deed remove someone from the mortgage?
No. It only affects title, not the loan. The person remains responsible for the mortgage unless the lender agrees to release them.
Using a properly prepared quit claim deed in PA is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to transfer real estate interests in the Commonwealth. Whether you’re in Philadelphia adding a spouse to title, transferring investment property to your LLC in Allegheny County, or gifting a home to children anywhere in Pennsylvania, my free template above meets all current Pennsylvania quit claim deed requirements.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free Pennsylvania quit claim deed form are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and your specific situation may have unique requirements. Always consult a licensed Pennsylvania real estate attorney before recording any deed.
Have questions about your specific quit claim deed form Philadelphia or elsewhere in PA? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help fellow Pennsylvanians protect their property rights.