Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
Grantor vs Grantee: Who Is Who on a Deed
Grantor vs grantee: the grantor transfers property and the grantee receives it. How to spot each on a deed and search records by grantor and grantee.
Grantor vs grantee is the most basic distinction on a deed. The grantor is the party transferring the property, usually the seller or the current owner. The grantee is the party receiving it, usually the buyer or new owner. Both are named in the deed, typically near the beginning, and county recorders index documents under both names. Knowing which is which is essential for reading deeds and searching land records. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Quick comparison
| Term | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Grantor | Gives or transfers | Seller, donor, estate executor |
| Grantee | Receives | Buyer, recipient, heir |
The same terms apply to other documents. On a mortgage, the borrower may be the grantor or mortgagor and the lender the grantee or mortgagee. On an easement, the landowner granting the easement is the grantor.
Where to find them on a deed
Deeds typically start with language like “This deed is made by John Smith, grantor, to Mary Jones, grantee.” The granting clause states that the grantor conveys to the grantee. See how to read a property deed.
Searching by grantor and grantee
County recorders maintain indexes by grantor name and by grantee name. To trace ownership backward, search the grantee index for the current owner’s name to find their acquisition deed, then find who granted it. To find later transfers, search the grantor index. See how to use a grantor-grantee index.
Chain of title
Each grantee becomes the next grantor when the property is sold, forming a chain of title. Gaps, name changes, and misspellings break the chain. See what is chain of title.
Multiple grantors or grantees
Married couples, co-owners, and trusts may appear as multiple grantors or grantees. The deed should state how grantees take title, such as joint tenants or tenants in common. See what is vesting on a title.
Grantor requirements
The grantor generally must sign the deed and have it notarized. In some states, a spouse must also sign even if not on title, to release marital rights.
Grantee requirements
The grantee usually does not sign the deed, though some states require the grantee’s address or tax mailing information.
Common mix-ups
People often confuse the terms because “grant” sounds like receiving. A simple way to remember: the grant-or gives, like a donor; the grant-ee receives, like an employee receiving pay. Another source of confusion is that the same person appears as grantee on the deed when they buy and as grantor when they sell or mortgage. In index searches, using the wrong index sends you in the wrong direction in time.
Name variations
When searching indexes, try variations: middle initials, maiden names, abbreviations, business suffixes like LLC or Inc., and trustee names. Trusts may be indexed under the trustee’s name, the trust name, or both. Estates may be indexed under the deceased owner and the personal representative. A transfer that seems missing is often indexed under a slightly different name.
Bottom line
The grantor transfers property and the grantee receives it. Recorders index deeds under both names, which lets you trace ownership forward and backward. On mortgages and easements, the same terms describe the party granting and receiving rights. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
Grantor vs grantee FAQ
Is the grantor the buyer or seller?
The grantor is the seller or party transferring the property.
Is the grantee the new owner?
Yes, the grantee receives the property.
Does the grantee sign the deed?
Usually not; the grantor signs.
How do I search by grantor or grantee?
Use the county recorder’s grantor-grantee index.
Who is the grantor on a mortgage?
Often the borrower, who grants a lien to the lender.