Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026

How to Change the Name on a Deed: Steps and Forms

How to change the name on a deed: prepare a new deed or name affidavit, sign and notarize it, record it with the county, and update tax records.

How to change the name on a deed depends on what kind of change you mean. If you want to change who owns the property, such as adding a spouse or moving title to a trust, you need a new deed signed by the current owner and recorded with the county. If you simply changed your own name through marriage, divorce, or a court order, you usually do not need to change the old deed at all; the old deed stays on record, and the change is handled by recording an affidavit or by using both names on your next deed. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.

Changing ownership vs changing a name

See how to add someone to a deed and how to remove someone from a deed.

Steps for a new deed

1. Get a copy of the current deed to copy the exact legal description and owner names.
2. Choose the deed type, such as a quitclaim, warranty, or grant deed. See what is a quitclaim deed.
3. Prepare the deed with the current owner as grantor and the new owner or owners as grantees, including how they will hold title.
4. Sign before a notary, with witnesses if your state requires them.
5. Complete transfer tax forms or exemption statements.
6. Record the deed with the county recorder and pay fees. See how to record a deed.
7. Update the assessor and tax mailing address if needed.

Personal name changes

If you married or changed your name, your ownership did not change. Many people leave the deed alone until they sell or refinance. At that point, the deed out is usually signed with the new name and a reference such as “formerly known as” the old name. Some owners record a name affidavit with a copy of the marriage certificate or court order to make the link clear in the land records ahead of time.

Fixing a misspelled name

A misspelled name on a recorded deed can cause problems with future title searches. Depending on the state, the fix may be a corrective deed signed by the original grantor, a scrivener’s affidavit, or a re-recorded deed with corrections. Title companies can advise which method they accept.

Mortgages and lenders

Changing who owns the property does not change who owes the mortgage. Many mortgages include a due-on-sale clause, though federal law exempts certain transfers, such as to a spouse or a living trust where the borrower stays an occupant. Talk to the lender before transferring.

Taxes and exemptions

A new deed can affect homestead exemptions, property tax reassessment in some states, and transfer taxes. Gifts may need a federal gift tax return if the value exceeds the annual exclusion. Check with the assessor and a tax professional.

Common mistakes

• Using an outdated or incomplete legal description.
• Forgetting a co-owner’s signature.
• Not stating how new co-owners hold title.
• Failing to record the deed.
• Assuming a name change requires a new deed.

Bottom line

To change ownership, prepare a new deed signed by the current owner, notarize it, and record it with the county. A personal name change usually needs only an affidavit or a “formerly known as” reference when you next convey. Check mortgage, tax, and exemption effects before transferring. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.

Keep reading

• How to record a deed
• What is a quitclaim deed
• How to add someone to a deed
• How to remove someone from a deed

• Topics on this page
• changing ownership vs changing a name
• steps for a new deed
• personal name changes
• FAQ

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