REAL ESTATE LAW

How to Change the Name of the Owner on a House Title

By Editorial Team

November 17, 2018

Reviewed by Ryan Cockerham, CISI Capital Markets and Corporate Finance

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How to Get on a Title Deed

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Many different events can require a name change for the owner of a house, such as marriage or correcting a typographical error. The title changes when you file a corrected deed for the property. The process may vary slightly from one state to the next, but it's not difficult or expensive.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

In order to change the name of the owner on a house title, you must first obtain a blank deed and fill in all of the new information related to your property ownership. You will then need to get the deed notarized.

Choose the Right Deed

You must use a deed to do make changes to the title of a property. The title itself isn't a physical piece of paper you must alter; the deed controls who is named on the title. A title search will show the corrected name when the process is complete, as well as a history of the previous owners of the property, including the name you used right before you changed it. The type of deed you use depends on why you're changing your name. Obtain a copy of the current deed for your property from the county recorder or county clerk’s office – normally you'll use the same type of deed for the name change. Get a blank deed from a stationery store or online. Make sure you get one that’s valid in the state where the property is located.

Fill It Out Legibly

Fill out the new deed with all relevant information or the deed won't be accepted. Here's some of the information you're going to need – you can use the copy of the initial deed as a reference:

The name of the grantor (the “old” name)
The name of the grantee (the “new” name)
Property description, including the address of the property, the tax number and the legal description
Declaration of Documentary Transfer Tax, if applicable
Return address
Mailing address

The deed will also contain a space for the signature of the grantor and the signature and seal of the notary. Don't sign the deed until you're ready to file it.

Pay a Visit to the Clerk's Office

Take the deed to the county clerk’s office in the county where the property is located. A notary is normally available in the clerk’s office but you may want to call ahead to make sure the notary is on duty when you arrive. Present your identification and sign the deed in front of the notary. Give the deed to the county clerk and pay the fee. The deed becomes valid when it's filed and filing completes the process of changing the name.

References

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