How to Change Your Name on a Deed
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
A new name might mean updating your driver’s license, bank accounts, insurance, and a dozen other records, but your home’s paperwork can be easy to overlook. Whether the change comes after a marriage, divorce, adoption, or legal name change, you might not notice the mismatch until you’re getting ready to sell your home and discover that the name on your property records doesn’t match. That’s when knowing how to change name on deed can help you get everything squared away.
In this post, we walk you through the key steps to update the name on your deed so your property records match your current situation.
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What is a house deed?
A house deed is a legal document that proves ownership of a property. It contains important information, including the names of the current owner(s), the legal description of the property, and any conditions or rights that come with the ownership. When a property is sold or transferred, the deed is updated to reflect the new owner’s name and information.
Deed vs. title: While a deed is a physical legal document of ownership, a title is a concept that establishes the owner’s rights, including the right to sell a property. A buyer will “take title” of a home at the time of purchase, but will first need to “clear title,” which means confirming ownership without any encumbrances (claims) on the property.
Why change a name on a deed
A name change can happen for all kinds of reasons, and your property records may need to catch up. Marriage, divorce, adoption, or a legal name change can all be reasons to update the name listed on your deed. Understanding why you might need to make the change can help you handle the paperwork with fewer surprises.
- Marriage or divorce: Getting married or divorced can mean changing your name, so you’ll need to update the deed to match.
- Death of a property owner: When a property owner passes away, the deed may need to be updated to show who now owns the property.
- Inheritance: If you inherit a property, you’ll typically need to update the deed to put the new owner’s name on it.
- Correction of a misspelling: If your name was spelled wrong on the deed, you can have the error corrected so the record is accurate.
- Voluntary name change: Personal decisions to change one’s name for reasons other than marriage or divorce also require deed updates.
How to change your name on a deed
Changing the name on a house deed involves a few steps, and getting each one right helps keep your property records accurate and up to date. Here’s a quick guide to walk you through the process:
1. Update federal and state identification
Before making changes to your deed, ensure your name change is official on your federal and state identifications. This includes updating your name on your Social Security card and driver’s license or state ID.
Start with SSA: It’s recommended you start with your Social Security card because many other legal processes rely on this record to verify your identity. To initiate this change, you will typically be requesting a “replacement” Social Security card. Visit this link on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website, ssa.gov, to get the ball rolling. You can also visit or contact your local SSA office.
2. Review your existing deed
Check your current deed so you know exactly how your name appears on it. Look over the other owners listed, along with any liens or other details tied to the property. This can help you figure out exactly what needs to be changed. If you don’t have a copy, you can usually request one from your local county recorder’s office.
3. Ask your lender about process and policy
If your property is financed, inform your lender in advance about your name change. Lenders may have specific requirements or forms you need to complete. They will guide you on how your name change affects your mortgage and what documents are needed for their records.
4. Choose the right type of deed for your situation
The right deed depends on why the name needs to be changed and what’s happening with the property. For example, changing your name after marriage is different from correcting a typo or transferring a home after an owner dies. Here are some common deed types and the situations where they may apply:
- Quitclaim deed: A quitclaim deed may be used when transferring your interest in a property in situations such as divorce, adding or removing a spouse, or changing ownership between family members.
- Warranty deed: A warranty deed may be appropriate when a property is being transferred as part of a sale or another ownership change where the new owner wants stronger guarantees about the title.
- Correction deed: A correction deed is generally used to fix mistakes in an existing deed, such as a misspelled name.
- Transfer on death deed: A transfer on death deed may be used for estate planning when you want to name someone who will receive the property after you die, where this type of deed is allowed.
- Executor’s deed: An executor’s deed may be used when an executor or personal representative needs to transfer property from a deceased owner’s estate to a beneficiary or another party.
Quitclaim insight: You may have heard that quitclaim deeds cannot be used on a house with a mortgage. However, many counties will accept a quitclaim when you’re simply changing the existing name on a deed. Limitations on quitclaim deeds are related to transferring property with warranties and ownership protections, such as when you are selling a house.
5. Draft the new deed document
Once you know which type of deed fits your situation, you’ll need to prepare a new deed showing your current legal name. The document should identify you by your former name as the grantor and your new legal name as the grantee, making it clear that the property interest is being transferred from your old name to your new one.
A valid deed generally includes the grantor and grantee names, a clear legal description of the property, and language showing the intent to transfer the property interest. It should also state the type of interest being transferred and include any other information required by your state or county.
You’ll typically need to sign the deed, and the signature may need to be notarized and witnessed depending on local requirements. Before filing, double-check that your old and new names, property description, and other details are accurate and match the applicable property records.
6. File the new deed
Once your new deed is prepared and signed, you’ll need to file it with the county office that handles property records. Check your county’s website to find the correct office and confirm whether you can file in person, by mail, or online.
Be prepared to pay recording fees and any applicable taxes or other filing fees when you submit the deed. Recording the deed makes the change part of the public record and helps protect the ownership interest reflected in the new document.
7. Notify your lender and title insurance company
After filing the new deed, inform your lender and title insurance company of the change. Providing them with a copy of the updated deed ensures that all parties involved in the ownership and financing of the home are aware of your new legal name. Ask your lender if a name change notification is required for other mortgage-related services, such as a private mortgage insurance (PMI) carrier.
8. Update homeowners insurance
Contact your homeowners insurance provider to update your policy with your new name. This step ensures that your insurance records are consistent with your property deed and other legal documents.
9. Update tax assessor records
Finally, notify your local tax assessor’s office of your name change. This update will ensure that property tax bills and other official communications are correctly addressed to you under your new name.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on how to change a name on a deed
Do I need an attorney for a name change?
While not always required, consulting with a real estate attorney can provide valuable guidance throughout the name change process on a deed, especially if your situation is complex. An attorney can help ensure all legal requirements are met and documents are filed correctly, minimizing potential issues.
How much does a deed name change cost?
The cost to change a name on a deed can vary widely depending on your location and the complexity of the change. Filing fees for a new deed at the county recorder’s office typically range from $10 to $100 per deed. If you hire an attorney or a title company to assist with the process, their fees would be additional.
How long does a name change take?
The time frame for completing a name change on a deed can vary by state and county. Once you have all the necessary documents, filing with the county recorder’s office can be relatively quick, often within a few weeks to a few months. However, the total time will also include gathering documents, communicating with the lender, and waiting for updated IDs.
Will my name change affect my credit report?
A name change itself does not directly affect your credit score. When you change your name with the Social Security Administration, your state’s DMV, and your creditors, your new name will typically be automatically added to your existing credit bureau reports. This is another reason why it’s important that you promptly notify your financial institutions and creditors about your name change.
What can go wrong with a name change?
Common issues with deed name changes include having misspelled names on the new deed, failing to notify your lender or title insurance company, or not updating related legal documents. Each of these errors can create complications in property ownership records or future transactions. There can also be hiccups caused by government red tape.
Find an Agent to Help You Navigate the Paperwork
Buying and selling real estate is a complex task. A top real estate agent can serve as an invaluable transaction coordinator during steps like the title search and deed transfer.
Selling your home? The right name and the right agent are critical
Changing the name on your deed may be another item on your to-do list, but it’s an important step in keeping your property records accurate. Once the update is complete, you can move forward with your plans for the home knowing your paperwork is in order.
If you’re planning to sell, partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you navigate the process and avoid unnecessary complications. The right agent can also guide you through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and closing.
HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents in your area. Whether you’re looking for expertise in fast sales, top dollar negotiations, or unique property challenges, our free Agent Match platform uses data-driven insights and thousands of reviews to pair you with local agents proven to deliver results.
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