Missouri Quitclaim Deed Overview
In Missouri, quitclaim deeds are a recognized legal instrument for transferring whatever property interest the grantor holds to the grantee without any warranty of title. Missouri law allows quitclaim deeds to be used for a variety of purposes, including transfers between family members, property divisions during divorce, transfers to living trusts and LLCs, and correcting title defects. The deed must be properly executed, notarized, and recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice of the transfer.
Missouri does not impose a state-level transfer tax on real property conveyances, which makes quitclaim deed transfers more affordable than in many other states. The primary cost is the recording fee of $24 first page + $3/additional. This lack of transfer tax makes Missouri particularly favorable for property transfers between family members, to trusts, and to LLCs where the beneficial ownership does not change. However, federal gift tax rules still apply to transfers made without fair market value consideration.
$24
Recording fee
None
Transfer tax
Required
Notarization
0
Witnesses required
Missouri Recording Requirements
Missouri has specific requirements for recording quitclaim deeds. Meeting these requirements ensures your deed is accepted by the county recorder and provides proper legal notice of the property transfer.
Missouri Specific Note
Missouri does not impose a state-level transfer tax or documentary stamp tax on real property conveyances. However, some municipalities, including the City of St. Louis, impose local transfer taxes. Missouri requires deeds to include the mailing address of the grantee. A Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration is required in jurisdictions that impose local transfer taxes.
Document Requirements
- Notarization: The grantor's signature must be notarized by a Missouri notary public or a notary authorized in the state where the deed is signed
- Witnesses: Missouri requires 0 witness(es) for quitclaim deed recording
- Legal Description: Must include the complete legal description of the property as it appears on the current deed of record or county assessor records
- Parcel Number: The assessor's parcel number (APN) or tax ID number must be included on the deed
- Return Address: A mailing address for returning the recorded deed must appear on the first page
- Formatting: Missouri requires standard document formatting with adequate margins for recording stamps, black ink, and minimum 10-point font
How to File a Quitclaim Deed in Missouri
Filing a quitclaim deed in Missouri involves preparing the document, getting it notarized, and recording it with the appropriate county office. Follow these steps for a smooth process.
Prepare the Quitclaim Deed
Complete all required fields including grantor and grantee names, the property's complete legal description, parcel number, and consideration amount. Ensure the deed meets Missouri's formatting requirements
Get the Deed Notarized
The grantor must sign before a notary public with a valid government-issued photo ID. Missouri does not require additional witnesses beyond the notary
File With the County recorder
Take the notarized deed to the county recorder in the county where the property is located. Some Missouri counties accept e-recording for faster processing
Pay Recording Fees and Transfer Taxes
Pay the recording fee ($24 first page + $3/additional) and any applicable transfer tax (None (state level)). Bring payment in a form accepted by the county recorder
Notify Relevant Parties
Inform your mortgage lender, title insurance company, homeowners insurance provider, and the county tax assessor of the ownership change
Missouri Tax Implications
Missouri does not impose a state-level transfer tax or documentary stamp tax on real property conveyances, which reduces the cost of quitclaim deed transfers.
Regardless of Missouri's transfer tax rules, federal gift tax implications apply when property is transferred without fair market value consideration. If the value of the gifted property exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 per recipient in 2024), the grantor must file IRS Form 709. The grantee receives the grantor's cost basis rather than a stepped-up basis, which can result in significant capital gains tax when the property is eventually sold.
Property tax reassessment rules vary across Missouri. Some counties reassess property values upon a change of ownership, while others follow a regular assessment cycle. Contact your local county assessor to understand how the transfer will affect your property tax assessment and whether any homestead or other exemptions need to be re-applied for by the new owner.
Missouri Quitclaim Deed Fees & Costs
Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with filing a quitclaim deed in Missouri. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Recording Fee | $24 first page + $3/additional |
| Transfer Tax / Documentary Stamps | None (state level) |
| Notarization | $5 - $25 per signature |
| Certified Copy | $1 - $5 per page |
| Attorney Review (optional) | $150 - $500 |
Sample Missouri Quitclaim Deed
Below is a preview of our Missouri-specific quitclaim deed. Your customized document will include all fields and declarations required for recording in any Missouri county.
QUITCLAIM DEED
STATE OF MISSOURI
Property Transfer Without Warranty
GRANTOR:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Missouri Address]
County: [County]
GRANTEE:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Mailing Address]
Vesting: [Tenancy Type]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
County: [County] State: Missouri
Legal Description: [Per Recorded Plat]
Parcel No.: [APN]
Consideration: $[Amount]
Missouri Quitclaim Deed FAQ
Answers to common questions about filing a quitclaim deed in Missouri, including recording requirements, fees, and tax implications.
Official Missouri Resources
Use these official state resources to verify recording requirements, find your county recorder office, and access government forms for your Missouri property transfer.
Missouri Recorder of Deeds Directory
Official recording office and deed requirements
Missouri DOR - Property Tax
Transfer tax rates, exemptions, and property tax information
IRS Gift Tax Information
Federal gift tax rules for property transfers
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
Title insurance standards and find a title company
Related Missouri Documents
Depending on your property transfer situation, you may need additional documents alongside your Missouri quitclaim deed.
Create your Missouri Quitclaim Deed in under 5 minutes.
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