A Homeowner's Guide to Property Deed Changes in New York

Transferring property ownership in New York is a process that demands careful attention to detail. Whether you're adding a spouse to a title, transferring real estate into a family trust, or executing a quitclaim deed, every step must be completed correctly before the deed can be recorded with the county.

Step 1: Document Preparation — Ensure Proper Form Selection with Legal Counsel

Work with an attorney or title professional to ensure your deed is properly drafted with correct legal descriptions and party names. New York recognises several deed types, including the Quitclaim Deed and the Bargain and Sale Deed. Choosing the wrong form — or using an incorrect legal description — can delay or invalidate the transfer entirely.

Disclaimer: Notary & Fast POA and its mobile notaries are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, draft legal instruments, or advise on legal rights. For guidance on selecting the appropriate deed type, please consult a qualified attorney.

Step 2: Execution in Front of a Notary — Strict Identity Verification Required

All grantors (the sellers or transferors) must sign the deed in the physical presence of a licensed Notary Public. This is a strict legal requirement in New York — remote or unwitnessed signatures are not valid for deed execution.

At the time of signing, every signer must present valid government-issued photo identification. Our mobile notaries travel to your location — home, office, hospital, or any convenient site — so you never have to disrupt your schedule.

Step 3: Completing Supporting Tax and Recording Forms

New York State and county clerks require specific accompanying forms to be signed and executed alongside the deed:

These forms must be completed accurately. Errors or omissions will result in the county clerk rejecting the submission.

Step 4: County Recording Submission — Finalising the Official Land Record

Once the deed package is fully notarised and all supporting forms are complete, it is submitted to the appropriate County Clerk's office. In New York City, residential deed transfers are recorded through the NYC ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System). In Nassau and Suffolk Counties, submissions go directly to the respective County Clerk.

Recording officially updates the public land record and establishes the new owner's legal title.

Common Property Deed Scenarios We Handle

Why Notarisation Matters for Deed Transfers

A deed that is not properly notarised will be rejected by the county clerk and cannot be recorded. The notary's role is to verify the identity of every signer, confirm that signatures are given voluntarily, and affix the official seal that makes the document legally valid for recording.

Notary & Fast POA provides mobile notary services throughout New York City and the surrounding counties, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Westchester. We are available seven days a week, including evenings.

Call or text 888-884-1778 to schedule a mobile notary for your deed signing.