A deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another.
In a typical conveyance, the person or organization transferring the property is the grantor, while the recipient is the grantee. A deed identifies the parties and the property and includes language showing an intent to transfer an interest. Requirements for signing, witnessing, notarization, and recording differ among jurisdictions.
Common forms include general warranty deeds, which provide broad promises about title, and quitclaim deeds, which transfer whatever interest the grantor has without the same warranties. A quitclaim deed can be useful for correcting ownership records or transferring property between related parties, but it does not guarantee clear title.
A deed is not the same as a mortgage or lease. A mortgage secures repayment of a loan, while a lease grants a right to possess or use property for a period. Recording a deed in a public land-records office helps establish notice of the transfer.