Washington Quitclaim Deed

Why People File a Quitclaim Deed in Jefferson County

Just Got Married

Newly married and updating who's on the title? That's exactly what a quitclaim deed is built for — a quick way to add your spouse's name to the property you already own.

Going Through a Divorce

Untangling ownership after a divorce usually comes down to one deed — this one — once you and your ex have settled who keeps the property.

Inherited Property

Inheriting a house doesn't automatically update the title — a quitclaim deed is usually how that final step gets handled.

Gifting to Family

Gifting a home to your kids or another family member? A quitclaim deed is how that gets recorded — no sale required.

About the Jefferson County Auditor's Office

Jefferson County spans from Port Townsend's Victorian seaport at the top of the Olympic Peninsula down to the Pacific coastline and the Hoh Rainforest. The Jefferson County Auditor's Office handles every recorded deed countywide — a properly formatted filing under Washington's rules is the difference between one trip to the office and two.

Cities and Communities Served

Recording jurisdiction runs countywide, not by city limits — if the property sits anywhere within Jefferson County, this is the office that will accept the deed. That includes:

Incorporated cities and towns: Port Townsend (county seat, only incorporated city).

Unincorporated communities: Port Ludlow.

The Hoh Indian Reservation (Pacific coast) lies within Jefferson County, and a small corner of the Quinault Reservation also extends into the county — both are governed by their respective tribal nations.

Office Details

Address: 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Phone: (360) 385-9116

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Recording Fee: Set by state statute, not by Jefferson County individually — a flat amount per page rather than a percentage of the property's value, stacking the base recording fee with several state surcharges (RCW 36.18.010, RCW 36.22.250, RCW 36.22.185). This total has changed more than once in recent years, so confirm the current amount with the Jefferson County Auditor's Office before filing.

Document Search: Online records search

Good to know before you go: Paying by card in person carries an added convenience fee; cash and checks are also accepted.

Official Website Get Directions

How to File a Document

  1. Prepare Your Document: Make sure your deed meets Washington's formatting and content requirements before you file — RCW 65.04.045 sets specific margin, first-page, and legal-description rules.
  2. Get It Notarized: Have the document signed before a Washington notary public or other authorized official. No notary nearby in Port Townsend? Washington allows remote online notarization through a commissioned electronic-records notary — you can notarize your Jefferson County deed online instead.
  3. Complete a Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit: Washington law requires a completed Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit (REETA) to accompany every deed submitted for recording — even a $0-consideration gift between family members still needs the affidavit filed with an exemption code.
  4. Record It: You can file in person at the Jefferson County Auditor's Office, or by mail.
  5. Pay the Recording Fee: A flat amount per page rather than a percentage of the property's value, set by state law — check with the county for the current figure.
  6. Keep Your Receipt: Your recorded document (or a certified copy) is your proof of filing.

Still Have Questions About Filing With the Jefferson County Auditor's Office?

Ask below and get an instant answer on Washington quitclaim deeds.

Filing? Get a Deed the Jefferson County Auditor's Office Will Accept

FREE generic forms are the most common reason Washington deeds get rejected — usually over formatting, the legal description, or notary acknowledgment.

Two ways to avoid that:

Download the form yourself $14.95 Have it prepared for you $39.95

Both are built to meet Washington's recording requirements, tailored to what the Jefferson County Auditor's Office asks for.

Disclosure: affiliate links to Standard Legal, our partner — no extra cost to you.

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