Deed Recording Requirements in Washington
Washington deeds must be in writing, signed, and acknowledged before an authorized officer, and a state real estate excise tax applies to sales of real property.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Washington at a glance
- Notary acknowledgment
- Required to record
- Witnesses
- None
- Transfer tax
- State tax applies
- Exemptions may apply
The rules in Washington
Does a deed need to be notarized in Washington?
Washington requires a deed to be acknowledged (or, where the statute allows, proved) before it can be recorded.
How many witnesses does a deed need in Washington?
None. Washington does not require witnesses to sign a deed.
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Washington?
Yes. Washington charges a state transfer tax or similar fee when a deed is recorded. Some transfers may be exempt, so check the current statute.
Where do the Washington rules for deeds come from?
They come from RCW 64.04.020 Requisites of a deed and RCW 82.45.060 Tax on sale of property. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Washington compares
Washington is one of 35 jurisdictions that charge a state transfer tax or deed fee.
What this means in practice
Record the signed deed with the county recorder, register of deeds or land records office where the property is located. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and generally protects the new owner against later claims.
Recording offices often have formatting rules (margins, paper size, a return address, a parcel number) and charge a fee. Check the county's requirements before you sign.
A deed does not pay off a mortgage. If the property is mortgaged, the loan usually stays in place after the transfer.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.