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Washington deed packet

Washington Warranty Deed

A Washington warranty deed transfers real estate with the grantor's title warranties. Download the editable Word deed and step-by-step completion and recording checklist.

  • Updated August 2026
  • Attorney-reviewed
  • Recording guidance included
  • Editable Word format
  • PublicLegal since 1995
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Is this the right deed type? A warranty deed includes the grantor's full title warranties — the broadest title protection of the standard deed types.

Included documents

This download includes 2 documents in editable Word format. Complete them on your own computer, then print, sign, and record.

  • Washington Warranty Deed (blank form) Core deed document — the recordable instrument Word (.DOCX)
  • Deed completion and recording checklist Guidance — do not record Word (.DOCX)

Packet is delivered in Word format; no blank PDF of the deed is included.

How your Washington deed gets completed and recorded

A simple three-step workflow; the packet guides you through each one.

1

Prepare

Gather the current deed or title record and the exact legal description of the property before you start.

2

Execute

Complete the blank deed and follow the included state guidance for signing, acknowledgment, and related requirements.

3

Record

Confirm your county recorder's cover sheets, transfer forms, fees, and local practices, then submit the executed deed.

This packet contains a PublicLegal-authored Washington deed, not a county-issued form. Record the completed deed with the County Auditor. County, city, or town cover sheets, transfer or tax forms, fees, and filing procedures may apply. Only the documents listed under Included documents are included.
Washington recording note. Record with the County Auditor of the county where the land lies, or the recorder in a charter county. Washington has 39 counties. Present the current DOR Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit (Form 84-0001a) to the County Treasurer, obtain the stamp, then record. This packet does not include Form 84-0001a or the 84-0013 rate sheet. State REET is graduated and local REET is added; look up the current DOR table. The seller is primarily liable. Do not rely on a flat $1.10 / $1,000 figure. Ordinary acknowledged deeds need no witnesses. Community real property and a spouse’s or domestic partner’s homestead generally require both spouses or state-registered domestic partners to join and acknowledge (RCW 26.16.030(3) / 6.13.060). A Washington warranty deed uses “conveys and warrants” and three RCW 64.04.030 covenants, not six. A Washington quitclaim uses “conveys and quitclaims,” makes no warranty, and does not pass after-acquired title (RCW 64.04.050).

Preview the Washington Warranty Deed

See page 1 of the actual blank form and review a plain-language outline of what appears on page 1. The complete formatted packet is delivered after checkout.

Get Complete Editable Packet — $9.99
Page 1 of the blank Washington Warranty Deed included in the download
Page 1 of the actual blank Washington Warranty Deed included in your download.
This outline is not the form itself. Your download includes the complete editable blank form and separate instructions.

About this Washington form

What Is a Washington Warranty Deed?

A Washington warranty deed uses the words "conveys and warrants" (RCW 64.04.030). Those words import three covenants: (1) that at delivery the grantor was lawfully seized of an indefeasible estate in fee simple and had good right and full power to convey; (2) that the property was then free from all encumbrances except as stated in the deed; and (3) that the grantor warrants quiet and peaceable possession and will defend the title against all persons who may lawfully claim the same. Washington does not import a six-covenant inventory or a separate further-assurances covenant. A title search and title insurance remain the buyer's practical protection.

When to Use a Warranty Deed in Washington

Warranty deeds are the standard instrument for traditional real estate sales. Common uses in Washington include:

  • Standard residential and commercial purchases between unrelated parties.
  • Transactions involving a title insurance company and a mortgage lender, which generally expect a warranty deed.
  • Transfers where the buyer wants the three statutory warranty covenants rather than a no-warranty quitclaim.

Washington Requirements for Warranty Deeds

  • Signing: The grantor must sign. Community real property generally requires both spouses or state-registered domestic partners to join in the execution and acknowledge the deed (RCW 26.16.030(3)). A spouse's or domestic partner's homestead generally cannot be conveyed unless both execute and acknowledge (RCW 6.13.060). Separate property is usually signed by the owning spouse or partner alone unless homestead or title facts require otherwise.
  • Notarization: Each executing signature must be acknowledged before a notary public. Washington does not require deed witnesses.
  • Recording: Present the current DOR Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit (Form 84-0001a) to the County Treasurer, obtain the stamp, then record with the County Auditor of the county where the land lies, or the recorder in a charter county. Washington has 39 counties. This packet does not include Form 84-0001a or the 84-0013 rate sheet.
  • Transfer Tax / Recording Fees: Washington levies a graduated state real estate excise tax (REET). Local REET is added. The seller is primarily liable. Look up the current DOR table. Do not rely on a flat $1.10 / $1,000 figure. Recording fees also apply.
  • Legal Description: A complete legal description is required. A street address or parcel number is not a substitute.

Warranty Deed vs Quitclaim Deed in Washington

A Washington warranty deed uses "conveys and warrants" and imports the three covenants of RCW 64.04.030. A Washington quitclaim uses "conveys and quitclaims," makes no warranty, and does not pass after-acquired title (RCW 64.04.050). Warranty deeds are for standard sales. Quitclaim deeds are usually for transfers between trusted parties who accept the no-warranty risk.

PublicLegal-authored self-help deed form. Provided for customers to complete with their own transaction information and submit to the proper local recording office. Recorder offices and state agencies may require separate supplemental forms, taxes, fees, or cover sheets, and requirements vary by jurisdiction and transaction. Review the product notes and confirm local recording requirements before relying on any completed deed.

100% satisfaction guarantee

ILRG provides self-help deed forms and download support. Attorney-reviewed PublicLegal-authored deed forms are provided for you to complete with your own transaction information. Deed recording requirements, supplemental forms, transfer taxes, title-company practices, and legal suitability vary by jurisdiction and transaction. If you are not 100 percent satisfied after purchasing from us, contact us for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Warranty Deed Forms

A recorded warranty deed is evidence that the grantor conveyed the property to you with the three statutory covenants. It is not a title-insurance policy and does not by itself prove the grantor had good title.

Yes, it is highly recommended. The deed gives you a contract claim against the grantor on the three statutory covenants. Title insurance is separate financial backing and defense; it is not the same as those covenants.

Present Form 84-0001a to the County Treasurer, obtain the stamp, then record with the County Auditor — or the recorder in a charter county — for the county where the land lies. This packet does not include the affidavit.

The seller is primarily liable for state REET (RCW 82.45.080) and local REET (RCW 82.46.050). Parties may allocate the cost by contract, but statutory liability runs with the seller. State REET is graduated and local REET is added. Do not rely on a flat $1.10 / $1,000 figure.

RCW 64.04.030 imports three covenants: seisin and right to convey, freedom from encumbrances except as stated, and quiet enjoyment / defend against lawful claims. It does not import six covenants or a separate further-assurances covenant.

Yes, for community real property both spouses or state-registered domestic partners must join in the execution and acknowledge the deed (RCW 26.16.030(3)). A homestead of a spouse or domestic partner generally also requires both to execute and acknowledge (RCW 6.13.060), even if only one holds title. Property acquired before the marriage or registered partnership, or received as an inheritance or gift by one spouse or partner, is generally separate property and is usually signed by that owner alone unless homestead or title facts require otherwise.

A warranty deed includes the grantor's warranty covenants — generally a promise that the grantor owns the property and will defend the title against claims, subject to any exceptions stated in the deed. It offers the grantee broader title protection than a quitclaim deed.

Warranty deeds are commonly used in arm's-length sales and other transfers where the grantee wants full title warranties from the grantor. Lenders and title insurers generally expect them for ordinary purchases.

The packet includes the blank state-specific deed in editable Word format plus a separate completion instructions and checklist document. A completed sample PDF may be offered as an optional add-on.

Recording offices review formatting, execution requirements such as notarization, and any required supplemental forms or fees, which vary by county. The included instructions cover the general process; confirm your county's current requirements before you record.