How do I file a quitclaim deed in Washington?

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1. Quitclaim vs Warranty Deed   Washington quitclaim (RCW 64.04.050) conveys "all the then existing legal and equitable rights of the grantor" with no warranties. A statutory warranty deed (RCW 64.04.030) carries the five statutory covenants; a bargain-and-sale deed warrants only the grantor's acts (RCW 64.04.040).    2. Common Uses   Divorce, interspousal transfers, gifts to family (community property considerations), trust funding, removing an ex-spouse, transfer-on-death deed is recognized (RCW 64.80) as an alternative.    3. Execution Formalities   RCW 64.04.010 — every conveyance of real estate shall be by deed; § 64.04.020 — deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary. No witnesses required.    4. Required Contents   Grantor and grantee names, abbreviated legal description on first page (RCW 65.04.045 — full description elsewhere), tax parcel number, consideration, words of conveyance ("does hereby convey and quitclaim"), and the prepared-by block. Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit required.    5. Recording   County Auditor where the land sits (RCW 65.08); recording fees roughly $204 first page + $1 per additional page (post-2018 surcharge increases).    6. Transfer Tax   Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) — graduated under RCW 82.45.060: 1.1% up to $525K, 1.28% $525K-$1.525M, 2.75% $1.525M-$3.025M, 3.0% above $3.025M (state portion), plus 0.5% local. Gifts without consideration (and without assumed debt) are exempt — file the REET affidavit claiming WAC 458-61A-201.    7. Title Insurance Limits   WA title insurers generally decline to insure on chains with recent quitclaims without further review.    8. Pitfalls   Quitclaim doesn't release mortgage liability; due-on-sale risk; Garn-St. Germain (12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3) shields qualifying family transfers. Community property: a married grantor should usually have the spouse join, even on separate-property claim.    9. Special Local Rules   WA is a community property state; a quitclaim from one spouse may not divest community interest unless both spouses sign.  This is legal information, not legal advice.