What It Takes to Record a Quitclaim Deed in Idaho
Idaho's requirements are shorter than many states', but a county recorder can still turn a deed away over any one of them. Here's what has to be right before you file.
Notarized Acknowledgment
Idaho law requires a deed to be acknowledged before a notary public before the county recorder can accept it for recording (Idaho Code § 55-805). The deed itself is legally valid between the grantor and grantee as soon as it's signed and delivered — the notarized acknowledgment is specifically what makes it eligible to be placed on the public record, which is the step that protects a new owner against someone else later claiming an interest in the same property. Idaho recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned in other states or countries, under the rules of wherever the acknowledgment was taken (Idaho Code § 51-111), and has allowed remote online notarization (RON) since the state adopted the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, effective January 1, 2020 (Idaho Code § 51-114A). See our notary page for details.
Grantee's Full Mailing Address
The deed must state the complete mailing address of the person or entity receiving the property, not just their name. This is a small detail that's easy to overlook and a common reason a deed gets sent back for correction.
Legal Description
A street address is not enough — Idaho deeds must include the property's full legal description (the metes-and-bounds, government survey, or platted-lot description used in the county's own records). See our guide to finding your legal description if you don't already have it on hand.
Paper Size and Format
Idaho accepts documents printed on either legal-size (8.5 x 14 inch) or letter-size (8.5 x 11 inch) paper. Beyond that, some counties layer on their own formatting preferences, so it's worth checking your county recorder's page before you file.
No Transfer Tax, No Companion Form
Idaho imposes no state or local real estate transfer tax on a deed transfer, and — unlike some states — doesn't require a separate transfer-declaration form to be filed alongside the deed.
Recording Fee
Idaho's recording fee is set by state statute and charged per document, based on the document type and page count rather than the property's value (Idaho Code § 31-3205). Your county recorder can give you the current fee schedule.
E-Recording
E-recording is available statewide in Idaho through Simplifile, with CSC also available in some counties. Availability and vendor can vary, so check your county's page or call ahead.
Constructive Notice and the Recorder's Discretion
Once recorded, a deed gives constructive notice of the transfer (Idaho Code §§ 55-811, 55-812, 55-815) — which is the whole point of recording in the first place. County recorders also have discretion to refuse a document that doesn't meet the applicable requirements (Idaho Code § 31-2402), so getting the details right the first time saves a trip.
Recording Office
Every Idaho deed is recorded with the elected County Clerk, who serves as ex officio Recorder — some counties brand the office simply "County Recorder," others "Clerk, Auditor and Recorder," but the function is the same countywide. Find your county's exact office name, address, and hours here.
FAQs About Quitclaim Deed Recording in Idaho
What paper size does Idaho require for a quitclaim deed?
Idaho accepts documents printed on either legal-size (8.5 x 14 inch) or letter-size (8.5 x 11 inch) paper. Some counties layer on their own additional formatting preferences beyond that statewide standard, so it's worth checking with the county recorder where you're filing.
Does Idaho charge a real estate transfer tax or require a companion form?
No. Idaho imposes no state or local real estate transfer tax on a deed transfer, and doesn't require a separate transfer-declaration form to be filed alongside the deed — unlike some other states.
Is notarization required to record a quitclaim deed in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho Code § 55-805 requires a deed to be acknowledged before a notary public before the county recorder can accept it for recording.
How is Idaho's recording fee calculated?
Idaho's recording fee is set by state statute (Idaho Code § 31-3205) and charged per document, based on the document type and page count rather than the property's value. Your county recorder can provide the current fee schedule.
Can a quitclaim deed be e-recorded in Idaho?
Yes. E-recording is available statewide in Idaho through Simplifile, with CSC also available in some counties. Which vendor a given county uses can vary, so check that county's page or call ahead.
What happens if my deed doesn't meet Idaho's requirements?
A county recorder has discretion to refuse a document that doesn't meet the applicable requirements (Idaho Code § 31-2402). Rejections are usually explained so the deed can be corrected and resubmitted.