Updated July 12, 2022
A Utah deed is a document that gives two (2) parties, a seller (grantor) and a buyer (grantee), the right to exchange ownership of property for consideration, or a purchase price. The form must be completed with the Grantor authorizing in front of a Notary Public. From there the Grantee would make the filing with the County Recorder’s Office (always be sure to check the fee in your county). After it has been filed the ownership of the property immediately transfers to the Grantee.
Laws – Title 57 (Real Estate), Chapter 1 – Conveyances
Recording – All deeds are filed with the County Recorder’s Office where the real estate is located (find office).
Signing (U.C.A. 1953 § 57-3-101) – All deeds are to be signed with the Grantor(s) in the presence of a notary public.
Water Rights Addenda (U.C.A. 1953 § 57-3-109) – Any deed signed after July 1, 2011 is required to have the Water Rights Addenda attached to the deed whether or not the land contains rights to water.
Deed Types
General Warranty – The best type of deed to transfer ownership of property. The title that is given to the New Owner is guaranteed from any claims by previous owners of the property.
Quit Claim – Does not offer a guarantee to the title of the property. The form declares that the Seller releases all interest that they have in the property, and only their interest (be sure they own the property). It does not protect against any other parties that may have interest in the land.
Special Warranty – Offers a conditional guarantee to the title of the property. The limited warranty is usually defined in the form.
Utah Property Search
In order to properly complete a deed the property’s Legal Description must be entered into the document. This can be found by finding the Deed at the County Assessor or Recorder’s Office.
Step 1 – Go to This Webpage.
Step 2 – Select the link next to Assessor or Recorder as long as it reads “Go to Data Online“.
- For this example, we will use Salt Lake County, there is only data provided by the Assessor as seen below.
Step 3 – On your selected County you will usually have the option to search by Owner’s Name, Property Address, or some other variable.
- For Salt Lake County you can perform a lookup by Owner, Address, or Property ID.
Step 4 – You may be able to see your results, and click on the property card in order to get the Legal Description as seen below.
