Whether you’re newlyweds, planning for the future, or just want your husband to share ownership of your home, adding him to your deed is a great step. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make it happen right here in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Check Your Current Deed
Start by confirming how your property is titled. Pull a copy of your deed from the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds Office located in Harrisburg, or access it online via the county’s public land records system. Is it just in your name? Are there liens or other owners? Knowing this upfront keeps the process smooth.
Step 2: Use the Right Deed Form
In Pennsylvania, usually the easiest way to add someone to your deed is with what is commonly called a Warranty Deed (or a Quitclaim Deed depending on your specific scenario). It is perfect for spousal transfers—quick, simple, and doesn’t mess with your mortgage.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Hold Title Together
You and your husband have a few options for joint ownership in Pennsylvania:
- Tenants by the Entirety: The standard go-to for married couples in PA. If one spouse passes away, the other gets full ownership automatically. Plus, it offers excellent joint creditor protection.
- Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship: Ownership passes to the survivor, but it’s not exclusive to married couples.
- Tenants in Common: You each own a specific share (like 50/50), and your share does not pass automatically to your spouse if you die.
Most newlyweds choose Tenants by the Entirety for its unique legal perks. Not sure what’s right for you? We’re happy to walk you through it.
Step 4: Preparing the Deed
An Attorney should assist with the preparation and recording of the Deed. Here at Capstone, we have an in-house law firm to assist with such tasks. Here’s what needs to be included in the new deed document:
- You listed as the “grantor” (the person giving the interest).
- You and your husband listed together as “grantees” (the new co-owners), worded specifically like: “to [Your Name] and [Husband’s Name], husband and wife, as Tenants by the Entirety.”
- The property’s legal description (you must copy this exactly from your current deed—the postal street address alone is not enough).
- A signed Certificate of Residence verifying your address.
Once complete, sign the deed in front of a notary. Banks, UPS stores, or our office can notarize it for you. Because you are the one transferring the interest, your husband does not need to sign the document.
Step 5: Handle Tax Paperwork
Some counties in Pennsylvania require a Statement of Value (REV-183) form to accompany real estate transfers, but Dauphin County allows you to skip this form if the spousal exemption language is clearly marked right on the face of the deed.
The Good News: While Dauphin County typically has a 2% Realty Transfer Tax (split between the state and local municipality), transfers between spouses are 100% exempt from this tax. Capstone can assist in preparing the exact legal exemption language on your deed so you don’t pay a dime in transfer taxes.
A Quick Note on Mortgages
Adding your husband to the deed does not automatically add him to your mortgage—your loan stays solely in your name unless you choose to refinance together. If you want him on the financial loan as well, you’ll need to chat with your lender. We can explain how title vesting and mortgage notes work together to avoid any surprises.
Why Record It — and How We Can Help
Recording the deed makes your husband’s ownership official in Dauphin County’s public records, legally protecting his rights and your shared asset. Whether you need a new deed drafted, notarized, or recorded at the courthouse in Harrisburg, we at Capstone Land Transfer are here to save you time and stress.
Ready to add your husband to your deed? Contact us today for personalized, local support.
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