Any time owners make a change to the title of real estate, they must record a deed with the County Recorder. This Step-by-Step guide outlines the requirements.E) Fill out the new deed. Do not sign until you are in front of a notary. In California, the transfer of a property title requires a deed. There must be a legal process in which a deed is executed and recorded. In all 58 counties in California, deeds can be used to add or change names on real property. They can update the Deed using either a Grant Deed or Quitclaim form. These forms can be used to transfer the property from your old name to your new name. The Assessor's Office requires that a Preliminary Change of Ownership Form accompany each Deed when it is recorded.