A deed or property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property (real estate) from a seller to a buyer. A deed must state the names of the seller and the buyer and must include a complete legal description of the property being transferred.

A deed must also include the signature of the seller, which must be acknowledged (signed) by a notary public to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and for the seller to declare to the notary that the seller signed the deed willingly and voluntarily, and was not coerced into signing it.

In Missouri, a deed is an essential legal document for transferring ownership of real property from a seller to a buyer. The deed must clearly state the names of both the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee), and it must contain a complete and accurate legal description of the property. This description typically includes the property's boundaries and any relevant measurements. Additionally, the deed must be signed by the seller. The signature must be acknowledged before a notary public, which serves to confirm the identity of the seller and to ensure that the seller is signing the document willingly and without coercion. This notarization process is crucial as it helps to prevent fraud and protects the interests of both parties involved in the transaction. Once the deed is properly executed and notarized, it should be filed with the appropriate county recorder's office to put the public on notice of the change in ownership.