Notary for Car Title Transfer: What You Need to Know
Quick answer: About 20 states require notarization for vehicle title transfers. You will need both buyer and seller present with valid IDs and the completed title. Cost is $5 to $15 at a notary office or $50 to $100 with a mobile notary.
Which States Require a Notary for Title Transfer?
Not every state requires notarization to transfer a car title. Some require it for the seller, some for the buyer, and some for both. Here is the breakdown:
States That Require Notarization
| State | Who Must Have It Notarized | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Seller | Seller’s signature must be notarized |
| Connecticut | Both | Both buyer and seller signatures |
| Florida | Seller | Seller’s signature on the title |
| Kansas | Seller | |
| Kentucky | Seller | |
| Louisiana | Both | Requires Act of Sale document |
| Maryland | Both | |
| Missouri | Seller | |
| Montana | Seller | |
| Nebraska | Both | |
| New Jersey | Seller | |
| New York | Seller | Odometer statement also notarized |
| North Carolina | Both | |
| Ohio | Both | |
| Oklahoma | Seller | |
| Pennsylvania | Both | |
| South Carolina | Both | |
| Texas | Seller | Title assignment must be notarized |
| Virginia | Seller | |
| West Virginia | Both | |
| Wyoming | Seller |
States That Do NOT Require Notarization
California, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and several others do not require notarization for standard title transfers. In these states, the buyer and seller sign the title and take it directly to the DMV.
Always check with your local DMV. Rules change, and some states have notarization requirements for specific situations (out-of-state transfers, inherited vehicles, etc.) even if they do not require it for standard sales.
What You Need for a Notarized Title Transfer
Documents to Bring
- Vehicle title — The original, with all fields completed except the signature lines
- Bill of sale — Some states require a separate bill of sale in addition to the signed title
- Valid photo ID — For both buyer and seller. Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Odometer disclosure — Federal law requires this for vehicles under 20 years old. Some states have it printed on the title; others use a separate form
- Lien release — If there was a loan on the vehicle, bring the lender’s lien release letter
Who Needs to Be Present
In states that require notarization of both signatures, the buyer and seller must either:
- Both appear before the same notary at the same time, or
- Each have their signature notarized separately (at different notaries if needed)
The first option is simplest. If the buyer and seller live in different cities, they can each visit a local notary for their respective signature.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Process
Signing before seeing the notary. If you sign the title before the notary witnesses it, they cannot notarize it. You will need a duplicate title from the DMV, which can take weeks.
Using white-out on the title. Any corrections made with white-out or crossed-out text typically invalidate the title. If you make an error, you will usually need to request a duplicate.
Mismatched names. The name on the title must match the seller’s ID. If the seller’s name has changed since the title was issued, bring supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order).
How Much Does a Notary Cost for a Title Transfer?
A vehicle title notarization is one of the simplest notarial acts — typically a single acknowledgment.
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank notary | Free | If you are an account holder. Call ahead |
| UPS Store / storefront | $5–$15 | Walk-in availability, no appointment needed |
| DMV (some locations) | Free–$5 | Some DMV offices have in-house notaries |
| Mobile notary | $50–$100 | Notary comes to you. Good for buyer/seller meetings |
For the full pricing breakdown, see our guide to how much notarization costs and notary fees by state.
Where to Get a Car Title Notarized
Option 1: Your Bank
The easiest and cheapest option. Most major banks offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available at your branch. The challenge: buyer and seller both need to be at the same bank if both signatures require notarization.
Option 2: UPS Store or Shipping Store
Walk in, get it done, walk out. Storefront notaries at UPS Store, FedEx Office, and similar locations charge $5 to $15. No appointment needed in most cases.
Option 3: AAA Office
AAA members can often access free notary services at branch locations. Call ahead.
Option 4: Mobile Notary
A mobile notary meets you wherever is convenient — your home, the car dealership, a coffee shop. This is the best option when buyer and seller need to meet and sign together. Use FindNotary.io to find mobile notaries in your city.
Option 5: DMV
Some DMV offices have notary services available, though this varies by state and location. Call your local DMV before going.
Dealer vs. Private Sale
Buying from a dealer: The dealership handles all title work, including notarization. You sign at the dealership and they process the title transfer with the DMV. No need to find your own notary.
Private sale: You and the seller are responsible for the title transfer. In states that require notarization, you will need to arrange the notary appointment yourselves. This is where most people run into the question of where to find a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a car title online?
It depends on your state. Some states accept remote online notarization for title transfers; others require in-person notarization. Check with your state’s DMV for the current policy.
What if the seller already signed the title without notarization?
In states that require notarized seller signatures, the DMV will reject the title. The seller will need to request a duplicate title from the DMV and sign the new one in front of a notary.
How long does it take to notarize a car title?
About 5 minutes. A title transfer is one of the simplest notarizations — typically a single signature per party. The notary verifies IDs, witnesses the signatures, stamps, and you are done.
Can I use a power of attorney to sign a car title?
Yes, in most states. If the vehicle owner cannot be present, they can grant power of attorney to someone else to sign the title on their behalf. The POA itself must typically be notarized first. See our power of attorney guide.
Do I need a notary for a title transfer between family members?
If your state requires notarization for title transfers, yes — even between family members. The requirement is about the document, not the relationship. Some states do waive sales tax for family transfers, but the notarization requirement still applies.
Find a notary for your title transfer: Search FindNotary.io by city, or browse mobile notaries near you for at-your-location service.
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