How to Notarize a Bill of Sale in South Carolina
Whether South Carolina requires notarization, where to get it done, how much it costs, and when you should notarize even if it's not legally required.
Most states do not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Check with your state DMV for specific scenarios that may require notarization.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Notarized
Even when not legally required, notarizing a bill of sale adds an extra layer of fraud protection for both buyer and seller.
When to Notarize Even If Not Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale required to be notarized in South Carolina?
Most states do not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Where can I get a bill of sale notarized in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you can get a document notarized at a bank or credit union, a UPS Store or FedEx Office, a law office, a real estate office, or through a mobile notary service. Remote online notarization is not currently authorized in South Carolina.
How much does notarization cost in South Carolina?
Notary fees vary by state. Most states cap fees between $1 and $15 per notarial act.
Can I notarize a bill of sale online in South Carolina?
Check your state laws for remote online notarization availability.
When should I notarize a bill of sale even if not required?
Notarizing is recommended for high-value vehicles, when the title cannot be located immediately, for out-of-state sales, for gift transfers, and whenever there is any uncertainty about the other party's identity.
What other documents require notarization when selling a car in South Carolina?
Besides the bill of sale, South Carolina may require notarization for a power of attorney (if signing on behalf of another), a title correction affidavit, an odometer disclosure statement (in some cases), or a lien release letter. Contact State DMV for the current requirements.
What does a notary actually verify on a bill of sale?
A notary verifies three things: (1) Identity — the signer presents government-issued photo ID and the notary confirms they are who they say they are. (2) Willingness — the notary confirms the signer is signing voluntarily, not under duress. (3) Awareness — the signer appears to understand what they are signing. A notary does NOT verify the accuracy of facts stated in the document, the vehicle's mechanical condition, or the fairness of the price. Notarization establishes who signed and when — nothing more.
Notarization Requirements & Fee Caps: Top 15 States
| State | Bill of Sale | Title Transfer | Notary Fee Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Not required | Not required | No cap (typically $10–$15) |
| Texas | Not required* | Not required* | $10 first sig., $1 each add'l (statutory) |
| Florida | Not required | Not required | $10/signature (statutory) |
| New York | Not required | Not required | $2/signature (statutory) |
| Pennsylvania | Not required | Required (both parties) | No cap (free at banks) |
| Ohio | Not required | Not required | No cap (typically $5–$15) |
| Georgia | Not required | Required (seller) | $2/document (statutory) |
| Illinois | Not required | Not required | No cap (currency exchanges $2–$5) |
| North Carolina | Not required | Not required | $5/act (statutory) |
| Michigan | Not required | Not required | No cap (free at banks) |
| Arizona | Not required | Not required | No cap (typically $2–$10) |
| Washington | Not required | Not required | No cap (free at banks) |
| Virginia | Not required | Not required | $5/act (statutory) |
| Colorado | Not required | Not required | No cap (typically $5–$10) |
| Nevada | Not required | Not required | No cap (typically $5–$15) |
* Texas requires notarization for gift transfers (Form 14-317) and heirship transfers (Form VTR-262) — not for standard private sales.