How to Notarize a Bill of Sale in Texas
Whether Texas requires notarization, where to get it done, how much it costs, and when you should notarize even if it's not legally required.
Texas does not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. The TxDMV requires the signed title and Form 130-U — the bill of sale itself is not submitted to any agency and does not need to be notarized. Notarization IS required for two specific situations: gift transfers (Form 14-317, Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer, must be notarized) and heirship transfers (Form VTR-262, Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle, all signatures must be notarized).
Not required for standard private sales. Required only for gift transfers (Form 14-317) and heirship transfers without probate (Form VTR-262).
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Notarized
For gift transfers in Texas, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized by both donor and recipient — this exempts the transaction from sales tax. For heirship transfers without a probated estate, Form VTR-262 requires all signatures to be notarized.
When to Notarize Even If Not Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale required to be notarized in Texas?
Texas does not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. The TxDMV requires the signed title and Form 130-U — the bill of sale itself is not submitted to any agency and does not need to be notarized. Notarization IS required for two specific situations: gift transfers (Form 14-317, Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer, must be notarized) and heirship transfers (Form VTR-262, Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle, all signatures must be notarized).
Where can I get a bill of sale notarized in Texas?
In Texas, 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 (RON) is also available in Texas.
How much does notarization cost in Texas?
Texas caps the fee for acknowledging a written instrument (the category a bill of sale, gift-transfer, or heirship affidavit falls under) at $10 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature, under Texas Government Code §406.024.
Can I notarize a bill of sale online in Texas?
Texas was among the first states to authorize remote online notarization. RON is fully available for vehicle documents.
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 Texas?
Besides the bill of sale, Texas 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 Texas 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.