Car Title Notarization — Does Your State Require It?
Most states do not require a notarized car title for standard private party transfers — but roughly 8 states do, including Ohio, Louisiana, Maryland, and West Virginia. Getting this wrong means a rejected title application and weeks of delay. Select your state for a definitive answer.
~8 States
States Requiring Notarization
OH, LA, MD, MT, NE, NH, WV and others
$2/signature (NY)
Lowest Notary Fee Cap
New York has the lowest legal cap
$15/signature (CA)
Highest Notary Fee Cap
California — though most require less
Banks + AAA
Free Notarization
Most banks notarize for free for customers
States That Require Notarization on Car Titles
| State | Who Must Sign | Form | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Seller only | BMV 3774 | Ohio's BMV 3774 must be notarized. Most common surprise for out-of-state buyers. |
| Louisiana | Seller AND Buyer | Title Assignment | Both parties must have signatures notarized — the most stringent requirement nationally. |
| Maryland | Seller only | Title Assignment | Maryland title assignment must be notarized. MVA branch offices can notarize. |
| West Virginia | Seller only | Title Assignment | WV title assignment section requires notarized seller signature. |
| Montana | Seller only | Title Assignment | Montana title transfers require notarized seller signature. |
| Nebraska | Seller only | Title Assignment | Nebraska requires notarized signatures on vehicle title assignments. |
| New Hampshire | Seller only | Title Assignment | NH title assignment requires notarized seller signature for private party sales. |
Major States That Do NOT Require Notarization
| State | Note |
|---|---|
| California | No notarization for standard transfers. POA and lost title affidavits do require notarization. |
| Texas | No notarization for Form 130-U. VTR-271 (POA) and heirship affidavit require notarization. |
| Florida | No notarization for HSMV 82040. POA and estate transfers require notarization. |
| New York | No notarization for MV-82. Special forms (MV-2 POA, MV-51 no-title) may require notarization. |
| Illinois | No notarization for VSD 190. Illinois does not require notarized title assignments. |
| Pennsylvania | No notarization required for PA MV-1 applications. |
Forms That Always Require Notarization
Even in states with no general title notarization requirement, these specific forms almost always require notarization:
Vehicle Power of Attorney
In nearly every state, a vehicle POA authorizing someone else to sign on your behalf must be notarized — regardless of whether the state requires title notarization.
Affidavit in Lieu of Title
When a title is lost or destroyed and you use an affidavit to transfer ownership, notarization of the affidavit is required in virtually all states.
Heirship Affidavit / Estate Transfer
Affidavits of heirship used to transfer a deceased owner's vehicle without probate require notarization in all states that accept this method.
Out-of-State Purchase Declarations
Some states require notarized declarations when titling a vehicle purchased from another state without a matching title or MCO.
Where to Get a Car Title Notarized
Your Bank or Credit Union
Free for customers
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, credit unions — all typically offer free notary services to account holders during business hours.
AAA Member Centers
Free for members
AAA offices in most states offer free notary services to members and also handle title transfers and registration in many states.
UPS Store
$5–$15/signature
UPS Stores across the US offer walk-in notary services. No appointment needed in most locations.
FedEx Office
$5–$15/signature
FedEx Office locations offer notary services with or without appointment.
County DMV / BMV Office
Varies
Some state DMV offices offer notary services on-site. Call ahead — not all locations provide this.
Mobile Notary
$50–$150 travel fee
Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or dealership. Best for high-value vehicles or when mobility is limited.
Car Title Notarization — State Comparison
| State | Required | Who | Notary Fee | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Yes | Seller | Free–$10 | Get notarized before submitting BMV 3774 |
| Louisiana | Yes | Both | $5–$25 | Both signatures required — unusual nationally |
| Maryland | Yes | Seller | Free–$10 | MVA branch offices can notarize |
| California | No | N/A | N/A | Not required for standard REG 343 transfer |
| Texas | No | N/A | N/A | Not required for Form 130-U |
| West Virginia | Yes | Seller | $5–$15 | WV title assignment must be notarized |
Car Title Notarization — All 50 States
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto Rico