Online Notarization vs In-Person — Which is Better for a Bill of Sale?
Verdict: Online notarization is faster and accepted in most states.
Online notarization through services like Proof is faster, available 24/7, and legally valid in most states. In-person notarization remains necessary in a few states that haven't enacted remote notarization laws.
| Feature | Online Notarization | In-Person Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25–$50 per session | Free–$15 at banks/UPS |
| Speed | Minutes, 24/7 availability | 30–60 min with travel time |
| State acceptance | Most states (40+) | All states |
| Convenience | From any device | Must travel to notary location |
| ID verification | Knowledge-based + video | Government ID in person |
| Turnaround | Same session | Same session (if appointment available) |
Notarization of a bill of sale is required in a handful of states — including Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, and West Virginia — and optional but sometimes recommended in others. When you do need notarization, you have two main options: online or in-person.
Online notarization services like Proof (formerly Notarize) allow you to complete the notarization process from any device, at any time, through a secure video session with a commissioned notary. The process typically takes 15–20 minutes once you're connected. These services charge $25–$50 per session, but the convenience factor is significant — no driving, no appointments, and 24/7 availability.
In-person notarization is the traditional option. Banks, credit unions, UPS Stores, and FedEx locations typically offer notary services, often free for account holders or for a small fee (usually under $15). The limitation is availability: you need to be physically present during business hours, and some locations require appointments.
From a legal validity standpoint, both approaches produce a valid notarized document. Online notarization is governed by state law, and as of 2024, the majority of US states have enacted legislation recognizing remote online notarization. A small number of states still require in-person notarization for specific document types.
BillOfSaleNow integrates with Proof for online notarization, so you can complete the entire process — from generating your document to getting it notarized — without leaving the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Online Notarization and In-Person Notarization?
Online notarization through services like Proof is faster, available 24/7, and legally valid in most states. In-person notarization remains necessary in a few states that haven't enacted remote notarization laws.
Which is cheaper, Online Notarization or In-Person Notarization?
See the comparison table above for current pricing on both services.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title?
Most states require or strongly recommend a bill of sale for private vehicle sales. The DMV uses the bill of sale to confirm the sale price for sales tax purposes. A signed title alone is often insufficient without a bill of sale as supporting documentation.
What makes a bill of sale legally valid?
A legally valid bill of sale includes: the full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), sale price, date of sale, odometer reading (required by federal law for most vehicles), and signatures from both parties. Some states also require notarization.
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