Do I Need a Notary for a Bill of Sale?

Most states do not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale. Only 12 states — including Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, and West Virginia — require or strongly recommend notarization. Even in optional-notary states, a notarized bill of sale adds fraud protection at a cost of $5–$25.

States That Require Notarization

As of May 2026, the following states require or effectively require notarization on vehicle titles or bills of sale for private sales: Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, Maryland (title only), New York (title only), Ohio (some counties), Pennsylvania (title only), and South Carolina (title only). Always verify current requirements with your state DMV before completing the sale.

States Where Notarization Is Optional

The majority of states — 38 or more — do not require a notarized bill of sale for a private vehicle transaction. These include Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and North Carolina. In these states, a signed (but unnotarized) bill of sale is legally sufficient.

Why Notarize Even When Optional

Deters fraud: a notary verifies government-issued ID before witnessing the signature
Stronger legal standing: courts give notarized documents higher evidentiary weight
Useful for high-value transactions above $10,000 or out-of-state buyers
Some lenders and insurance companies prefer notarized documents

How to Get a Bill of Sale Notarized

Both buyer and seller must appear in person before the notary — do not sign beforehand
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Find a notary at banks (often free for account holders), UPS Stores ($5–$15), AAA offices, or your state DMV
Online notary services (RON) are accepted in 40+ states — expect to pay $25 or less
The notary stamps and signs the document; you keep the original and provide a copy to the other party

Online Notarization (RON)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is now legal in 40+ states including Texas, Florida, Virginia, Michigan, and Ohio. Platforms like Notarize.com and PandaDoc Notary allow both parties to appear via webcam, sign electronically, and receive a notarized PDF within minutes. Fees are typically $25 or less per session.

How to create a bill of sale

Confirm whether your state requires notarization by checking your state DMV website.
Complete all fields on the bill of sale before the notary appointment — do not sign yet.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport).
Appear before the notary in person or via a RON platform with the other party.
Sign the bill of sale in the notary's presence and wait for the notary stamp and signature.
Keep the original notarized document and provide a certified copy to the other party.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary for a bill of sale in Texas?

No. Texas does not require notarization for a private party vehicle bill of sale or title assignment. A signed-only document is legally valid in Texas.

What states require a notary for a vehicle bill of sale?

States that require notarization on the title or bill of sale for private sales include Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. New York and Maryland require notarization on the title assignment itself. Ohio requires it in some counties. Always confirm with your state DMV.

What happens if I do not notarize in a state that requires it?

The title transfer may be rejected by the DMV, creating legal complications for the buyer and potential ongoing liability for the seller. In states like Pennsylvania and New York, the buyer cannot register the vehicle without a notarized title.

Can I use an online notary for a vehicle bill of sale?

Yes, in 40+ states. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is accepted in Texas, Florida, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, and many others. Check your state DMV website to confirm RON is accepted for vehicle title notarization specifically.

How much does notarization cost?

In-person notarization costs $5–$25 depending on the location. Banks often notarize for free for account holders. Online notarization (RON) platforms typically charge $25 or less per session.

Create a Notary-Ready Bill of Sale

Generate a complete bill of sale with all required fields. Print it blank for notarization or sign electronically.

Create Bill of Sale