BillOfSaleNow

How to Notarize a Bill of Sale in Ohio

Whether Ohio requires notarization, where to get it done, how much it costs, and when you should notarize even if it's not legally required.

Notarization Requirement
Not Required (Recommended)

Ohio does not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. The signed title is the primary transfer document.

Not required for standard private sales. A notarized affidavit may be needed for gift transfers or duplicate title applications.

Notary Fee Cap
$5
per notarial act
Mobile Notary
Available
comes to your location
Online Notary (RON)
Available
Ohio authorizes remote online notarization. Notaries must be commissioned in Ohio.

Where to Get a Bill of Sale Notarized

Bank or Credit Union
Often free for account holders
UPS Store / FedEx Office
Walk-in, no appointment needed
Law Office
Good for complex transactions
Mobile Notary
Comes to you — useful for large vehicles
Online / Remote Notary (RON)
Video call — fastest option
DMV / Secretary of State Office
Available at some locations
Ohio Note

Ohio requires the odometer mileage to be recorded on the title at the time of transfer. Both buyer and seller signatures are required on the title. A bill of sale is optional but provides additional transaction documentation.

When to Notarize Even If Not Required

High-Value Vehicles
Notarization deters fraud and identity theft on transactions over $10,000.
Out-of-State Sales
Notarized documents are more widely accepted and reduce title transfer friction.
Gift Transfers
Many states require a notarized gift affidavit to waive sales tax on gifted vehicles.
When Title Is Absent
A notarized bill of sale can support a bonded title application in most states.
Dispute Prevention
Notarization confirms identity and intent — nearly eliminating post-sale he-said/she-said disputes.
Official Ohio Vehicle Transfer Information
Ohio BMV — Vehicle Title Transfer ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bill of sale required to be notarized in Ohio?

Ohio does not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for standard private sales. The signed title is the primary transfer document.

Where can I get a bill of sale notarized in Ohio?

In Ohio, 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 Ohio.

How much does notarization cost in Ohio?

Ohio caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act.

Can I notarize a bill of sale online in Ohio?

Ohio authorizes remote online notarization. Notaries must be commissioned in Ohio.

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 Ohio?

Besides the bill of sale, Ohio 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 Ohio BMV for the current requirements.

Notarization Requirements by State

Trusted by private vehicle sellers nationwide

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

$60–$85 mobile notary

Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.

Source: Thumbtack / NNA