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No Notary Required for Bill of Sale in Lakeland, FL

Notarization Not Required — Lakeland

Florida does not require notarization for a private vehicle sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the title are sufficient.

Lakeland Title & DMV Office

This is the official office handling vehicle title transfers in Lakeland. Notary services may be available here or at a nearby county office.

Office Name

Polk County Tax Collector – Lakeland

Address

430 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801

Phone

(863) 355-5000

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

https://www.flhsmv.gov

Where to Get Notarized in Lakeland

Florida does not require notarization, but some buyers request it for added protection. If you'd like notarization anyway, here are your options in Lakeland:

🏦 Banks & Credit Unions

Most banks in Lakeland offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability — walk-in notary hours vary by branch.

📦 UPS Store / FedEx Office

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in Lakeland typically charge $10–$15 per signature. No appointment needed during business hours.

💻 Online Notarization (RON)

Florida accepts Remote Online Notarization. Use Proof (formerly Notarize) or DocuSign Notary for a 15-minute session available 24/7 — typically $15–$25.

🏛️ County Clerk / Recorder

The Polk County courthouse may offer notary services. Contact (515) 286-3572 for hours and fees.

What to Bring to the Notary

  • 1A completed, unsigned bill of sale (sign in front of the notary — not before)
  • 2Government-issued photo ID: Florida driver's license, passport, or military ID
  • 3The vehicle title (if transferring ownership simultaneously)
  • 4Payment for the notary fee ($5–$15 at most locations)
  • 5Both buyer and seller must be present if both signatures require notarization

Important

Do not sign your bill of sale before the notary appointment. The notary must personally witness your signature to certify it.

Frequently Asked Questions — Notarizing a Bill of Sale in Lakeland

Is notarization required for a vehicle bill of sale in Lakeland, Florida?
No. Florida does not require notarization for a private vehicle sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the title are sufficient.
What is the title transfer fee in Lakeland?
The title transfer fee in Polk County is $75.25. The combined sales tax rate is 7.00%. Florida state rate 6% + Polk County discretionary surtax 1%
Can I use an online notary for my Lakeland car bill of sale?
Yes. Florida authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON). Services like Proof and DocuSign Notary let you notarize documents via video call in about 15 minutes, typically for $15–$25. Available 24/7 — no travel required.
Where is the DMV office near Lakeland?
The Polk County Tax Collector – Lakeland is located at 430 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801. Phone: (863) 355-5000. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.

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