Notarizing a Bill of Sale: When It Is Required and How to Do It
Most bills of sale never see a notary, and that is perfectly fine. But a few states require notarization for vehicle transfers, and for a big-ticket sale it can be worth doing even when it is optional. Here is when you actually need a notary, what one does (and does not) verify, and how to get it done right.
When notarization is required
A plain bill of sale is legally binding the moment both parties sign it. Notarization becomes mandatory only in specific cases:
A few states require it for vehicles. A small number of states require a notarized signature to transfer a vehicle. The requirement usually attaches to the title or a state form, with the bill of sale alongside it.
Some documents always need it. A vehicle power of attorney, for example, requires notarization in most states even though a bill of sale does not.
Some states want a witness instead. A witness signature is a lighter alternative that a few states accept in place of a notary.
This is the part people misunderstand. A notary is a state-commissioned official whose job is narrow: confirm that the people signing are who they say they are, and that they are signing of their own free will. The notary then stamps the document and logs it in a journal. A notary does not vouch that the price is fair, that the car runs, or that the deal is a good one. The value of notarization is that it makes the identities and the date nearly impossible to dispute later.
Fill out the bill of sale completely, but do not sign it yet.
Both parties bring valid, unexpired photo ID.
Sign in front of the notary, who will confirm your identities.
The notary stamps, signs, and records the act, and you pay a small fee per signature.
Keep the notarized original; make a copy for each party.
Notaries are available at most banks and credit unions (often free for members), shipping and print stores, and through online notarization in states that permit it.
In most states, no. A bill of sale is valid once both parties sign it. A handful of states require notarization for vehicle bills of sale, and some require a witness. Even where it is optional, notarizing adds a strong layer of proof, which is why many people notarize higher-value sales.
What does a notary actually do?
A notary is a state-commissioned official who verifies the identity of the people signing and confirms they are signing willingly, then stamps and records the act in a journal. A notary does not judge whether the price is fair, whether the item works, or whether the deal is wise. The notarization is about the signatures, not the substance of the sale.
Which states require a notarized bill of sale?
A small number of states require notarization for certain vehicle transfers (Louisiana, Maryland, and West Virginia are commonly cited), and some require it only for specific document types like a vehicle power of attorney. Requirements change, so confirm your state before you sign. A state-specific bill of sale flags whether notarization applies where you are.
Can I sign the bill of sale before seeing the notary?
No. The whole point is that the notary watches you sign, so both parties should sign in front of the notary, not beforehand. If you already signed, the notary may ask you to acknowledge the signature under oath, but the cleanest approach is to wait and sign in their presence with your photo ID in hand.
Where can I get a bill of sale notarized?
Notaries are widely available at banks and credit unions (often free for members), shipping and print stores, law offices, and through online notarization services in states that allow it. Bring the unsigned bill of sale, valid photo ID for each signer, and be ready to pay a small fee per signature.
Create a Bill of Sale Ready for the Notary
Generate a completed, state-specific bill of sale with a signature and notary block already built in, and a flag for whether your state requires notarization.
