How to Notarize a Vehicle Bill of Sale
Many states require a notarized vehicle bill of sale to transfer car ownership. Find out if your state requires notarization and how to get it done online.
Selling or buying a car? Get your bill of sale notarized online — no DMV visit needed.
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At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: No (most states)
Vehicle Bill of Sale — What It Is and When Notarization Is Required
A vehicle bill of sale is a written record of the sale transaction between a buyer and seller. It documents the agreed price, vehicle details, and the names of both parties.
Notarization is required by state law in approximately 15 states. Even where not required, a notarized bill of sale protects both buyer and seller in the event of a dispute.
States Requiring Notarization
The following states require or strongly recommend a notarized vehicle bill of sale for title transfer:
Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Hawaii (for certain vehicle types). Regulations change — verify with your state DMV before finalizing the transaction.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
For sellers: Keep a copy of the notarized bill of sale. It protects you if the buyer fails to transfer the title and the vehicle is later involved in an accident or traffic violation.
For buyers: The notarized bill of sale is your proof of purchase if the title transfer is delayed. Some lenders also require it for vehicle financing.
The Online Notarization Process for a Bill of Sale
- Prepare the document. Include all required fields: VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' full names and addresses.
- Do not sign until instructed by the notary. The notary must witness the signature.
- Both parties connect separately. Each party joins a video call with the notary from any location.
- Receive the sealed document. The notary applies a digital seal and audit trail. Both parties receive a copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do all states require a notarized vehicle bill of sale?
- No. Notarization requirements for vehicle bills of sale vary by state. States including Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and others require notarization. Check your state's DMV requirements before completing the transaction.
- What information must be on a notarized vehicle bill of sale?
- A complete vehicle bill of sale includes: the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN; the sale price; the date of sale; both the buyer's and seller's full legal names and addresses; and signatures from both parties witnessed by the notary.
- Can I get a vehicle bill of sale notarized online?
- Yes. Remote Online Notarization is accepted by DMVs in states that require notarization. Both buyer and seller can appear via separate video sessions if they are in different locations.
- What if the buyer and seller are in different states?
- Each party can use a RON platform from their respective locations. The notary session is conducted via video call, so physical location does not matter. The resulting digitally sealed document is valid regardless of which state each party is in.
- Is a notarized bill of sale the same as a title transfer?
- No. A bill of sale documents the transaction. Title transfer is a separate process completed at your state's DMV using the signed title. Some states require both documents. Others only require the title.
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