What a notarized car title means and when you need one

A notarized car title is a title document that has been signed in front of a notary public, who then stamps and signs it to confirm they watched you sign. The notary does not check whether the title is legitimate or whether you own the car — they only verify that the person signing is who they claim to be and that the signature is genuine.

You need a notarized title most often when you are selling a car to someone else. Many states require the seller's signature to be notarized before the buyer can register the vehicle in their name. Some lenders also require notarization when you are refinancing a car loan. A few states notarize titles as part of their standard title transfer process, while others make it optional or do not require it at all.

The requirement varies significantly by state. Some states notarize all title transfers automatically at the DMV when you submit them. Others require notarization only in specific situations — for example, when a title has been lost and you are getting a duplicate, or when multiple owners are signing. A few states do not require notarization at all. You can find out what your state requires by calling your state's DMV or checking their website for title transfer instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary public watches you sign the title and stamps it to confirm your identity and signature are genuine, but does not verify ownership or title validity.
  • Notarization requirements depend on your state and the type of transaction — some states require it for all sales, others only for specific situations, and some do not require it at all.
  • You can get a title notarized at a bank, credit union, notary service, or sometimes at your DMV, and the process takes about five to ten minutes.
  • Bring your title document, a government-issued photo ID, and any other documents the notary requests, and be prepared to sign in front of the notary.
  • The cost is usually between $5 and $25 per signature, though some banks offer notarization free to account holders.

Where to find a notary public

Banks and credit unions are the most common place to get a title notarized. Most banks offer notary services to customers at no charge, and to non-customers for a small fee. Call your bank's main branch or local branch and ask whether they have a notary available and whether you need an appointment. Many branches can notarize documents same-day if you walk in during business hours.

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to go to a bank, you can find independent notaries through an online search for "notary public near me" or through the National Notary Association's notary locator tool on their website. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacy chains also offer notary services. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the notary is available, because some locations have only one notary and they may be busy.

Some DMV offices will notarize a title as part of the title transfer process, but this varies by state. A few states notarize titles automatically when you submit them for transfer. Others will notarize on request if you bring the title and your ID. Call your state DMV before you go to find out whether this service is available and whether you need an appointment.

What to bring and what the notary will ask you to do

Bring your car title and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you claim to be. Bring any other documents the notary requests, such as a bill of sale if you are selling the car, or a refinance agreement if you are refinancing a loan.

The notary will ask you to sign the title in front of them. They will watch you sign and may ask you questions to confirm your identity and that you are signing of your own free will — for example, "Are you signing this document voluntarily?" or "Do you understand what this document says?" You do not need to understand the entire title or be able to explain it. The notary only needs to confirm that you are the person signing and that you are doing so willingly.

After you sign, the notary will stamp the title with their official seal and sign and date the document themselves. This process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary will keep a record of the notarization in their journal, which is a legal requirement. You will receive the original notarized title to keep or give to the buyer or lender.

Cost and timing

The cost of notarizing a title is usually between $5 and $25 per signature. Banks often notarize for free if you are a customer. Independent notaries and UPS or FedEx locations typically charge $10 to $20 per signature. Some notaries charge by the page rather than by the signature, so ask the price before you have them notarize your document.

Timing depends on where you go. Banks can often notarize same-day during business hours, though you may need an appointment. Independent notaries may have shorter wait times or longer ones depending on how busy they are. UPS and FedEx locations usually notarize same-day but may have a wait if other customers are ahead of you. Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes total, including wait time.

What happens if you sign the title before getting it notarized

If you have already signed the title before getting it notarized, you will need to get a duplicate title from your state DMV and have that one notarized instead. A notary cannot notarize a signature that was made before the notary was present. The notary must watch you sign in order to confirm the signature is genuine.

Getting a duplicate title usually costs $10 to $50 depending on your state and takes one to two weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. Some states allow you to request a duplicate in person at the DMV and receive it same-day. Call your state DMV to find out the process and cost for your state.

Notarization requirements by transaction type

When you are selling a car, most states require the seller's signature on the title to be notarized before the buyer can register it. A few states notarize all title transfers automatically at the DMV, so the seller does not need to arrange notarization separately. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out whether notarization is required for a sale in your state.

When you are refinancing a car loan, your lender will tell you whether they require notarization. Some lenders require it; others do not. If your lender requires it, they will usually tell you this when you explore for the refinance and may provide instructions on where to get it done.

When you are getting a duplicate title because the original was lost or damaged, some states require notarization and others do not. This is another situation where calling your state DMV is the fastest way to find out what is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a title if I am not the owner?

No. The notary will ask to see your government-issued ID and will confirm that the name on your ID matches the name on the title. If you are not listed as the owner on the title, the notary will not notarize it. If you are buying a car and the seller is not present, the seller must sign and have their signature notarized themselves.

What if the title has multiple owners and only one person can sign?

If the title lists multiple owners, the notary will usually require all owners to sign in front of them. Some states allow one owner to sign if the title says "or" between the names, but others require all signatures. Call the notary or your state DMV before you go to find out what is required for your specific title.

Can I notarize a title online or by mail?

Most states do not allow remote notarization for car titles. The notary must see you in person and watch you sign. A few states have begun allowing remote notarization using video conferencing, but this is not yet common. Call your state DMV or a local notary to find out whether remote notarization is available in your state.

What if I lose the notarized title after I get it?

You will need to get a duplicate title from your state DMV and have that one notarized again. The notarization is tied to the specific document, so a copy of the notarized title is not the same as the original. Keep the notarized title in a safe place until you hand it to the buyer or lender.

Do I need notarization if I am trading in my car at a dealership?

Usually not. Dealerships handle the title transfer themselves and do not require you to notarize the title beforehand. The dealership will submit the title to the DMV as part of the trade-in process. Ask the dealership what documents you need to bring when you come in to trade in your car.