Finding a notary for your car title starts with checking your bank, your state's Secretary of State office, or searching online directories like the National Notary Association's locator tool
A notary is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and verify identity. When you buy, sell, or transfer a car, your state's DMV usually requires that certain documents — often the title itself or the bill of sale — be signed in front of a notary. The notary does not decide whether the transaction is legal; they straightforward confirm that the person signing is who they say they are and that they signed willingly.
You do not need to find a notary "near you" in the old sense. Many notaries work by appointment, some offer mobile service (they come to you), and some states now allow remote notarization by video. The fastest route is usually your own bank — most banks offer notary services free to account holders — but you have other options if that does not work for your schedule or location.
Key Takeaways
- Banks often provide free notary services to customers during business hours, making them the fastest option if you have an account.
- The National Notary Association's website has a searchable directory of notaries by state and zip code, with phone numbers and hours.
- Your state's Secretary of State office maintains an official list of commissioned notaries and can tell you which documents your state requires to be notarized.
- Mobile notaries travel to your home or workplace, and some states now permit remote notarization by video call, which may be faster than in-person visits.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned title or bill of sale; the notary will watch you sign and charge a fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature) unless your bank waives it.
Where to look: banks, directories, and state offices
Start with your own bank. Most banks and credit unions offer notary services free to account holders during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask whether you need an appointment. This is often the fastest and cheapest option.
If you do not have a bank account or your bank does not have a notary available, use the National Notary Association's online directory at notary.org. Enter your state and zip code, and the tool will show you commissioned notaries in your area, their phone numbers, hours, and whether they charge a fee. Many notaries list their availability for same-day or next-day appointments.
Your state's Secretary of State office also maintains an official registry of notaries. You can search by county or city on their website, and they can tell you which documents your state requires to be notarized for a car title transfer. This is useful because notary requirements vary by state — some states require the title to be notarized, others require only the bill of sale, and some require both.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will ask to see it to confirm your identity. Bring the unsigned title and bill of sale, or whichever documents your state requires. Do not sign anything before you meet the notary — they must watch you sign.
The notary will ask you to state your name and confirm that you are signing the document willingly and that the information is correct. They will then watch you sign, sign and stamp the document themselves, and record the transaction in their journal (a log they keep for their records). The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Notary fees vary by state and by notary. Banks charge nothing to account holders. Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per document instead. Ask about the fee when you call or search online — most notaries list their rates.
Mobile notaries and remote notarization
If you cannot get to a notary during business hours, a mobile notary will come to your home, workplace, or another location you choose. They charge more than in-person notaries (usually $25 to $50 depending on distance and time), but they save you a trip. Search for "mobile notary" plus your city on Google Maps or the National Notary Association directory to find one near you.
Some states now permit remote notarization, which means the notary can watch you sign by video call instead of in person. This is faster than waiting for a mobile notary to travel to you. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is allowed for car title documents — not all states permit it yet, and some states allow it only for certain document types.
How to prepare before you meet the notary
Contact the notary or your bank at least a day in advance if possible. Tell them you need a notary for a car title transfer and ask what documents they need you to bring. Confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment.
Get the unsigned title and bill of sale from the seller (if you are buying) or from your records (if you are selling). Do not sign either document before the notary appointment. If the title or bill of sale is damaged, faded, or hard to read, ask the DMV or the seller for a replacement before your appointment — a notary cannot notarize a document they cannot read clearly.
Bring your government-issued photo ID. If your ID is expired, call the notary first to ask whether they will accept it — some notaries will, some will not. If your ID is expired and the notary will not accept it, you may need to renew it at your state's DMV before you can have the title notarized.
What happens if you cannot find a notary in time
If you are on a tight important date, call your state's DMV directly and ask whether they have notaries on staff or can refer you to one. Some DMV offices have notaries available, and some can tell you which notaries in your area work fastest. A few states allow the DMV to notarize car title documents themselves.
If remote notarization is allowed in your state, that is usually the fastest option because you can schedule a video appointment outside normal business hours. Search for "remote notary" plus your state name to find providers who offer this service.
If you are selling a car and the buyer is out of state or cannot meet you in person, ask your notary whether they can notarize a bill of sale signed by the buyer remotely (by video) and you in person, or whether both parties must be present. Rules vary by state and by notary.
Understanding notary requirements by state
Notary requirements for car titles differ by state. Some states require the title to be notarized; others require only the bill of sale; some require both; and a few require neither. Your state's DMV website will list exactly which documents need a notary's signature for your transaction.
If you are buying a car from a private seller, the bill of sale usually needs to be notarized in most states. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer handles the paperwork and usually has a notary on staff. If you are selling a car, check your state's DMV website to see whether the title, the bill of sale, or both need to be notarized.
Some states allow a notary to notarize a document even if the notary is not physically present in the state where the document will be filed, as long as the notary is commissioned in any U.S. state. Other states require the notary to be commissioned in that specific state. The National Notary Association directory will tell you which state a notary is commissioned in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a car title online or by mail?
Some states allow remote notarization by video call, where the notary watches you sign on camera. Mail notarization is not permitted — the notary must watch you sign in real time, either in person or by video. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is allowed for car title documents.
What if the notary is not available when I need them?
Call multiple notaries or banks in your area — many offer same-day or next-day appointments. Mobile notaries often have more flexible hours than banks. If you are in a rush, ask whether any notary offers evening or weekend appointments, or whether remote notarization is available in your state.
Do I have to use a notary in my home state?
No. A notary commissioned in any U.S. state can notarize a document, though some states prefer or require the notary to be commissioned in that specific state. Check your state's DMV website or call them to confirm. If you are out of state, a mobile or remote notary in your current location can usually notarize the document for you.
What if I sign the title before meeting the notary?
You will need to get a new title from your state's DMV. A notary cannot notarize a document that is already signed — they must watch you sign. Contact your state's DMV to request a replacement title and ask whether there is a fee.
How much does notarization cost?
Banks charge nothing to account holders. Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $50 depending on distance. Ask about the fee when you contact the notary — most list their rates online or over the phone.