A notarized bill of sale is a document that proves you sold a car and received payment for it, signed in front of a notary public who verifies your identity

The notary does not check whether the sale price is fair, whether the car runs, or whether you actually own it. The notary only confirms that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. A notarized bill of sale creates a dated, witnessed record that protects both the seller and the buyer if questions arise later about who owned the car on a specific date or whether the sale actually happened.

Whether you need a notarized bill of sale depends on your state's rules and what the buyer needs. Some states require it for the title transfer; others do not. Many private buyers request it anyway because it protects them if the car has hidden liens or if you try to claim you never sold it. If you are selling to a dealership, they usually handle their own paperwork and do not ask for a notarized bill of sale.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary public verifies your identity and watches you sign, but does not verify the car's condition, ownership, or sale price.
  • Some states require a notarized bill of sale for title transfer; others accept an unnotarized version or do not require one at all.
  • You can get a bill of sale notarized at a bank, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or independent notary office for a fee that typically ranges from $5 to $25.
  • Both the seller and buyer should sign the document in front of the notary, and each should keep a copy for their records.
  • A notarized bill of sale does not transfer the title itself — you still need to file the title transfer with your state's motor vehicle department.

What information goes on a bill of sale

A bill of sale for a car includes the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model of the car, the year, the odometer reading, the sale price, and the date of the sale. Some versions also ask for the condition of the car (as-is, with warranty, etc.) and whether there are any known mechanical problems.

You do not need a fancy form. Many states provide a template on their motor vehicle department website, and you can read and print it. You can also write one yourself on plain paper as long as it includes the basic information above. The notary will not reject a homemade version if it is legible and has space for signatures.

The VIN is the most important piece of information because it uniquely identifies the car and prevents confusion if the buyer later claims they bought a different vehicle or if the car is reported stolen. You can find the VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), on the title document, or on the registration card.

Where to get a bill of sale notarized

Banks often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, though some charge a small fee. Call your bank's main branch or visit in person to ask whether they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment. Many banks have a notary on staff during business hours.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries available, usually without an appointment, though wait times vary. The fee is typically $5 to $15 per signature. Search online for "notary near me" to find independent notary offices, which often charge $10 to $25 and may offer evening or weekend hours.

Some title companies and real estate offices also notarize documents. If you are buying the car through a dealership or financing it through a bank, ask whether they can notarize the bill of sale as part of the closing process.

What happens during the notarization

You bring the unsigned bill of sale and a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will ask you to confirm your name and address, verify that your ID matches, and watch you sign the document. The notary then signs and stamps the document with an official seal, which includes their name, commission number, and the date.

Ideally, both the seller and buyer sign in front of the notary at the same time. This is the strongest version because the notary witnesses both signatures. If the buyer is not present, you can sign alone and the buyer can sign later in front of a different notary, though this is less common and creates two separate notarized documents.

The notary will keep a record in their journal (a log of all documents they notarize). This record is public and can be checked later if there is a dispute about whether the document was notarized on a specific date.

How a notarized bill of sale connects to the title transfer

A notarized bill of sale is not the same as a title transfer. The bill of sale proves the sale happened; the title transfer actually changes the owner's name on the official state record. You still need to file the title transfer with your state's motor vehicle department after the sale, even if you have a notarized bill of sale.

Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized before you can file the title transfer. Others accept an unnotarized bill of sale or do not require a bill of sale at all — they only need the signed title document itself. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or call them to confirm what they require.

The buyer cannot register the car in their name until the title transfer is filed and processed. This usually takes one to three weeks, depending on how busy your state's motor vehicle department is. During this time, the car is still registered to you, so you may receive tickets or notices if the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation.

Why a notarized bill of sale protects both parties

For the seller, a notarized bill of sale proves that you sold the car on a specific date for a specific price. If the buyer later claims you misrepresented the car's condition or if they refuse to pay, you have a dated, witnessed document showing the sale was completed. If the car is involved in an accident or crime after the sale, the notarized bill of sale helps prove you no longer owned it.

For the buyer, a notarized bill of sale proves they purchased the car from you and that you received payment. If you later claim the car was stolen or if a lender tries to repossess it because of an unpaid loan, the buyer can show the notarized bill of sale as evidence of legitimate ownership. It also protects the buyer if you try to sell the same car to someone else.

Neither party should rely on a bill of sale alone to protect against a hidden lien (a loan against the car that was never paid off). The buyer should always run a lien search through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) before purchasing a car, and the seller should pay off any outstanding loans before signing over the title.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not sign a blank bill of sale or one with blank spaces that the buyer promises to fill in later. Once you sign, you have no control over what information gets added. Fill in all the details before you go to the notary.

Do not notarize a bill of sale if the buyer is not present and you do not know them well. If you are selling to a stranger, it is safer to meet in a public place, complete the sale, and have both parties sign in front of the notary together. This prevents the buyer from claiming later that they never agreed to the terms.

Do not assume the notary will catch errors or missing information. The notary's job is only to verify your identity and witness your signature, not to review the document for accuracy. Double-check the VIN, sale price, and both names before you sign.

Do not forget to file the title transfer after the sale. A notarized bill of sale does not transfer the title automatically. If you do not file the transfer, you remain the registered owner and can be held liable for anything that happens to the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notarized bill of sale if I am selling to a family member?

It depends on your state and whether you are transferring the title. Some states waive the notarization requirement for family transfers, while others require it regardless. Even if your state does not require it, having a notarized bill of sale protects both of you if questions arise later. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to confirm the requirement.

What if the buyer does not show up to the notary appointment?

You can sign alone, but the buyer will need to sign in front of a notary separately. This creates two separate notarized documents and is less common. It is better to reschedule so both parties can sign together in front of one notary, which creates a single, stronger document.

Can I notarize a bill of sale online?

Some states allow remote notarization, where you sign the document on a video call with a notary. The notary verifies your identity through the video and electronically signs the document. Check whether your state accepts remote notarization and whether your buyer will accept it, since some lenders and title companies do not.

What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale was complete?

Contact the notary who notarized it and ask for a certified copy from their records. The notary keeps a journal of all documents they notarize, and you can request a copy for a small fee. If you cannot locate the notary, you may need to contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm the title transfer was filed correctly.

Does a notarized bill of sale mean the car has no liens?

No. A notarized bill of sale only proves the sale happened and that you signed it willingly. It does not confirm that the car is free of liens or that you actually own it. The buyer should always run a lien search through NMVTIS before purchasing, and you should pay off any outstanding loans before signing the title over.