What a notary public does for a car title
A notary public is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and verify that the person signing is who they claim to be. For a car title, the notary's job is to watch you and the buyer (or seller) sign the title document in front of them, check your ID, and then stamp and sign the document themselves. This creates an official record that the signature is genuine.
Not every state requires a notary for every car title transfer. Some states need notarization only when the title is being transferred between private parties, while others require it for all transfers. A few states do not require it at all. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website will tell you whether notarization is required for your specific transaction.
The notary does not decide whether the sale is legal or fair. They do not check the vehicle's condition or verify the price. They only confirm that the person signing the title is the actual owner and that they are signing of their own will.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization requirements vary by state and by transaction type, so check your state DMV website before assuming you need one.
- A notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature, then stamps the title document to create an official record.
- You can find notaries at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, law offices, and some government offices, often for a small fee between $5 and $25.
- Both the seller and buyer must be present in front of the notary with valid ID to sign the title.
- The notary will not transfer the title to the DMV for you; you or the buyer must submit the notarized title to the DMV separately.
Where to find a notary public
Notaries are available in many places in your community. Banks and credit unions often offer notary services free to account holders and for a small fee to non-members. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some Staples branches have notaries on staff. Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices also provide notarization. Some county clerk offices and public libraries offer notary services, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee.
Call ahead before you go. Ask whether the notary is available without an appointment, what the fee is, and what hours they work. If you are transferring a title, mention that so they know to expect two people and a vehicle title document.
Online notarization is now available in some states for certain documents, but most states do not yet allow it for car titles because the notary needs to see the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title and verify the physical document itself. Check your state DMV website to see whether remote notarization is an option for your title transfer.
What to bring to the notary appointment
Bring the original title document, not a photocopy. Both the seller and the buyer must be present. Each person must bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check the ID to confirm that the person signing is who they say they are.
Bring any other documents your state DMV requires for the transfer. Some states ask for a bill of sale, odometer reading, or proof of inspection. Your state DMV website will list what you need. If you are missing a document, the notary cannot complete the notarization, so verify everything before you go.
If the title is in both names and only one person is present, the notarization cannot happen. Both owners must sign in front of the notary. If one owner cannot attend, some states allow power of attorney, but this requires a separate notarized power of attorney document signed beforehand.
How the notarization process works
When you arrive, tell the notary that you are transferring a car title. The notary will ask to see the title document and the IDs of both people signing. They will verify that the names on the IDs match the names on the title. They will then ask you to sign the title in front of them while they watch.
The notary will stamp the title with their official seal and sign and date the notarization section. This section is usually printed on the back of the title or on a separate page attached to it. The notary's stamp, signature, and the date create the official record that the signature was witnessed and verified.
The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once the notary is done, the title is notarized and ready to submit to the DMV. The notary does not send it to the DMV for you — you or the buyer must do that.
Cost and timing
Notary fees vary by location and provider. Banks often charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-members. UPS stores and similar businesses typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. Law offices and title companies may charge more. Some county clerk offices charge a small fee or nothing at all. Call ahead to find out the exact cost.
Notarization itself is fast — usually same-day if you have an appointment or can walk in. However, you need to schedule around both the seller's and buyer's availability since both must be present. Plan to complete notarization before you submit the title to the DMV, because the DMV will not accept an unsigned or unnotarized title.
After notarization: submitting to the DMV
Once the title is notarized, you or the buyer must submit it to your state DMV to complete the transfer. The DMV will not do this automatically. You can usually submit the title by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an online portal if your state offers one. Check your state DMV website for the exact submission method and any additional forms required.
Include the notarized title, the fee (which varies by state), and any other documents the DMV requires. Processing time varies — some states complete transfers within days, while others take several weeks. The DMV will send the new registration and title to the new owner's address on file.
Keep a copy of the notarized title for your records before you submit it. If something goes wrong with the DMV submission, you will have proof that the title was properly notarized.
When notarization is not required
Some states do not require notarization for private car title transfers. A few states require it only when the title is being transferred to a dealership or when there is a lien on the vehicle. Others require it for all transfers. Your state DMV website will clearly state whether notarization is required for your specific situation.
If your state does not require notarization, you can still have the title notarized if you want an extra layer of verification. This is optional but can be helpful if there is any question later about whether the signature is genuine. However, if notarization is not required, you do not need to pay for it or find a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one person sign the title if both names are on it?
No. If the title lists two owners, both must sign in front of the notary. If only one owner signs, the notarization is invalid and the DMV will reject the title. If one owner cannot attend, you will need a notarized power of attorney document signed by that person beforehand, which allows the other owner to sign on their behalf.
What if I lose the notarized title before I submit it to the DMV?
Contact your state DMV to report the loss. You may be able to request a duplicate title from the DMV, or you may need to have the title notarized again. The process depends on your state's rules. Do not delay — the sooner you report it, the sooner you can get a replacement.
Can I notarize a title online?
Some states now allow remote notarization for certain documents, but most do not yet permit it for car titles because the notary must see the physical title document and verify the VIN. Check your state DMV website to see whether remote notarization is an option for your transfer.
Do I need to notarize the title if I am trading it in at a dealership?
Dealerships often have their own notaries or handle notarization as part of the trade-in process. Ask the dealership whether they will notarize the title or whether you need to bring it notarized. Requirements vary by state and by dealership, so confirm before you go.
What if the notary makes a mistake on the stamp or signature?
If the notary makes a minor error, ask them to correct it and initial the correction. If the error is significant, you may need to have the title notarized again by a different notary. Do not submit a title with a major notary error to the DMV, as they will likely reject it.