How to Notarize a Motor Vehicle Title

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.

This article has been viewed 301,333 times.

When buying or selling a car, you may need to authenticate the buyer/seller's signature. Specific requirements differ greatly from state to state, so you should do some research beforehand. To provide some idea of what to expect, the explanation that follows includes examples from actual states.

Determine what documents are required.

• Make sure to do your research on what your state requires beforehand. Each state has its own procedures, and the differences can be substantial. Some states require no notarization of auto sales, while others have rather lengthy lists of requirements. You can find out more about your state here.

Make sure you possess the right to sell.

• Minors often do not have the right to sell a vehicle without the authorization of a parent or guardian, regardless of the name on the title.
• Many states prevent the sale of vehicles that still list liens on the title of ownership. It would be wise to bring proof of a lien release with you to the notary's office. [2] X Research source

Meet with a notary public.

• A local bank or credit union. Many financial institutions have a notary public who can notarize documents for a small fee.
• Most UPS stores and pawn shops will have a notary available for a small fee, though it is always best to call ahead and verify availability.
• Notary Rotary. Notary Rotary provides a database of notaries public searchable by zip code.

Determine who needs to be there.

• The state of Ohio requires that both buyer and seller sign in front of the notary, or at least inform the notary in person that they did sign the document. [3] X Research source
• In North Carolina, only the signature of the seller must be notarized. [4] X Research source
• Notaries in Montana can notarize open titles--that is, they can authorize the sale of a vehicle without a buyer ever being identified on any document. [5] X Research source

Take the required items to your notary appointment.

At the least, you will need the title, your state issued photo identification (“ID”), and the notary fee. ID must be issued by the state (such as a drivers license) or the military (such as a military ID card) and contain a photo. [6] X Research source

Sign the title in front of the notary.

• If you are the seller, sign your name exactly as it is listed on the title. For example, if the title uses your middle initial, you should sign using your middle initial as well.
• If you are the buyer, sign your name exactly how you wish for it to appear on the title. For example, if you want to use your middle name, sign the title using your middle name.

Have the notary sign and seal or stamp the title.

The Notary will sign and then stamp or seal the title, verifying that the signatures are those of the buyer and/or the seller. [8] X Research source

Pay the Notary fee.

• In Ohio, the fee to have both signatures notarized on a car title would be $4.
• In California, the maximum fee that can be charged by a notary in this circumstance is $10.

Community Q&A

In general, signatures may sometimes look nothing like the signer's printed name, as some folks sign differently on the signature areas on forms and such, as opposed to how they would print out their name on forms (for example, titles, cheques, etc.). You could ask the seller to sign the document again, in front of you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

If a friend is giving me a truck for free, does he have to put 'free' on the title, or a certain monetary amount?

He should put "gift" in the area where the price would normally go. However, check the wording for your state to make sure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Tips

You Might Also Like

How to Find Out the Owner of a License Plate: A Simple Guide

Where Do You Find a Car's VIN?

Easy Ways to Register a Car from Out of State in California

How to Register a Car Without a Title

1. ↑https://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/title-transfers.php
2. ↑https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/how_to_obtain_a_lien_release_on_a_vehicle
3. ↑http://ohionotaries.org/cautionary-documents
4. ↑http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/title-transfers.php
5. ↑https://sosmt.gov/notary/mvtitles/
6. ↑https://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/27/how-to-get-your-car-title-notarized/
7. ↑https://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/27/how-to-get-your-car-title-notarized/
8. ↑https://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/27/how-to-get-your-car-title-notarized/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 301,333 times.

When you buy or sell a car, you might need to notarize the car’s title. Since every state has its own rules, do some research beforehand. While you’ll have to bring proof of your ID when you have your signature notarized, you may also have to provide additional documents to prove that you can live up to the contract. Once you know what you’ll need, find a notary public at your local bank or credit union, UPS store, or pawn shop. Before making your appointment with the notary, figure out who needs to be there. While in some states only the signature of the seller needs to be notarized, in other states both the buyer and seller will have to be present. Once you’re with the notary, sign the title in front of them in blue or black ink. To learn how to pay the notary fee, keep reading!

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

How to Find Out the Owner of a License Plate: A Simple Guide

Where Do You Find a Car's VIN?