What a notary does with car titles
A notary public is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and verify that the person signing a document is who they claim to be. For car titles, a notary does not transfer ownership or create the title itself — your state's motor vehicle department does that. Instead, a notary verifies your identity and watches you sign the title document, then adds their official stamp and signature to confirm the signing actually happened.
You need a notary for a car title when your state's motor vehicle department requires a notarized signature on the title form itself. This is most common when you are selling a vehicle, transferring it to someone else, or handling a title that has been lost or damaged. Some states require notarization for all title transfers; others require it only in specific situations, such as when the seller is not present or when the title is being corrected.
The notary does not check whether the sale price is fair, whether you actually own the car, or whether the buyer is trustworthy. They only confirm that you signed the document in front of them and that you showed them a valid ID.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization requirements for car titles vary by state — some require it for all transfers, others only for specific situations like out-of-state sales or power of attorney documents.
- A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature but does not check ownership, transfer legality, or the terms of any sale.
- You can find notaries at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, law offices, and some government offices — call ahead to confirm they handle car titles.
- Bring a valid government-issued ID, the unsigned title form, and any other documents your state requires, such as a bill of sale or odometer statement.
- Notary fees typically range from a few dollars to around $15 per signature, depending on your location and the notary's business.
When your state requires a notary for a car title
Requirements differ significantly by state. Some states require notarization for every title transfer, while others require it only when specific conditions are met. Common situations that trigger a notary requirement include selling a vehicle to someone else, transferring a title into a trust, signing a power of attorney for vehicle matters, or correcting errors on an existing title.
A few states require notarization only when the seller cannot appear in person at the motor vehicle office, or when the title is being transferred out of state. Others require it for all transfers without exception. Your state's motor vehicle department website lists the exact rules for your situation, or you can call their title section directly and describe what you are doing with the title.
If you are unsure whether notarization is required, check the title form itself — most state forms include a note about whether notarization is mandatory or optional. If the form does not say, contact your state's motor vehicle department before you have the title notarized, because paying for an unnecessary notarization wastes money and time.
Where to find a notary public
Notaries work at banks, credit unions, law offices, UPS stores, FedEx offices, and some government offices. Many are also independent contractors who work from home or small offices. The easiest way to find one near you is to search online for "notary public near me" or call your bank — most banks offer notary services to customers for free or a small fee.
Before you go, call ahead and confirm that the notary handles car titles. Some notaries will not notarize vehicle documents because they require special knowledge or because their insurance does not cover them. Ask whether they need you to bring anything besides your ID and the title form, and whether they charge a fee.
If you cannot find a notary locally, some states allow remote notarization — you sign the document on a video call with a notary, and they send you the notarized copy by mail. This is less common for car titles than for other documents, so ask your state's motor vehicle department whether remote notarization is accepted for your specific title transaction.
What to bring to the notary
Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check that your name matches the name on the title and that the ID has not expired. Bring the unsigned title form itself, not a photocopy. Some states require additional documents, such as a bill of sale, odometer statement, or proof of vehicle inspection, so check your state's requirements before you go.
Do not sign the title before you meet the notary. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it beforehand, the notary cannot notarize it, and you may have to request a new title form from your state's motor vehicle department.
If you are signing on behalf of someone else — for example, as a power of attorney — bring the power of attorney document itself, along with your ID and the person's ID if they are present. Some states require the principal (the person giving you power of attorney) to be present; others do not. Check your state's rules before the appointment.
Notary fees and what they cover
Notary fees vary widely depending on where you go and your location. Banks and credit unions often notarize for free if you are a customer. UPS stores, FedEx offices, and independent notaries typically charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some notaries charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature, so if your title requires two signatures, you might pay for two notarizations or one flat fee — ask before you commit.
The fee covers the notary's time to verify your ID, watch you sign, and explore their official seal and signature. It does not cover any other service, such as preparing the document, explaining the title transfer process, or giving legal information. If you need help understanding what you are signing, ask your state's motor vehicle department or a lawyer, not the notary.
After the notary notarizes your title
Once the notary has notarized the title, do not fold, tear, or damage the document. The notary's seal and signature must remain clear and readable, or your state's motor vehicle department may reject it. Make a photocopy for your records before you submit the original to the motor vehicle department.
Submit the notarized title to your state's motor vehicle department according to their instructions. Some states want you to mail it; others let you submit it in person or online. Check your state's website for the correct address, important date, and any other documents that must be submitted with the notarized title.
Keep a copy of the notarized title for your records until the motor vehicle department confirms that the transfer is complete and issues a new title in the new owner's name (or your name, if you are correcting an error).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a car title myself if I am a notary?
No. Most states prohibit notaries from notarizing documents they are personally involved in, including their own car titles. You must use a different notary. Check your state's rules to be certain, but this rule applies in nearly all states.
What if I lose the notarized title after the notary signs it?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a duplicate title. You will likely have to pay a small fee and provide proof of ownership. You do not need to have it notarized again unless your state requires notarization for duplicate title requests — most do not.
Does a notary check whether I actually own the car?
No. A notary only verifies your identity and watches you sign. They do not check ownership records, lien status, or whether the sale is legitimate. That responsibility falls on the buyer and the motor vehicle department when they process the transfer.
Can I use a notarized title from another state?
It depends on your state's rules. Some states accept notarizations from other states; others require notarization by a notary in their own state. Contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm whether an out-of-state notarization is acceptable for your transfer.
What if the notary makes a mistake on the seal or signature?
Contact the notary when ready and ask them to correct it or issue a new notarization. If they cannot fix it, you may need to request a new title form from your state's motor vehicle department and have it notarized again. Do not try to correct the notary's work yourself — the motor vehicle department will reject it.