Does a Car Title Need to Be Notarized?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Sometimes—but not always. Whether a car title needs to be notarized depends on your state’s DMV rules (and sometimes the specific form or situation, like a lienholder or a bill of sale).
This guide explains when notarization is required, common exceptions, and how to avoid the title-transfer mistakes that can delay registration.
- State Rules Control the Answer: Some states require notarized title signatures, while others don’t or only require notarization in special situations.
- Exceptions Are Common: Lienholder sections, replacement-title forms, and certain bill of sale rules can trigger notarization even in states that “usually” don’t require it.
- Don’t Pre-Sign if Notarization Is Needed: If a notary must witness the signature, signing early can lead to a rejected transfer and delays.
- Verify Before You Pay Fees: Use your DMV’s title-transfer instructions for your exact scenario (private sale, out-of-state title, gift, lien) to avoid duplicate trips.
- Quick Answer: It Depends on Your State
- Examples of State Notarization Rules
- When Notarization Is Commonly Required
- How to Notarize a Car Title
- What If the Title Was Signed but Not Notarized?
- Where to Get a Car Title Notarized
- Does Notarizing the Title Affect Car Insurance?
- Final Answer: Does a Car Title Need to Be Notarized?
- FAQs on Car Title Notarization
Quick Answer: It Depends on Your State
Some states require notarization for private-party title transfers. Others don’t—or only require it in specific cases (like replacement-title forms, lienholder sections, or certain bill of sale situations).
| Example Rule | What It Means for You | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization required for title assignment | You’ll typically need the seller (and sometimes the buyer) to sign in front of a notary before the DMV will process the transfer. | Check your state’s titling/“buying or selling” page (DMV/BMV/OMV). |
| Notarization not required (even if there’s a notary box) | You can still transfer the title without a notary—provided the assignment section is completed correctly. | Look for official DMV procedures or title-transfer instructions. |
| Notarization required only in certain scenarios | You may only need notarization for specific forms (duplicate title, lienholder section, bill of sale thresholds, etc.). | Read the DMV’s FAQ or procedure manual for your exact form and scenario. |
Quick tip: Don’t sign the title “ahead of time.” If notarization is required, most states expect you to sign in front of the notary—signing early is a common reason titles get rejected.
Examples of State Notarization Rules
Rules can change, and exceptions are common. The safest move is always to verify with your state DMV. Here are examples of how different states handle notarization, based on official guidance:
| State (Example) | What the Guidance Says (High-Level) | Official Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Seller signature on the title assignment for a used vehicle must be notarized. | Ohio BMV: Titles |
| Pennsylvania | Seller signature on the PA title must be notarized or verified. | PennDOT: Buying or Selling a Vehicle |
| Kentucky | Signatures on a signed-over Kentucky title must be notarized. | KY DRIVE: Vehicle Titling |
| Louisiana | Notary requirements apply in many transfer situations, with specific exceptions and dates. | Louisiana OMV Guidance (PDF) |
| Florida | Notarization is not required in the Florida title’s “Transfer of Title by Seller” section (even if a notary space appears). | FLHSMV Procedure TL-11 (PDF) |
| California | Notarization may be required only in certain cases (example: a specific section of a replacement/transfer form when a lienholder is involved). | CA DMV: Title Transfers and Changes |
| Maryland | A notary may be required if you present a bill of sale in certain situations (Maryland has specific thresholds and rules). | MD MVA: Buying a Vehicle |
Important: If you’re buying a vehicle titled in another state, the notarization rules that matter might be your state’s rules, the other state’s rules, or both—depending on how that out-of-state title is formatted and what your DMV requires for conversion.
When Notarization Is Commonly Required
Even in states that don’t require notarization for every title transfer, you may still need it in certain scenarios:
- Private-party sales in states that require notarized signatures on the title assignment
- Duplicate/replacement title paperwork or specific DMV forms that include a notary section
- Lienholder or legal-owner situations, where a DMV form section must be notarized
- Bill of sale requirements in states that require a notarized bill of sale in certain pricing/vehicle-age situations
- Power of attorney, estate transfers, or other special ownership scenarios that require notarized signatures
How to Notarize a Car Title
If your state requires notarization, this is the safest way to handle it:
- Confirm the requirement. Check your state DMV’s title-transfer instructions for your exact scenario (private sale, out-of-state title, duplicate title, lienholder, etc.).
- Bring the right people. If your state requires the seller’s signature notarized, the seller must appear before the notary. Some states also require the buyer’s signature notarized.
- Bring valid ID. The notary must verify identity. Each signer should bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Complete the title carefully. Use legal names, fill out odometer disclosures (when required), and avoid cross-outs and white-out. Errors can force a duplicate-title process.
- Sign in front of the notary. Don’t pre-sign. The notary will witness the signature and complete the notarial certificate/stamp.
Quick tip: Before you leave the notary, double-check that the notary completed the stamp/seal and any required notarial wording—missing details can cause the DMV to reject the paperwork.
What If the Title Was Signed but Not Notarized?
If notarization is required and the seller already signed the title without a notary, your DMV may reject the transfer. In many cases, the practical fix is simple:
- Contact the seller and meet again with a notary (with IDs) so the signature can be properly witnessed.
- Do not alter the title (no white-out, no scribbling). If the title becomes “mutilated,” you may need a duplicate title.
- Call your DMV for the official remedy, especially if the seller is unavailable or out of state.
Notary organizations commonly advise buyers to contact the DMV for next steps when notarization is missing and required.
National Notary Association guidance on checking DMV requirements
Where to Get a Car Title Notarized
Common places to find a notary include banks/credit unions, shipping stores, county clerk offices, and some DMV-authorized title/registration offices. Fees and availability vary by state and location.
Note: Remote online notarization (RON) is legal in many states for certain documents, but DMVs don’t always accept RON for vehicle-title transactions. If you’re considering RON, confirm acceptance with your DMV before you pay for an online notarization.
Does Notarizing the Title Affect Car Insurance?
Notarization is about verifying signatures for ownership paperwork—it doesn’t automatically change your insurance. But once ownership changes, you should update the policy details (named insured, garaging address, drivers, lienholder) so your coverage matches reality. Registration steps may also require proof of insurance depending on the state.
Final Answer: Does a Car Title Need to Be Notarized?
Sometimes. The requirement depends on your state and your situation. If you’re unsure, check your state DMV’s title-transfer page and follow the exact instructions for your title type (in-state vs. out-of-state), ownership scenario, and required forms.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Title and notarization rules vary by state and can change—always verify with your state DMV for your specific transaction.
