Selling Your Car? Know Your State’s Notarization Requirements for Title Transfers

The following states require you to notarize your title when selling your car:

• Montana
• Ohio
• North Carolina
• Louisiana
• Pennsylvania
• Oklahoma
• Kentucky
• Arizona

If you live in any of the above states and plan to sell your car, you’ll need to notarize your title before you can complete the sale of your vehicle. In this article, we will explore which states require notarization of car titles and what you need to know before selling your vehicle.

Understanding Car Title Notarization

When selling a car, one of the important steps you need to take is notarizing the car title. Notarization is a legal process that involves the certification of a signature on a legal document by a notary public. This section will help you understand the importance of car title notarization, the role of a notary public, and the legal implications of notarizing a car title.

What Is Notarization?

Notarization is a process that involves the certification of a signature on a legal document by a notary public. A notary public is a public official who is authorized by the state government to witness and certify signatures on legal documents. Notarization is important because it helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the person signing the document is the person they claim to be.

State-Specific Notarization Requirements

When it comes to selling a car, notarization of the title transfer is required in some states. It is important to understand your state’s notarization process to avoid any potential roadblocks in the selling process. Here are some state-specific notarization requirements to keep in mind:

States Requiring Notarization for Title Transfer

In Montana, Ohio, North Carolina, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Arizona, notarization of the title transfer is required. In these states, the seller and buyer must sign the title in front of a notary public. The notary will then verify the signatures and stamp the title to make it official.

Understanding Your State’s Notarization Process

State requirements for notarization can vary, so it is important to check with your local DMV to understand your state’s specific process. In some states, the notary public may also be required to verify the seller’s identity by checking their driver’s license or other government-issued ID.

It is also important to note that notarization fees can vary by state and by notary public. Make sure to check with your local DMV or notary public to understand any potential fees associated with notarizing the title transfer.

How To Get Your Title Notarized

Notarizing the title is a process that involves a notary public verifying the identity of the seller and certifying the signature on the title certificate. Typical places to find a notary public near you are law firms, real estate offices, accountants, UPS stores, etc. You can do a quick Google search for “Notary near me” and it’ll give you a list of Notary Publics close to you.
Here is what you need to know about the notarization process:

Preparing for Notarization

Before the appointment, make sure you have the vehicle title certificate, a valid government-issued ID, and the odometer reading. You should also verify with the buyer if notarization is required in your state. If it is, you can find a notary public by searching online or checking with your bank or local post office.

During the Notarization Appointment

During the appointment, the notary public will verify your identity and witness you signing the title certificate. They will then affix their notary public stamp and sign the certificate of title, certifying that the signature is valid. The notary public may also ask for the odometer reading to be recorded on the title certificate.

After Notarization

After notarization, you can transfer ownership of the vehicle to the buyer. Make sure to provide the buyer with the notarized title certificate, a bill of sale, and any other necessary documents required by your state. The buyer can then take these documents to the DMV to complete the vehicle transfer and receive a new title certificate in their name.

Overall, notarizing the title is a simple process that helps to ensure a valid transfer of ownership. Make sure to check with your state’s requirements and follow the steps outlined in this guide to notarize your title correctly.

Common Notarization Mistakes to Avoid

When selling a car and notarizing the title, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could cause delays or even invalidate the notarization. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect Signature Placement

One of the most common mistakes when notarizing a car title is placing the signature in the wrong location. Each state has specific requirements for where the seller and buyer must sign the title. Make sure you carefully read the instructions on the title and sign in the correct location. If you sign in the wrong place, you may need to get a new title and start the process over again.

Failing to Verify All Details

Before you sign the title, make sure you verify all the details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), the seller’s name, and the purchase price. If any of these details are incorrect, the notarization may be invalidated. Take the time to double-check everything before signing the title.

Not Using Blue or Black Ink

Many states require that the title be signed in blue or black ink. Using any other color can cause the notarization to be rejected. Make sure you have a blue or black pen on hand when signing the title.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that the notarization process goes smoothly and that the title is properly transferred to the new owner. Remember to also factor in the notary fee when selling your car, as this can vary by state.

Recap

So, if you’re looking to sell your car, double check what state your title is from before signing/completing the title. If your title is from 1 of the notary states listed above, you’ll need to get your title notarized in order to sell your car. Many cash for cars companies have a support team that can assist you and walk you through the process if you have any questions or concerns.

Our staff is ready to help you today if you have any questions or are ready to move forward in selling your car.