In some states, you should notarize your car title, often known as pink slips or certificates of title, before a transaction. Regardless of the law, you may want to have your car title notarized.
The title is one of the most important documents you’ll sign when buying or selling a car. Many individuals choose to have the title notarized even if state law does not mandate it.
Way.com’s guide will answer your questions about how to notarize your car title. First, learn about the notarization of car titles. Then, learn how to draught and authenticate any legal document in less than five minutes.
How to notarize a car title
A notary is a person authorized to perform specific legal procedures. This frequently involves the authentication of documents. However, legalities can vary significantly from state to state. So it is in your best interest to read the fine print on your title and check your state’s laws.
The last thing you want to discover after completing a transaction is that you cannot legally sign the car to someone else.
Does your car title need to be notarized?
Some states require that car titles be notarized to be valid. Therefore, before concluding the purchase or sale, you should inquire with your local DMV about the applicable laws and requirements, as they vary by state.
Even if the state in which you are selling or buying a car does not require notarization, you can still have the title notarized. Notarization ensures that the buyer and seller have been properly identified, have signed the title voluntarily, and are aware of its contents.
The notarized car title protects both parties who sign it:
- The buyer will benefit from notarizing the car title because it will ensure that they are the car’s legal owner.
- The seller will notarize the sale if something occurs before the buyer registers the vehicle.
Depending on the state, only the seller or both signing parties are required to appear before the notary when the title is notarized. After visiting the local DMV, you will learn more about your state’s laws.
What are the required documents?
Don’t forget to bring the vehicle’s title and a few forms of identification. In some states, notarizing a car sale may not be necessary. However, others will require you to have multiple documents on hand to notarize a car’s sale.
On the day of the signing, it is more likely that everything will go smoothly if you have all the necessary documents organized and readily available. When a notary signs your contract, they are vouching that all parties will uphold their end of the bargain, and the documentation you bring supports your claim.
Where can I get a title notarized?
You can have your car title, will, affidavit, or any other legal document notarized in a few ways—by:
- Visiting a notary’s office, bank, AAA store, UPS facility, or any other institution that offers notary services
- Hiring a traveling notary
- Registering for an online notary service
The problem with the traditional notarization procedure—going to the notary’s office—is that it’s time-consuming.
- Find a nearby notary
- Set up a meeting
- Bring the car title and other required documents to the notary’s office
- Provide your ID
- Sign the title before the notary public
- Pay the notary fees (The typical fee ranges from $4 to $10, depending on your residence state.)
If you don’t feel like going to the notary’s office, you can schedule an appointment with a mobile notary. They will come to your preferred location to perform the notarial act. Consider that when you hire a mobile notary. You will also be responsible for travel expenses and the standard notary service fees.
Once you arrive at your appointment with all the necessary paperwork, the notary will typically walk you through the process. The title must be signed in blue or black ink before the notary. As evidence, the notary will stamp or sign and seal the title after the signing is complete.
What states require a title to be notarized?
Not every state requires a title to be notarized publicly before a sale. Montana, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina are the only states in which notaries public are required by law.
Check your state’s laws to determine which parties must be present at the signing. Certain states, including Ohio, require both the buyer and seller to sign.
How do I know if the document is notarized?
It should state “Notary Public” or a similar phrase to prove that the document has been notarized.
Here’s more info on top-rated airport parking, the best parking spots in your city, affordable auto insurance, easy Auto refinance, and high-quality car washes near you.
