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The bottom line: Seven states require a notarized vehicle title when selling or transferring ownership: Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. If your state isn’t on this list, no notarization is required.
In most of these states, only the seller’s signature needs to be notarized. Kentucky and Ohio also involve the buyer’s signature at the same notary visit.
Louisiana has an extra step. It also requires the bill of sale to be notarized, not just the title.
Rules change over time. Montana dropped its notary requirement in late 2025, so a state on an older list may no longer belong there. Always confirm with your state before you sign.
If you’d rather skip the paperwork that comes with a private sale, you can compare offers from multiple buyers and sell to a dealer or online buyer instead.
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States That Require a Notarized Title (7 States)
| State | Who Must Sign |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | Buyer and seller |
| Louisiana | Seller only |
| North Carolina | Buyer and seller |
| Ohio | Seller only |
| Oklahoma | Seller only |
| Pennsylvania | Seller only |
| Wyoming | Seller only |
Kentucky
Title notarization in Kentucky is required. Kentucky requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized for any transfer, and the buyer's signature must also be notarized when both parties are signing the application. The county clerk can notarize both signatures on the spot for $2.00 per signature. Bring a government-issued photo ID, and make sure the name on your ID matches the name on the title exactly.
If there are multiple owners on the title, each person needs their signature notarized. They don’t have to do it at the same time.
Louisiana
Title notarization in Louisiana is required. Louisiana requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized before transfer. An authorized agent of a federally insured financial institution may witness the assignment instead of a notary when a lien is being recorded at the time of transfer.
Louisiana also stands out on the bill of sale: notarization is required, the bill of sale must be original and notarized. Plan for two notarizations. If you’re handling the sale for a deceased person, you’ll need court documents proving you’re the legal representative in addition to the title and ID.
North Carolina
Title notarization in North Carolina is required. The rule is that both you and the buyer must sign the title in front of a licensed notary at the same appointment. Bring a photo ID and the completed original title.
Ohio
Title notarization in Ohio is required. The rule is that only the seller's signature must be notarized, but the buyer typically signs the odometer acknowledgment at the same notary visit. If one party can’t be present, they’ll need to provide a notarized power of attorney.
Oklahoma
Title notarization in Oklahoma is required. The rule is that only the seller's signature needs to be witnessed by a notary, not the buyer's. The state moved to electronic titles in 2025, and the notarized signature carries over to that process too.
Pennsylvania
Title notarization in Pennsylvania is required. The rule is that the seller's signature on the title must be notarized or verified by an authorized PennDOT agent at a notary public, tag service, or licensed motor vehicle dealer. Plan to sign in front of that agent rather than at a standard DMV counter.
Wyoming
Title notarization in Wyoming is required. The rule is that all persons whose names are on the title must sign in front of a notary; for titles issued on or after Jan. 1, 2020 with names joined by """"""""or"""""""" and not designated JTWROS, only one owner's notarized signature is required. Keep a copy of the notarized title and a signed bill of sale as your proof that the transfer happened.
What to Know Before You Go to the Notary
Don’t sign before you get there. The notary has to watch you sign the document. If you sign ahead of time, the notarization is not valid and you’ll have to start over with a duplicate title.
Bring the right ID. Government-issued photo ID is required. Your driver’s license works fine. The name on your ID must match the name on the title exactly.
Check for a lien. If there’s still money owed on the car, the lender may need to be involved in the title transfer. Confirm this before you schedule notarization.
Out-of-state sales have different rules. This guide covers in-state private sales. If you’re selling to someone in another state, requirements may vary depending on where the title was issued and where the buyer will register the car. Always check with both states’ DMV offices before completing the transfer.
Laws change. State DMV rules are updated regularly. Always confirm the current rules with your state’s official DMV website before completing any title transfer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I sign the title before seeing the notary?
The notary can’t stamp a pre-signed document. You’d have to apply for a duplicate title from your state DMV, wait for it to arrive, and start the process over.
Can I use an online notary for a vehicle title?
Some states accept remote online notarization for vehicle titles, and some do not.
Check with your state DMV before booking an online notary session, since the rules differ by state.
Does the notarization requirement apply when selling to a dealership?
In these seven states, the notarization requirement generally applies to title transfers.
Confirm the specific requirement directly with the dealership before the sale, since dealers may handle parts of the paperwork for you.
What states require the bill of sale to be notarized?
Among the states that require a notarized title, Louisiana also requires the bill of sale to be notarized.
If you’re selling privately, make sure you understand both requirements for your state.
Learn more: What States Require a Bill of Sale to Be Notarized
What if I’m selling to someone in another state?
Out-of-state sales can involve requirements from both states. The rules depend on where the current title was issued and where the buyer plans to register the car.
Check with both states’ DMV offices before completing the transfer.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Out of State
Where can I find a notary for a vehicle title?
Banks, UPS stores, AAA offices, and many credit unions offer notary services. Some states also let you sign at a vehicle licensing office or tag agency.
Call ahead to confirm they can notarize a vehicle title and what ID they need.
Article Update History
State notarization requirements don't change often, but we verified every state on this list against current DMV sources and corrected two facts that had changed since this article was last updated. The 10 states listed here still require notarization.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
Sources
"required" Accessed May 31, 2026
"required" Accessed Jun. 1, 2026
"required" Accessed May 3, 2026
"required" Accessed Jun. 9, 2026
"required" Accessed Jun. 6, 2026
Title Notarization Explanation
"only the seller's signature needs to be witnessed by a notary, not the buyer's" Accessed Jun. 6, 2026
"required" Accessed May 10, 2026
"required" Accessed Jun. 19, 2026