Does a Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
Selling a car, a boat, equipment or a business’s assets? Whether the bill of sale needs a notary depends on where it’s going and who’s asking.
Quick answer
In California, a bill of sale generally doesn’t need to be notarized to be valid, and the DMV’s own bill of sale form doesn’t require it. Notarization is often requested anyway: some other states require notarized bills of sale for vehicle or boat registration, lenders and buyers may insist on it, and documents for export or use abroad usually need it. A notarized signature proves who signed, which helps if the sale is ever disputed.
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When to notarize
- The buyer will register the vehicle, boat or trailer in a state that requires a notarized bill of sale
- A lender, insurer or the buyer asks for it
- The item is being exported, or the document is going to another country (it may also need an apostille)
- A high-value private sale, where you want independent proof of who signed and when
- Business asset sales, when your attorney or the buyer’s counsel requires it
How it works
- Complete the bill of sale: buyer and seller, item description (VIN or hull or serial number), price, date and any “as is” language.
- The seller (and buyer, if the form calls for it) signs in front of the notary with acceptable ID.
- The notary completes the acknowledgment or jurat the form calls for, or you choose one if it has no notary wording.
We can’t draft the bill of sale or advise on taxes, DMV or registration rules. For vehicle titles specifically, see car title transfers.
Common questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in California?
Generally no. Notarization is common when another state, a lender or the buyer requires it, or when the document is going abroad.
Can you meet the buyer and seller together?
Yes. We can notarize both signatures at one appointment, anywhere in Los Angeles County.
Related guides
- Car Title TransfersWhen California and out-of-state vehicle titles need a notary.
- Affidavits & Sworn StatementsThe oath, the jurat, and when a declaration needs no notary.
- Acknowledgment vs. JuratThe two certificates notaries complete most often, side by side.
- Out-of-State & Foreign DocumentsDocuments headed to other states or countries: wording, venue and apostilles.
Need a notary? We come to you.
Mobile notary across Los Angeles County, open 24/7 by appointment. Book online or call (424) 484-9268.