Quick answer: A bill of sale doesn’t always need to be notarized, but several states require it for vehicle and boat sales, and notarizing any high-value sale helps prevent disputes. You can notarize a bill of sale online with a commissioned notary over video. USCG-documented vessels must have the seller’s signature notarized.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
A bill of sale is a document recording the transfer of an item, usually a vehicle, boat, or other high-value property, from a seller to a buyer. Whether it must be notarized depends on two things: the state where the sale or title transfer happens, and the type of item being sold.
In most everyday sales, notarization is optional but recommended, it verifies both parties’ identities and helps prevent later disputes about who signed. But for certain vehicles and boats, a state or agency requires a notarized bill of sale before it will process the transfer. The safest move is to confirm the rule before you sell, using what documents require notarization.
Which states require a notarized bill of sale?
Most states don’t require a notarized bill of sale, but a notable group requires it for vehicle sales before a title transfer:
| State | Vehicle bill of sale notarization |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | Required |
| Montana | Required |
| Nebraska | Required |
| Maryland | Required (certain sales) |
| New Hampshire | Required |
| West Virginia | Required |
| Texas, Pennsylvania, most others | Not required (notarizing or witnessing still recommended) |
Because these rules change and depend on the issuing state, confirm with your state motor vehicle agency and the notarization requirements by state before you sign.
Bill of sale by type: vehicle, boat, and firearm
The right answer depends on what you’re selling:
- Vehicle: Notarization is required in the states above before a title transfer, elsewhere it’s optional but protects both parties. Don’t sign until you’re with the notary.
- Boat / watercraft: Many states that register watercraft require a notarized bill of sale, and USCG-documented vessels must have the seller’s signature notarized (Form CG-1340). For the full boat-specific rules, see vessel documentation notarization requirements, and grab the watercraft bill of sale template to fill in first.
- Firearm: Federal law doesn’t require a notarized firearm bill of sale, and most states don’t either but some private sellers notarize one to confirm both parties’ identities and keep a clean record.
When in doubt, notarizing a high-value sale rarely hurts and often helps if a dispute or title question arises later.
How to notarize a bill of sale online: step by step
- Confirm your state and item require (or benefit from) notarization: A 60-second check tells you whether it’s mandatory or just smart protection and prevents a rejected title transfer.
- Fill out the bill of sale completely, but don’t sign yet: Enter the item details (VIN, hull number, make/model), sale price, and both parties’ information. The notary must watch the signing, so leave signatures blank.
- Create an account and upload the bill of sale as a PDF: A platform like BlueNotary connects you with a commissioned online notary, usually within about 15 minutes, 24/7.
- Verify your identity: Complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and a government photo ID scan. Your name must match the bill of sale.
- Sign on the live video call: The notary confirms your identity and willingness, watches you (and the other party, if required) sign, then applies the tamper-evident electronic seal. Here’s how online notarization works in full.
- Download the notarized bill of sale and submit it: Save the sealed document and file it with the DMV, titling agency, or keep it for your records.
Common mistakes that cause problems
- Assuming notarization is never needed: Several states require it for vehicle/boat title transfers.
- Signing before the session: The notary must witness the signature, pre-signed forms are void.
- Missing item details: A blank VIN, hull number, or sale price can invalidate the document.
- Only the seller signs when both are required: Some states/agencies want both parties’ signatures notarized.
- Skipping the USCG rule for documented vessels: The seller’s signature must be notarized on Form CG-1340.
Conclusion
Whether your bill of sale needs notarizing comes down to your state and the item, it’s mandatory for vehicle title transfers in states like Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Maryland, New Hampshire, and West Virginia, common for registered boats, required for USCG-documented vessels, and optional-but-smart for most other high-value sales. Whatever the case, fill the document out fully, sign it live in front of the notary, and keep the sealed copy for the DMV or your records.
Selling a car, boat, or other big-ticket item? Notarize your bill of sale online with a commissioned notary on BlueNotary in about 15 minutes, 24/7, both parties can join from different locations. Not sure your sale even needs a notary? Check the notarization requirements by state first.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not always. It depends on your state and the item. Several states require a notarized bill of sale for vehicle or boat title transfers, while most other sales make it optional but recommended.
Which states require a notarized bill of sale?
States including Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Maryland, New Hampshire, and West Virginia require a notarized vehicle bill of sale before a title transfer. Most other states don’t require it.
Can you notarize a bill of sale online?
Yes. You can notarize a bill of sale online through remote online notarization, you upload the document, verify your ID, and sign on a live video call while the notary applies an electronic seal.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In some states, yes. It’s required before a title transfer. In others it’s optional, though notarizing or witnessing the signature is still recommended for protection.
Does a firearm bill of sale need to be notarized?
Federal law doesn’t require it, and most states don’t either. Some private sellers still notarize one to confirm identities and keep a clear record of the sale.
Do both buyer and seller need to sign a bill of sale?
Both parties typically sign, but notarization usually focuses on the seller’s signature. Some states or agencies require both signatures to be notarized, so confirm your local rule.
