Notarizing a car title during the sale of a vehicle ensures that all signatures on the documents are authentic. Notarizing provides the guarantee should a question ever arise about the authenticity of the transaction. During the sale of a vehicle, notarizing a bill of sale assures that both parties have agreed to the terms of the document, blocking the chance of fraud. Not all states require a notarized bill of sale. Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles for your state's requirements.
Determine the sale price of the vehicle. Compare the condition of your vehicle to the selling price of those on the market. Edmunds True Market Value and Kelley Blue Book are popular resources to determine how much a car is worth.
Locate a buyer and discuss the terms of sale.
Create a bill of sale to include all terms between both the buyer and seller. Include important details such as the date of sale, price, condition, and payment terms.
This document is best created typed with clear verbiage to explain the details of the transaction. Include the name and address of both the buyer and seller, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), vehicle condition at the time of possession, and payment amount and terms. A handwritten bill of sale is acceptable as long as it is signed by all parties.
It may be typed in a standard word-processing program, or a template may be used. Ensure templates contain all the areas of the sale that need to be covered. Include a space for the date and printed names and signatures at the end of the document indicating acceptance of all previously written terms. Label the signatures as "Buyer" and "Seller" respectively.
Locate a Notary Public in your area. The Notary Public National Registry allows you to search by ZIP code for Notary Publics in your area. Local businesses such as insurance agencies, post offices, bail bond companies and banks often employ notary publics as well.
Sign the bill of sale with the seller and the Notary Public as signing witnesses.
Take the notarized documents to your local DMV to officially relinquish responsibility of the sold vehicle.
