Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Learn why a notarized bill of sale makes for a smoother transfer of ownership and why, in certain states and circumstances, it’s legally required.

Ever wonder why some bills of sale need to be notarized and others not? Depending on the type needed, notarization can be required by local, state, or federal law. And to make the transfer of ownership not just smoother but also more secure, a notary — someone who’s state authorized to act in legal affairs — has to witness your document’s signing. Read on to learn how to make this process easier for you.

Why is a notarized bill of sale important?

Even if you’re not legally required to get a bill of sale notarized, it’s a good idea to do so anyway for the following reasons:

• A notarized bill of sale protects both the seller and the buyer from fraud or scams
• Notarizing the bill of sale ensures a smoother transfer of ownership
• Even if a notarized bill of sale isn’t required for the immediate sale or purchase, it may be required for future paperwork

Notarizing a bill of sale gives both buyers and sellers more confidence in the transaction. Plus, with the right tools, getting a notarized bill of sale can be done conveniently online.

How do I get a bill of sale notarized?

Most buyers and sellers have two options to get a bill of sale notarized.

• Visit a notary in person at banks, parcel shipping businesses, libraries, real estate firms, and more
• Get a notary’s signature online via a digital document

The easiest way to complete your transaction is to create, sign, and share an electronic bill of sale. E-bills of sale can be notarized without leaving home and offer a fast and easy way to legally sign documents from nearly any device and from anywhere.

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