Does a car title need to be notarized? It depends on the state. In Maryland, no: the MVA’s steps for a private seller have you fill out and sign the back of the title, with no notary step (MVA, Selling a Vehicle). Some states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming, do require a notary. Below is a Maryland-first guide, then a state-by-state list checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.
Do Maryland Titles Need to Be Notarized?
No. Maryland does not require a notary on a private title transfer, so you do not need a notary to sell a car in Maryland. The seller writes the buyer’s name and address, the sale price, the odometer reading and the date on the back of the title, and signs it. All owners must sign unless the title says “OR.” (MVA, Selling a Vehicle.)
If your title came from another state, ask that state’s DMV how the title must be signed, because its own notary rule may apply. If you aren’t sure, call the MVA or ask us. Gifting a car instead? The MVA’s gift page does not list a notary step either; see our guide on how to gift a car in Maryland. Adding a name to a title? See how to add someone to a car title in Maryland.
Does Maryland Require a Notarized Bill of Sale?
No. Per the MVA’s September 15, 2026 bulletin, a notarized bill of sale is no longer required for private sales of vehicles under 7 years old, effective October 1, 2026. A bill of sale signed by all sellers and buyers does not need to be notarized, and the MVA’s current Bill of Sale, Form VR-181 (10-26), has no notary section. If the price you report is more than $500 below the NADA value, the MVA may tax the NADA value unless you can document the lower price, and a bill of sale is one accepted record. (Sources: MVA bulletin, MVA Bill of Sale VR-181.)
For the full rule, read our Maryland notarized bill of sale update, and see what a Maryland bill of sale should include. Buying a car privately? Our tag and title checklist and guide to same-day plates after a private sale walk through the day.
States That Require a Notarized Car Title (2026)
Rules change, so always check the state’s own DMV before you sign. As of October 17, 2026, these states’ official sites say a notary is needed on the title (or a closely related signature), usually for the seller:
- Kentucky: Signatures on the signed-over title must be notarized, for the seller and the buyer. (Kentucky DRIVE)
- Louisiana: A private seller signs the title in front of a notary or two witnesses (the title’s witness section must be completed). Sales to or from a licensed Louisiana dealer on or after Jan. 1, 2023 are exempt. (Louisiana OMV Policy 2.00)
- North Carolina: On a North Carolina title, the seller’s signature must be notarized. For out-of-state titles, NCDMV follows that state’s rules. (NCDMV)
- Ohio: The seller signs the assignment on the back of the title in front of a notary. On the electronic-title form (BMV 3770) the buyer’s signature must be notarized too. (Ohio BMV)
- Oklahoma: An Oklahoma title must be properly assigned and notarized; an electronic title uses Form 718, which is also notarized. (Service Oklahoma)
- Pennsylvania: Sections A (seller) and D (buyer) are signed and notarized, or witnessed by an authorized PennDOT agent or dealership instead of a notary. Some out-of-state titles also need notarization. (PennDOT)
- Wyoming: The seller’s assignment must be signed and dated before a notarial officer. An electronic-signature option begins July 1, 2027. (Wyo. Stat. 31-2-104)
Which States Do Not Require a Notary on a Car Title?
Some states have changed or ease the rule, and some have no notary step in their private-sale instructions:
- Montana: No longer requires notarization of titles as of October 2025. (Montana MVD)
- Arizona: For a normal paper title, the seller signs the back and gives it to the buyer. A notary or MVD agent is needed only on Arizona’s Title Transfer Bill of Sale (Form 38-1306). (ADOT MVD)
- Hawaii: A notary is recommended, not required, for the seller’s signature. A notarized bill of sale is needed if the recorded owner can’t release the title. (Honolulu, Hawaii County)
- Alabama: Does not require the title assignment to be notarized. (Alabama Dept. of Revenue)
- Texas, Georgia, Michigan and South Carolina: Their official private-sale instructions list the seller signing the title and do not list a notary step. (TxDMV, Georgia DOR, Michigan SOS, SCDMV) Texas does require notarization for some other documents, such as a gift affidavit (unless signed in front of a county tax office employee) and an Affidavit of Heirship (TxDMV FAQ).
- West Virginia: Both parties sign the title, but a notarized bill of sale is required if a private sale price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value. (WV DMV)
- California and Florida: No notary needed for an ordinary private sale. (California DMV, Florida FLHSMV)
Check your own state’s DMV for dealer sales, power of attorney, gifts, inheritance and out-of-state titles.
Buying a Car From a Notary State and Titling It in Maryland
Ask the seller to complete the title the way the state that issued it requires. For example, if the title is from Ohio or Kentucky, the seller should have the signature notarized before you pay. The MVA does not publish a rule on this that we could find, so if you are unsure, call the MVA or bring the paperwork to us. See our tag and title services and, if you need to drive meanwhile, the Maryland 30-day temporary tag guide.
Should You Notarize a Car Title Anyway?
If your state, or the state on your title, calls for a notary, get it done before you hand over the keys. Where it’s optional, a notary is an extra record of who signed. Maryland Express Services is an authorized tag and title agent, not the MVA. We can help you check your paperwork and, where you need it, notarize signatures at our Reisterstown office.
Frequently asked questions
Does a car title need to be notarized?
It depends on the state. Maryland doesn’t require a notary on a private title transfer; the seller signs the back of the title. Some states, such as Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming, do require notarized signatures. Check the DMV for the state on your title. (MVA)
Do you need a notary to sell a car in Maryland?
No. The MVA’s steps for a private seller are to fill out the back of the title (buyer’s name and address, sale price, odometer reading, owner signature(s) and date) and consider providing a bill of sale with the names and signatures of the buyer and seller. None of these steps calls for a notary. (MVA)
Does Maryland require a notarized bill of sale?
No. The MVA ended the notarized bill of sale requirement for private sales of vehicles under 7 years old on October 1, 2026, and its current Bill of Sale, Form VR-181 (10-26), has no notary section. (MVA bulletin, VR-181)
Do you need a notary to sign over a car title?
Only if your state requires it. In Maryland, no. In Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming, yes, and North Carolina requires it on North Carolina titles. Louisiana accepts a notary or two witnesses, and Pennsylvania accepts a notary or an authorized agent. Check the state on your title before you sign. (Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wyoming, NCDMV, Louisiana, PennDOT)
Which states require a notarized car title?
Among the states we checked on official sites: Kentucky, Louisiana (or two witnesses), North Carolina (NC titles), Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (or an authorized agent) and Wyoming. Montana no longer requires it as of October 2025, and Alabama says it does not. This list is not every state, so confirm with your own DMV. (Montana MVD, Alabama DOR)
Does a car title need to be notarized in NC?
On a North Carolina title, yes. NCDMV says an original North Carolina title must also be notarized. For out-of-state titles, NCDMV recognizes that state’s requirements. (NCDMV)
Does a car title need to be notarized in Ohio?
Yes. On a paper title, the Ohio BMV says the seller must have their signature(s) notarized. On the electronic-title form (BMV 3770), the buyer’s signature(s) must be notarized too. (Ohio BMV)
Does a car title need to be notarized in Arizona?
Not for a normal paper title; the seller signs the back and gives it to the buyer. A notary or MVD agent is needed only on Arizona’s Title Transfer Bill of Sale (Form 38-1306). (ADOT MVD)
Does a car title need to be notarized in Texas, Georgia, Michigan or South Carolina?
Their official private-sale instructions have the seller sign the title and do not list a notary step. Texas does require notarization for some other documents, such as a gift affidavit unless it is signed in front of a county tax office employee. (TxDMV, Georgia DOR, Michigan SOS, SCDMV, TxDMV FAQ)
I’m buying a car from a notary state and titling it in Maryland. What should I do?
Ask the seller to complete the title the way the state that issued it requires, for example notarized if that state requires it. We couldn’t find an MVA page that states a rule for this case, so call the MVA if you are unsure. You can also bring the paperwork to Maryland Express Services, an authorized agent (not the MVA), and we can review it before you submit it.
References
Maryland MVA: Selling a Vehicle; Giving a Vehicle as a Gift; Sept. 15, 2026 bulletin; Bill of Sale VR-181. State sources are linked above.
Article prepared by Maryland Express Services (MES), an authorized tag and title agent in Reisterstown, Maryland. MES is not the MVA. General information, not legal advice. Last updated: October 17, 2026.
