Can you do a bill of sale remotely?

Do both parties need to be present for a bill of sale?

For a bill of sale, both buyer and seller typically need to sign, but not always at the same time or place; however, if notarization is required (often for vehicles), both parties usually must appear before the notary, or one can use a notarized power of attorney, with specific presence rules varying by state law for vehicle title transfers. 

What makes a bill of sale legal?

A bill of sale generally includes the transacting parties' contact information, a description of the item sold, all warranties made by the seller, any conditions attached to the sale, the date of transfer, price, payment schedule(s), and the parties' signatures–among other provisions.

How much do remote online notaries charge?

Remote Online Notary (RON) costs for consumers typically range from $10 to $25 per document/seal, depending on the platform, with extras for more signers or witnesses, while notaries themselves face startup costs (fees, tech) but can charge up to $25 per notarization in many states, plus platform transaction fees. Expect $25 for a basic notarization (one seal/signer) on services like Notarize or Online Notary Center and $10 for additional seals/signers, plus potential witness fees.
 

What is the best remote online notary platform?

The best RON platform for notaries depends on needs (independent vs. enterprise, high volume vs. starting out), with top contenders including Notarize (Proof) for its industry leadership, ease of use, and strong support, OneNotary for flexibility with existing clients, DocVerify for reliability and lower cost, NotaryCam/Safedocs for international/enterprise needs, and Cyberiz Light/Notary Hub for cost-effectiveness and independent control, all while ensuring state approval. 

Can a North Carolina notary notarize a document from another state?

So, can a notary public notarize out-of-state documents? The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.

Which states allow remote Notary?

States that have passed remote online notarization laws

• Virginia.
• Montana.
• Texas.
• Nevada.
• Indiana.
• Tennessee.
• Minnesota.
• Vermont.

Does location of Notary matter?

Yes, the location of the notary matters significantly because they must be physically within the borders of their commissioning state when performing an act, and the "venue" (place) listed on the document must accurately reflect the county and state where the notarization physically occurred, not where the document is from or where the notary lives, to establish their authority. A notary's commission grants authority only in their specific state, meaning they cannot notarize if physically in another state or country (with rare exceptions for special commissions).
 

Can you use DocuSign to notarize?

Securely sign and notarize agreements online with the Docusign experience you know and love. Deliver remote online notarization (RON) to customers with 24/7 access to a pool of notaries or with your own notaries. Or simply notarize a document instantly.

What are common mistakes on a bill of sale?

Common mistakes on a bill of sale (BOS) include missing or incorrect information (names, addresses, VIN, mileage, price), omitting signatures, failing to get it notarized when required, not disclosing item defects/liens, and improper corrections (like using white-out), all leading to title transfer issues, disputes, or voided sales. Getting the details right and following state laws prevents major headaches.
 

How to get a notarized bill of sale online?

Notaries on the Notarize Network are always online and available 24/7.

1. Upload or scan your document. ...
2. Create a Proof account. ...
3. Verify your connection. ...
4. Verify your identity. ...
5. Connect with a notary on a video call. ...
6. Access your completed document. ...
7. Download or send document to another person.

Does an NC bill of sale need to be notarized?

In North Carolina, bills of sale presented for registration of a motor vehicle or vessel must be notarized.

How do you notarize remotely?

The signer contacts the Notary or a RON service provider to request a remote online notarization. The signer's document is sent to the Notary so it can be signed and notarized. Typically, the document is uploaded in an electronic format such as PDF to the online technology platform used to perform the notarization.

How much does DocuSign notary cost?

Per-Notarization Fees

DocuSign charges per notarization event, which includes the video session, ID verification, and journaling (a digital record of the act). Official 2025 pricing (U.S. region, annual billing) lists: Standard Notarization: $10–$25 per session.

How much money can you make as a remote online notary?

Remote Online Notary (RON) earnings vary widely, from $25-$75 per act, with part-timers earning $15k-$30k/year and full-timers potentially hitting $50k-$100k+ annually, depending on client volume, fees (up to $25-$30/act in some states), and effort. Some platforms pay less ($5-$10 per act), while specialized loan signings can yield $60-$200 per transaction, making location and niche important factors for higher income. 

Is remote online notary worth it?

Remote online notarizations are more secure than traditional, in-person notarizations through a number of key security features, but perhaps the greatest fraud deterrent is the recorded video session.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document. 

Can banks notarize documents for free?

Yes, many banks offer free notary services, especially for their account holders, as a perk, but it's not guaranteed and policies vary, so always call ahead to confirm availability, fees (if any for non-customers), and if they notarize your specific document type, as some banks restrict certain documents or only serve customers. 

Will a bill of sale hold up in court?

Key Takeaways: A bill of sale is generally a binding legal document that records the transfer of ownership of goods, commonly vehicles and livestock. Although similar to a contract, a bill of sale may not cover all elements such as warranties or payment terms.

Is a handwritten bill of sale legit?

Yes, a bill of sale can absolutely be handwritten and is legally valid as long as it's legible and includes all essential details like buyer/seller info, item description, price, and date, though some high-value or vehicle sales might require specific state forms or notarization, so checking local requirements is key. For informal sales, a handwritten note is fine, but typed versions offer better clarity and storage.
 

Do I need a lawyer to write a bill of sale?

You can usually write a motor vehicle bill of sale without a lawyer's help. Preprinted forms or online templates can provide information to include in your bill of sale. However, using a form specific to your state is essential. Different states have different legal requirements for a bill of sale.