Do both parties have to be present to get a bill of sale notarized?
Asked by: Lisandro Mills | Last update: September 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (43 votes)
A notary public or public official needs to witness both parties to the transaction signing a bill of sale in six states. These are Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Montana, and West Virginia. You can use a mobile notary for this purpose. Learn how to notarize a document to keep protect yourself legally.
Do both parties have to be present to notarize a bill of sale?
In some cases, a notary public can notarize one party's bill of sale signature. This might happen if they're absent but have consented to another individual signing on their behalf. The jurisdiction and circumstances will determine whether both parties must attend a bill of sale notarization.
Can you get something notarized without both parties present?
If only her signature is notarized, it's legal. If yours also is indicated as being notarized, then the notary broke the law in any state. It is impossible to legally notarize a document without the signer being present. (There is ``online notarization'' which has an online equivalent requirement.)
What is required on a bill of sale in Washington state?
A Washington vehicle bill of sale should include the vehicle's description (make, model, year, VIN), sale price, date of sale, the seller's and buyer's full legal names, addresses, and signatures. Do I need a notary public to witness the bill of sale? No.
Does a bill of sale need both signatures?
A Bill of Sale does not have to be signed by both the buyer and the seller to be useful. But, without the buyer's signature, a Bill of Sale may not be used as an enforceable contract. Without the buyer's signature, a seller may still use the Bill of Sale to establish the date of the sale and price, for other purposes.
Do I need to have the bill of sale notarized or witnessed by a lawyer?
How to get a bill of sale notarized?
- Visit a notary in person at banks, parcel shipping businesses, libraries, real estate firms, and more.
- Get it signed by an online notary via a digital document.
What makes a bill of sale legitimate?
Your bill of sale shows proof that both buyer and seller had legal intent to transfer ownership of any given item. Because of this, your bill of sale protects both parties involved in the sale from any malicious legal issues.
Can you handwrite a bill of sale in Washington?
Yes, for certain items. A bill of sale is required to purchase, sell, or register a vehicle or vessel in Washington. The Washington Department of Licensing provides an official bill of sale form, but you can also use a template from a service like PandaDoc or create your own.
Can I transfer a title without a bill of sale in Washington state?
Before the buyer can apply for a new title and pay fees or taxes on the vehicle, you'll both need to sign a Bill of Sale, unless the sale price and date are included on the title. Not to be confused with a Report of Sale, the Bill of Sale includes information about the vehicle, as well as the buyer and seller.
Can I write a bill of sale on a piece of paper?
Can a bill of sale be handwritten? While it is common to present a bill of sale in a digital format, you can also create a handwritten bill of sale. What's most important is to include all of the pertinent details in the bill of sale in order to protect both parties.
How do you notarize a document if the person is not present?
If this happens, some states permit the signer to sign the document in the presence of a witness. The witness — not the signer — then appears before the Notary. The Notary identifies and administers an oath to the witness. Then, the witness signs the document.
Does the buyer need to be present for the notary?
You not need both parties to be physically present at the time of notarization, but you can only notarize for the person who is appearing before you. The other person can have their signature notarized at another time.
Can two people notarize a document separately?
If you have a document that requires notarization and needs to be signed by more than one person, you and the other signer(s) can meet with a notary in one of the following ways: In the same meeting on the same device (up to 2 signers) In the same meeting on separate devices. In separate meetings at different times.
When you get something notarized do both parties have to be present?
Do all parties have to be present at the same place and time for a document to be notarized? Usually not, but it is best to ask your selected notary regarding the proper procedures in your state.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Does a bill of sale in South Carolina need to be notarized?
Some states require bills of sale to be witnessed by a notary public, but in South Carolina, two private parties can sign a valid bill of sale on their own. Using document templates like those provided by PandaDoc is recommended. Doing this can make sure you include all the important information in a bill of sale.
Does a bill of sale override a title?
This answers the question of is the bill of sale same as the title, as you'll need one to get the other. Think of the two documents as complementary. While a bill of sale certifies a transfer of ownership between two parties, a title certifies the buyer's legal ownership.
Can I get a title the same day in Washington?
Get your title right away
Visit a Quick Title office get your title before you leave, or have it mailed immediately. Please note, Quick Titles are not available for: Vehicles or boats that have been reported stolen. Vehicles or boats that have been destroyed by insurance or by wreckers.
Do you have to pay taxes on a gifted car in Washington state?
When you receive a vehicle by gift or inheritance, your vehicle is exempt from tax if the previous owner paid Washington Retail Sales Tax or Use Tax and there is no consideration given. If the vehicle being gifted was registered in another state, credit will be given for tax previously paid.
How do I notarize a handwritten bill of sale?
To notarize a bill of sale, prepare the document with all accurate details, schedule an appointment with a licensed notary, and present valid identification. Both parties should sign the document in front of the notary.
Is a handwritten bill of sale OK?
Sure a bill of sale can be handwritten. As a matter of fact, it appears that a bill of sale is not technically required in California. It is just highly recommended.
Does my bill of sale need to be notarized?
Notarization requirements for bills of sale vary by state and transaction type. Vehicles: States like Louisiana require notarization for vehicle sales. Conversely, states like California do not. Boats: Some states mandate notarization for boat transactions, ensuring secure ownership transfer.
What voids a bill of sale?
If the seller withholds information from the buyer, or misrepresents the value of an item, this may render a bill of sale null and void.
Will a notarized bill of sale hold up in court?
A notarized bill of sale holds substantial legal weight. Courts recognize it as verified, making it harder to dispute. This document acts as solid proof that the signatories agreed willingly, helping prevent any claims of forgery or coercion.
Does the DMV keep the bill of sale?
The buyer should keep the original bill of sale. It's needed for registering the car that's changed hands at the DMV and will contain details of the warranty if something goes awry.