Notarized Bill of Sale Form Template PDF [Free Blank Printable]

Notarized Bill of Sale involves having a notary public witness the signing of the document to confirm the identities of the parties involved and ensure the transaction is conducted freely and willingly.

Free Printable Notarized Bill of Sale Form Template

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Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to notarize a Bill of Sale:

How to get a Bill of Sale notarized

1. Prepare the Bill of Sale:
   • Ensure the Bill of Sale is complete and includes all necessary information such as the names and contact details of the buyer and seller, a detailed description of the item being sold, the sale price, date of sale, and any conditions or warranties.
2. Do Not Sign Yet:
   • Both the buyer and the seller should not sign the Bill of Sale until they are in the presence of the notary public.
3. Find a Notary Public:
   • Locate a notary public. Notaries can be found at banks, credit unions, law offices, shipping stores (like UPS or FedEx), and online notary services.
   • You can also use your state’s notary directory or websites like the National Notary Association (NNA).
4. Make an Appointment:
   • Schedule an appointment with the notary public. Some institutions like banks may require appointments, while others might accept walk-ins.
5. Bring Identification:
   • Both parties (buyer and seller) should bring valid, government-issued identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID) to the notary. This is necessary for the notary to verify your identities.
6. Meet with the Notary Public:
   • At the appointment, both parties should be present. The notary will check the identification of both parties to confirm their identities.
7. Sign the Bill of Sale:
   • In the presence of the notary, both the buyer and the seller should sign the Bill of Sale. The notary will witness the signatures.
8. Notary’s Role:
   • The notary will then sign the Bill of Sale and apply their notary seal or stamp. They may also fill out a notarial certificate, which includes details like the date of notarization and the notary’s commission information.
9. Record the Transaction:
   • Some notaries maintain a record of the transaction in their notary journal. You may be asked to sign the journal as well.
10. Complete the Notarization:
    • Once the notary has signed and sealed the document, the Bill of Sale is officially notarized. The notary will return the document to you.
11. Retain Copies:
    • Both the buyer and the seller should keep copies of the notarized Bill of Sale for their records. This serves as legal proof of the transaction.

Notarized Vehicle Bill of Sale

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Special Considerations

• Online Notarization:
  • Some states allow online notarization where you can meet with a notary via a video conferencing tool. Ensure the service is legal in your state and use a reputable online notary service.
• Mobile Notaries:
  • If you are unable to visit a notary’s office, you can hire a mobile notary who will come to your location to notarize the document.

Notarized Automobile Bill of Sale

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Legal Compliance

• State Laws: Check the specific requirements in your state for notarizing documents, as laws can vary by jurisdiction.
• Record Keeping: Ensure both parties retain copies of the notarized Bill of Sale for their records. This document serves as proof of the transaction and may be required for future legal or administrative processes.

Notarized Bill of Sale for Car

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By following these steps, you can ensure that your Bill of Sale is properly notarized, providing a higher level of legal assurance and authenticity to the transaction.

Does a Bill of Sale need to be Notarized

Whether a Bill of Sale needs to be notarized depends on the type of transaction and the laws of the state where the sale is taking place. Here are some general guidelines:

General Requirements:

1. Vehicle Sales:
   • In many states, a Bill of Sale for a vehicle must be notarized to be legally binding. States like Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and West Virginia require notarization for vehicle transactions​.
2. Boat Sales:
   • Similar to vehicle sales, boat transactions often require a notarized Bill of Sale, particularly if the boat is being registered with the state. States like Alabama and Maryland have such requirements.
3. Real Estate Transactions:
   • Bills of Sale used in conjunction with real estate transactions often require notarization to be valid. This ensures that the document can be legally recorded with the county recorder’s office.
4. High-Value Items:
   • Notarizing the Bill of Sale can add an extra layer of legal protection for high-value items, such as expensive jewelry, art, or horses (equine sales).

Not Required but Recommended:

• Personal Property:
  • For general personal property sales (e.g., furniture, electronics), notarization is typically not required but can be recommended to provide additional proof of the transaction.

State-Specific Laws:

• Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the notarization of a Bill of Sale. It’s important to check the specific requirements of your state. Some states may only require notarization for certain types of transactions or for transactions above a certain dollar amount.

Benefits of Notarization:

• Legal Validity: Notarization helps ensure the document is legally binding.
• Proof of Identity: It verifies the identities of the parties involved in the transaction.
• Fraud Prevention: It adds a layer of protection against fraudulent claims.

While not all Bills of Sale need to be notarized, doing so can provide significant legal benefits and may be required for certain types of transactions. Always check your local state laws to ensure compliance.

For more specific guidance, consult with a legal professional or refer to your state’s official resources.

Does a firearm Bill of Sale need to be Notarized

A firearm Bill of Sale does not generally need to be notarized unless required by state law.