Vehicle Documents We Notarize
- Auto loan agreements
- Vehicle purchase and sale agreements
- Title transfers requiring notarization
- Odometer disclosure statements
- Lien release documents
- Private party vehicle sale paperwork
- Power of Attorney for vehicle transactions
We Come to the Dealership or You
We travel to car dealerships, private sale locations, your home, or any location in Sacramento where the signing needs to happen.
🚗 Dealership Signings: Contact us in advance to coordinate timing with the dealership's finance office. We'll arrive at the right time for your closing.
Private Party Vehicle Sales
Buying or selling a vehicle through a private party — whether through an online marketplace, a classified listing, or a personal connection — sometimes requires notarization. Understanding when a notary is needed can save you time and help the transaction go smoothly.
In California, a standard private party vehicle sale does not always require notarization. However, there are situations where it is required or recommended — such as when one party cannot be present, when a lienholder is involved, or when transferring ownership of certain vehicle types.
Documents that may need notarization in a private vehicle sale include:
- Title transfer documents — if required by the receiving state or specific situation
- REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form) — the California DMV form used for title transfers
- Bill of sale — not always required to be notarized in California, but some buyers and sellers prefer it for added security
- Power of Attorney — needed when someone is signing on behalf of the vehicle owner
We come to any location for private party vehicle sales — the seller's home, a parking lot, a coffee shop, or anywhere that works for both parties. For more vehicle-related notarization information, see our DMV & Vehicle Documents page.
Dealership vs. Private Sale — When Do You Need a Notary?
Whether you need a mobile notary for your vehicle transaction depends on the type of sale and the specific circumstances involved.
Dealership Purchases
Most dealerships handle notarization in-house through their finance department. However, there are situations where a mobile notary may still be needed — such as out-of-state purchases where documents need to be notarized locally, after-hours closings that fall outside the dealership's normal operating hours, or special circumstances where the buyer or co-signer cannot be physically present at the dealership.
Private Sales
Private party sales are more likely to require a mobile notary. Common situations include title transfers where one party is in another state, Power of Attorney arrangements when the registered owner cannot be present, and transactions involving vehicles with an existing lien that requires a notarized lien release.
Out-of-State Transactions
If you are buying a vehicle from someone in another state — or selling to an out-of-state buyer — a notarized Power of Attorney or other documents may be required. Each state has different requirements for vehicle title transfers, and some states require notarized signatures on documents that California does not. We can notarize the documents needed on the California side of the transaction.
Lien Releases
When a vehicle loan is paid off, the lender issues a lien release. In some cases, this document needs to be notarized before it can be processed by the DMV. If your lender requires a notarized lien release, we can handle that at any location convenient for you.
California Vehicle Title Transfer Basics
Understanding how vehicle title transfers work in California can help you determine whether you need a notary for your transaction.
In California, vehicle title transfers are handled through the DMV using the vehicle's title (commonly called the pink slip) or the REG 262 form (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form). For a standard private party sale, both the buyer and seller sign the title — and these signatures do not typically need to be notarized.
However, notarization is needed in several specific situations:
- Power of Attorney transactions — when someone is authorized to sign on behalf of the vehicle owner
- Estate transfers — when a vehicle is being transferred as part of a deceased person's estate
- Certain commercial or fleet vehicles — which may have additional documentation requirements
- Out-of-state title transfers — when the receiving state requires notarization for their title transfer process
If you are unsure whether your vehicle transaction requires a notary, we are happy to help you figure it out. Most of the time, we can answer your question in under a minute over the phone.
Not sure if your vehicle transaction needs a notary? Call (916) 222-2251 — we can usually tell you in under a minute.
Auto Document Notary Fees
$15 per notarized signature (California state maximum) plus a travel fee starting at $50. Call (916) 222-2251 for a quote based on your location and document count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We regularly travel to dealerships throughout Sacramento and surrounding counties. Contact us in advance to coordinate timing with the finance office.
Documents that commonly require notarization include title transfers, certain loan agreements, powers of attorney for vehicle transactions, and lien release forms.
Yes. We come to any location for a private party vehicle sale — the seller's home, a neutral location, or anywhere that works for both parties.
$15 per notarized signature (California state maximum) plus a travel fee starting at $50.
In most standard California private party vehicle sales, notarization is not required. However, a notary may be needed if you are using a Power of Attorney, transferring a vehicle as part of an estate, or if the buyer's state requires notarization for title transfer. Call us if you're unsure — we're happy to help you figure it out.
Yes. We can meet you at or near any Sacramento-area DMV office if you need documents notarized as part of a vehicle transaction. We can also meet at any other convenient location.
Yes. If you are buying or selling a vehicle and one party is out of state, we can notarize the documents needed on the California side. Requirements vary by state, so check with the other state's DMV for their specific notarization requirements.
Schedule an Auto Document Notarization
We come to the dealership, your home, or any Sacramento-area location. Call or text for fast scheduling.