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A Notarized Bill of Sale Form confirms the agreement of an item between a buyer and seller and includes a notary’s seal to validate the transaction. Adding a notary seal is required in some states for vehicle or boat transfers and is recommended for all types of transactions.
Last Update February 6th, 2026
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Before creating your document, take a look at the following Notarized Bill of Sale sample to understand how to create your form.
A bill of sale does not always need to be notarized. In many states, a simple bill of sale (BOS) between you and the other party is enough to validate the transaction.
However, some states require notarization for certain types of transfers, such as needing a Notarized Bill of Sale for a car. In these cases, a notary public must witness the signatures and apply an official seal.
Even if it’s not required, notarizing a bill of sale is typically recommended. This is especially true when large sums of money or valuable items are involved.
Creating a Notarized Bill of Sale can be done in a few steps. Follow the steps below to help you create a valid and recognized document:
1. Fill out the Form Take advantage of our Notarized Bill of Sale template to use as a reliable foundation. Include all key information: names, addresses, item description, sale price, and date. However, do not sign just yet.
2. Find a notary public Get in contact with a notary public to arrange the witnessing of the BOS. You can usually find one at: Banks or credit unions, UPS stores, Law offices, Online notary services.
3. Sign and notarize the document Sign the document in front of the notary, and make sure to bring a valid photo ID. The notary will check your identity and witness the signatures. Once signed, they’ll apply their official seal.
Some states may also require the notarized bill of sale to be filed with a local office, such as the DMV in your area.
Once your document has been created, you can have it reviewed by a lawyer to ensure it is ready to use.
Notarization requirements vary by state and by the type of item being sold. Here are some common types of bills of sale that may need notarization:
Always check your state’s requirements before completing the transaction. Notarizing can protect both buyer and seller.
In most states, you can use a Bill of Sale without it being notarized. However, there are a few states where a notary public’s seal is mandatory.
If you create a BOS document in one of the following states, you may need to have your form notarized depending on what you plan to sell:
To clear up any doubts about creating a Notarized Bill of Sale, go over the following answers to common questions below.
A Notarized Bill of Sale does not have a set expiration date. Once you sign it, and it has been notarized, it remains valid as proof of the transaction.
Some states or agencies may only accept it within a certain timeframe, especially for vehicle or boat sales. Always check local requirements to ensure your document is still accepted.
A Notarized Bill of Sale will typically have no problem holding up in court. It provides strong legal proof that both parties agreed to the terms of the sale, which is why it’s recommended even when it is not required.
The notary’s seal confirms the identities of each party and helps prevent claims of fraud or forgery. Even though there is no guarantee a court will rule in your favor, courts are more likely to accept a BOS as valid evidence in disputes over ownership, payment, or contract terms.
