Yes, a notary is required.
Yes. The seller signs the back of the title in front of a notary.
In the official wording
"In the sale of a vehicle, the seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary."
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Odometer
- Only the seller can disclose the mileage when the title is updated.
"Only the seller can disclose the mileage when updating the title."
- Buyer's deadline
- The title is transferred to the new owner within 15 days, at the County Clerk's office.
"the title must be transferred to the new owner within 15 days."
- Plates
- The plate doesn't stay on the vehicle; the seller keeps it and may move it to another vehicle (KRS 186.190).
"the registration plate shall not remain upon the motor vehicle, but shall be retained by the seller"
Not confirmed on the pages we read: the title fee. Check with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (County Clerk offices).
Next step
The seller signs the paper title in front of a notary, usually with the buyer there too, so a local notary near both of you is simplest. We don't notarize titles by video.
Request a mobile notary in Kentucky
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Kentucky near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Kentucky does it: No statutory dollar cap; the fee must be clearly disclosed in advance (KRS 423.430), under the state's fee rules (Kentucky notary fees).
Official sources
- Kentucky DRIVE: Vehicle Titling (checked November 2026)
- KRS 186.190: Change of registration upon transfer of ownership (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is notarization required to sign over a Kentucky car title?
Yes, a notary is required. The seller signs the back of the title in front of a notary.
How long does the buyer have to title the car in Kentucky?
The title is transferred to the new owner within 15 days, at the County Clerk's office.
Can a Kentucky car title be notarized online?
We don't offer that for titles. The seller usually signs the paper title with a local notary, often with the buyer there. Outside New Jersey, our mobile notary request page can look for a notary commissioned in Kentucky.
What does a notary charge in Kentucky?
No statutory dollar cap; the fee must be clearly disclosed in advance (KRS 423.430), under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
- Seller's checklist
- Car title rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Kentucky
- A small estate affidavit in Kentucky
A car title in another state: Kansas · Louisiana · every state