--- title: "Does a Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized? Checklist | MCC" description: "Not always: it depends on the item and the agency or buyer. When a notarized bill of sale is required or worth it, what to fill in first and who signs." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/bill-of-sale-notarization-checklist" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Getting a Bill of Sale Notarized: What to Expect A bill of sale is a simple record that one person sold an item to another. Many buyers and sellers ask for a notary to witness the signatures. Here is what happens at the table and what to prepare. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Not always. Whether a bill of sale has to be notarized depends on the item and on the agency or buyer receiving it, so ask them first; for a vehicle, the motor vehicle agency may want its own form or the title assignment as well. When it is notarized, each signer appears with a photo ID and signs in front of the notary, who doesn't write or check the terms. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) **Free tools:** [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) · [Can I get this notarized online?](/notary/can-i-notarize-online) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## What a bill of sale usually contains Most bills of sale name the seller, the buyer, a description of the item, the date, and the price or the words 'gift' or 'for one dollar'. For a car, boat or trailer the description should include the make, model, year and identification number. For a horse, piece of equipment or firearm, serial numbers or markings help later. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization). The notary does not write this content for you. If you do not have a form, the buyer or seller should bring one, or use a template from a source you trust. Fill in every line that applies before you meet, but leave the signature line empty. ## Who has to be present The person whose signature is being notarized must appear in person, or online if remote notarization is available for that document. If both seller and buyer sign and both signatures are to be notarized, both need to appear and show ID. If only the seller's signature needs notarizing, the buyer does not have to attend, though buyers often come to inspect the item and hand over payment. A common mistake is for one party to sign at home and bring the paper in already signed. A notary generally cannot notarize a signature that was not made in front of them on a jurat, and for an acknowledgment the signer must still appear and confirm the signature as theirs. ## What the notary checks Each signer's government photo ID gets a careful look, the printed name is matched to the document, and the notary confirms the signer understands what they are signing and is doing so willingly. The notary also looks for blank spaces that someone could fill in later, and asks about them. Expect questions such as: is the printed name the same as your ID? Is the date correct? These checks are about the paper, not the deal. The notary does not inspect the item, judge the price, or tell you whether the sale is a good idea. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Choosing the notarial certificate The document may already have a notarial block printed on it. If it does not, the notary will ask you which type of notarial act your receiving agency requires, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat. The notary cannot pick for you. If you are unsure, ask the motor vehicle agency, the buyer's insurer or the other party before the appointment. For a vehicle sale, the state agency may require its own form or its own title assignment, with the bill of sale as a backup record. Read the agency's instructions first. ## After the signing Every party should hold a full set. Take a photo of the signed pages and store the original with your records. A bill of sale is helpful if a dispute arises about the date, the price or the condition 'as is'. If large sums, a lien or a business asset are involved, a short conversation with an attorney or accountant is wise. A mobile notary can meet at a home, a parking lot or a workplace so both sides can finish the exchange in one stop. ## Common questions **Does a bill of sale have to be notarized?** Not always. Requirements depend on the item and the agency or buyer receiving it. Ask the receiving party whether notarization is required. **Can the notary tell us what price to write?** No. The parties decide the terms. The notary only handles identification and the notarial act. **Can I bring a bill of sale signed last week?** Usually the notary needs you to sign or confirm your signature in front of them, so bring it unsigned or be ready to confirm the signature as yours. ## More notary guides - [Notarized Employment Verification Letters](/notary/guides/employment-verification-letter-notarization) - [Certification of Trust: Notarization and ID Checks](/notary/guides/certification-of-trust-notarization) - [Satisfaction of Mortgage and Lien Release Signing](/notary/guides/satisfaction-of-mortgage-and-lien-release-signing) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[### Vehicle Title & MVC Paperwork Notary Mobile notary for car title transfers, out-of-state titles, powers of attorney for the MVC and odometer statements. We come to you, including after a death. Vehicle title notary →](/notary/vehicle-title-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). ## Related - [How to get a bill of sale notarized online](/notary/how-to-get-a-bill-of-sale-notarized-online) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)