List of Notarization Requirements by State

[Brian G.]

I'm shopping for a trailer. It's likely that I'll be making a purchase outside my state which is Oklahoma. A tag agent explained that I will need a title from the seller in order to register my trailer and to prove ownership. States differ on whether certificates of title must be notarized, and how. I asked the tag agent if she had a list indicating each state's requirements and she said yes. Here it is attached for anyone who is interested.

[thrifty bill]

The surprise here was even though North Carolina requires notary approved signatures on title transfers; when I bought my truck in TN and brought it to NC for title and registration, notary was NOT required. Why? NC limit their requirements to vehicles bought and sold within the state. And when I sold a motorcycle in NC, notary was not required as I still had a SC title on it (I had recently moved from there).

Another tricky part when I brought my SC cargo trailer with me to NC, it was difficult, as such trailers are not licensed or titled in SC. Fortunately, I had the original paperwork (from ten years ago) when I originally bought the trailer. Crazier still, that trailer was bought in .. North Carolina.

So even if your state requires notary approval, check to see if it is required when you buy the vehicle out of state.

[Bruce H]

If you are buying out of state get the title and bill of sale notarized while you are there. Your state won't reject it because it is notarized but you might have to prove ownership in another state on your way home.

[Brian G.]

Originally Posted by Bruce H

you might have to prove ownership in another state on your way home.

Bruce, I never thought of that. Excellent advice. Thanks.

[vintageracer]

Originally Posted by thrifty bill

The surprise here was even though North Carolina requires notary approved signatures on title transfers; when I bought my truck in TN and brought it to NC for title and registration, notary was NOT required. Why?

Tennessee is NOT a "Notary" state and does not require title notarization for title transfer.

[Kai in Seattle]

Nice list, thanks for sharing. Luckily, when we bought ours, neither state required it. Was thinking of getting registrations notarized if we ever go on a long road trip--just in case...car and trailer. Belt AND suspenders!