How-To May 20267 min read

How to Notarize a Car Title in New York

Vehicle title transfers in New York sometimes require notarization, depending on the transaction type and any lender involvement. Here is what you need to know to get a car title properly notarized in NY.

NY vehicle title requirements vary by transaction type and may change. Always verify current requirements directly at dmv.ny.gov or by calling the NY DMV before completing your transaction.

When NY Vehicle Transfers Require Notarization

Vehicle donation

Donating a vehicle to a charity or family member often requires a notarized gift certification or title transfer.

Lienholder involvement

If there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle, the lender may require notarized paperwork for the payoff and title release.

Out-of-state title in NY

If the vehicle has a title from certain other states, the NY DMV requires the transfer section of that title to be notarized. The DMV lists these states on its Acceptable Proofs of Ownership page.

Corporate or business vehicle

Business vehicle transactions may require notarized authorization documents.

Estate vehicle transfer

Transferring a deceased person's vehicle to heirs typically involves notarized affidavits or letters testamentary.

Specific DMV form requirements

A standard NY title and the Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form MV-912) do not need to be notarized, but a lender or other party may ask for a notarized signature.

What to Bring to the Notary for a Vehicle Title

The vehicle title - complete and unsigned before the notary session (sign in front of the notary)

A current government-issued photo ID matching the name on the title

Any supporting DMV forms that also require notarization

Both parties if the notarization requires both buyer and seller signatures

Where to Get a Car Title Notarized in NY

Bank branch

Free for account holders. Call ahead to confirm notary availability. Most standard vehicle title notarizations are within bank notary scope.

Mobile notary

Can come to your location - useful if both buyer and seller need to be present. Costs $75 to $200 in NYC metro.

UPS Store

Offers notary services; under NY law the notarization itself is capped at $2 per act. Call ahead for availability.

Library (NYC)

NY Public Library branches offer free notary services. Call ahead for availability.

NY Notary Hub directory

Search for commissioned NY notaries in your area who handle vehicle documents.

Common Mistakes That Delay Vehicle Title Transfers

!Signing in the wrong place on the title

!Names on the title and ID do not match exactly

!Title has corrections that were not properly initialed

!Odometer reading section not completed

!Missing or illegible notary details (name, county and commission expiration) under the signature

!Wrong date on the notarial certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

For most private party vehicle sales in New York, the seller signs the back of the title transferring it to the buyer. NY does not require notarization of a standard NY title transfer or the MV-912 bill of sale. Titles from certain other states must have the transfer section notarized, and some lenders require notarization. Always check the specific requirements for your transaction at dmv.ny.gov.

Notarization is required when the title comes from a state that requires a notarized transfer, or when a document, lender or other party specifically asks for it.

NY DMV offices do not provide notary services. You need to find a commissioned NY notary - at a bank, library, mobile notary, or through our directory.

The seller (the person signing the title as grantor of the vehicle) must present a current government-issued photo ID to the notary. The name on the ID must match the seller's name on the title.

Technically yes, if the receiving party (DMV, lender) accepts RON-notarized documents. However, many DMV transactions still require physical documents. Confirm with the DMV or the specific transaction counterparty before using RON for a vehicle title.

NYN

New York Notary HubEditorial Team

Independent educational resource · Not affiliated with the NY Department of State

NY Notary Hub is an independent educational resource for New York notaries and exam candidates. Our articles are researched from the official NY Department of State Notary Public License Law booklet and DOS guidance. This content is educational and is not legal advice.

Last reviewed: May 2026. Always verify current DMV requirements at dmv.ny.gov.

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