General Mobile Notary

Bill of Sale Notarization in Los Angeles

When you are buying or selling a vehicle, boat, or other valuable property, a notarized bill of sale protects both sides by proving who signed, what was agreed, and when the transaction took place. A mobile notary meets the buyer and seller at a convenient location so everything can be signed and notarized on the spot.

Book A Bill Of Sale Notary Appointment Call or Text (213) 933-2507
Understanding The Document

What Is A Bill Of Sale?

A bill of sale is a written document that records the transfer of ownership of property from a seller to a buyer. It includes the names of both parties, a description of the item, the sale price, and the date of the transaction. It serves as a receipt and proof of the agreement for both sides.

Common Types Of Bills Of Sale

  • Private-party vehicle sales (cars, trucks, motorcycles).
  • Boat, watercraft, and trailer sales.
  • Heavy equipment and machinery transfers.
  • High-value personal property such as jewelry, art, or collectibles.
  • Business equipment and asset transfers.

What A Proper Bill Of Sale Includes

  • Full legal names and contact information of the buyer and seller.
  • Detailed description of the item including make, model, year, and VIN or serial number.
  • Sale price and payment method.
  • Date of the sale.
  • Signatures of both parties.
  • Any warranties, disclaimers, or as-is language agreed upon by both sides.
California Requirements

When A Bill Of Sale Needs To Be Notarized

California does not require notarization for most private-party bills of sale. However, there are situations where notarization is either required or strongly recommended.

Notarization Recommended Or Required

  • The buyer is registering the item in another state that requires a notarized bill of sale.
  • A lender or financial institution requests notarization before releasing a lien or funding.
  • The transaction involves a replacement title or lien release.
  • High-value items where both parties want additional legal protection.
  • Out-of-state or international buyers who need stronger proof of purchase.

California DMV Forms

  • The DMV accepts the bill of sale section on the REG 262 form or the standalone REG 135 form.
  • Neither form requires notarization by default for standard California transfers.
  • Having a notarized bill of sale adds a layer of protection beyond the minimum DMV requirements.
  • If the title has been lost, a REG 227 form may be involved, and notarization may be helpful.

Note: For standard California vehicle transfers, the DMV accepts the bill of sale section on the REG 262 form or the standalone REG 135 form. Neither requires notarization by default. However, having a notarized bill of sale adds a layer of protection beyond the minimum requirements.

How It Works

What To Expect At A Bill Of Sale Notary Appointment

The Notarization Process

  1. The mobile notary arrives at the agreed location where the transaction is taking place.
  2. Both parties present valid, current government issued photo ID.
  3. The notary reviews the bill of sale for proper notarial wording.
  4. Both parties sign the document in the notary's presence.
  5. The notary completes the acknowledgment certificate, applies their seal, and records the transaction in their journal.

Meeting At The Transaction Location

  • We can meet you at the location where the transaction is happening.
  • Parking lots, mechanic shops, marinas, or either party's home or office all work.
  • The item can be inspected and the paperwork can be signed in the same visit.
  • If the buyer and seller are in different locations, separate appointments can be arranged.

Tip: We can meet you at the location where the transaction is happening, whether that is a parking lot, mechanic shop, marina, or either party's home or office. This way the item can be inspected and the paperwork can be signed in the same visit.

Before Your Appointment

What To Have Ready For Your Bill Of Sale Notarization

For Both Buyer And Seller

  • Valid, current government issued photo ID for every signer (drivers license, state ID, or passport).
  • The bill of sale document, completed but not signed.
  • VIN, HIN, or serial number for the item being sold.
  • Agreed sale price and payment method.
  • Vehicle title or registration documents if transferring a vehicle.

Additional Items To Consider

  • Lien release or payoff confirmation if there is an existing loan on the item.
  • Smog certification if required for California vehicle transfers.
  • Any written agreements about warranties, repairs, or conditions.
  • Payment in the agreed form, ready to exchange at signing.
  • Do not sign the bill of sale before the notary arrives.
Don't Have A Bill Of Sale Yet?

Create Your Bill Of Sale On-Site

Many private-party transactions happen quickly and the paperwork is an afterthought. We bring a laptop, portable printer, and scanner so you can create a proper bill of sale at the appointment.

How It Works

  1. Let us know what you are buying or selling when you book.
  2. Use our Rocket Lawyer account or any legal document platform to choose a bill of sale template.
  3. Fill in the details on our laptop, including the item description, price, and both parties' information.
  4. We print the bill of sale, both parties sign, and we notarize it in one visit.

What To Have Ready

  • Valid, current government issued photo ID for every signer.
  • VIN, HIN, or serial number for the item being sold.
  • Agreed sale price and payment method.
  • Vehicle title or registration documents if transferring a vehicle.
  • Do not sign the bill of sale before the notary arrives.

Disclaimer: Mobile American Notary & Apostilles is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Document templates are selected and customized by the parties. The notary facilitates printing and notarization only.

Related Documents

Other Documents Commonly Notarized With A Bill Of Sale

Power Of Attorney (POA)

If one party cannot be present for the sale, a POA allows a representative to sign on their behalf.
Book Appointment
General Affidavit or Sworn Statement

Sworn statements related to vehicle history, ownership, or other facts that support the transaction.
Book Appointment
Copy Certification By Document Custodian

Certify copies of titles, registrations, or other supporting documents related to the sale.
Book Appointment
View All General Notary Documents

See the full list of everyday documents we notarize across Los Angeles.
View All Documents
Frequently Asked Questions

Bill Of Sale Notarization FAQ

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in California?

California does not require notarization for most private vehicle or boat bills of sale. However, notarization is strongly recommended because it protects both the buyer and seller. Some lenders, out-of-state DMVs, and private parties may require or prefer a notarized copy before completing the transaction.

When is a notarized bill of sale required?

A notarized bill of sale may be required when the buyer is registering in another state that requires it, when a lender or financial institution requests it, when replacement title forms with liens are involved, or when the transaction is high value and both parties want extra protection.

What should a bill of sale include?

A proper bill of sale should include the full legal names and contact information of the buyer and seller, a description of the item with make, model, year, and VIN or serial number, the sale price and payment method, the date of sale, and signatures of both parties.

What type of notarization does a bill of sale require?

A bill of sale typically uses an acknowledgment, where both parties confirm their identities and that they are signing voluntarily. If the document includes sworn statements about the condition or history of the item, a jurat may be used instead.

Can a mobile notary create a bill of sale at the appointment?

Yes. We bring a laptop, printer, and scanner. You can use Rocket Lawyer or another legal document platform to create a bill of sale on the spot, then both parties sign and we notarize it in one visit.

Can I get a bill of sale notarized the same day?

Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. We can meet you at the location where the transaction is happening. Book online or call and text (213) 933-2507.