Selling your vehicle in North Carolina? Before you head to the notary, there’s one critical thing you need to know: do not sign your title ahead of time. If the title is signed before you’re in front of a notary, it becomes invalid and you’ll need to request a duplicate from the DMV. This could mean more time, more paperwork, and a $20 fee.
Follow these simple steps to prepare your car title correctly for notarization:
✅ Locate the Title
Make sure you have the original title in hand. Photocopies or digital versions are not acceptable for notarization.
✅ Find the Signature Area
Flip the title over to the back. You’ll see a section labeled "Seller(s) Signature(s)" and "Seller(s) Hand Printed Name(s)."
(See example below)
🛑 Wait to Sign 🛑
This is the most important part:
Do not sign the title until you are physically in front of a notary public.
Notarizing a pre-signed title is not legal.
🖊️ What You’ll Do in Front of the Notary
- Sign your name exactly where it says “Seller(s) Signature(s)”
- Print your name clearly under “Seller(s) Hand Printed Name(s)”
- Bring a valid form of photo ID (driver's license, military ID, or state ID)
⚠️ What If You Lost Your Title?
If your title is lost or damaged, you'll need to request a duplicate through the North Carolina DMV. You can find more information and begin the process here:
➡️ Request a Duplicate NC Title
📸 Example: Where to Sign
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