Do Both the Buyer and Seller Need to Be Present for a Louisiana Title Notary?

For most private Louisiana vehicle title transfers, the safest option is for both the seller and buyer to be present with the notary at the time of sale. If the seller has already signed the title, there may still be options depending on how the title was signed, whether two witnesses were present, and whether the paperwork is complete.

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Title Signing Options When the Buyer and Seller Are Not Together

Every title situation is different and depends on the specific facts, documents, and agency requirements involved. Whether the buyer and seller need to be present for a Louisiana title notary depends on the title, signatures, witnesses, and paperwork involved. We cannot guarantee that this process will work for your title or that a title will be issued. Please contact us so we can review your specific situation and explain what options may be available.

We provide most forms for title transfers in Louisiana.

Louisiana vehicle title notary for question do both buyer and seller need to be present for title notary

Best Option: Buyer and Seller Meet Together

The best and cleanest option is for the buyer and seller to meet with the notary at the time of sale.

This makes it easier to:

Complete the title correctly
Prepare a bill of sale if needed
Correct small issues before the seller leaves
Make sure the right person signs in the right place
Avoid trying to find the seller later if a correction is needed

This is especially important because mistakes on title paperwork may require parties to appear with a notary for an Affidavit of Correction or other additional documents to be executed.

If the Seller Already Signed the Title

If the seller has already signed the title, do not assume the title cannot be used. There may still be options depending on the situation.

A title may be able to move forward if:

The seller signed in the correct place
Two witnesses actually watched the seller sign
The witnesses signed where required
One of those witnesses is available to appear before the notary
The Acknowledgement of Witness section can be completed correctly
There are no title errors that require correction
**Each situation can be different***

If the seller signed the title without a notary and without two witnesses actually watching the signature, we can not notarize it. The seller will need to appear in front of the notary.

Can The Seller Sign a Louisiana Title Without The Buyer Present

If the purchaser is not able to be present at the same time, do not assume the title cannot be notarized. There may still be options depending on the situation.

A title may be able to move forward if:

PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST – THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS APPLY
The buyer has the purchaser’s legal name and address
The seller doesn’t need a bill of sale (or you use an acknowledgement of witness bill of sale)
NOTE: Buyer information can not be left blank!
See OMV Open Title Policy

When This May Not Work

Always contact us before assuming this can work with your title.

The witness option may not work if:

The witnesses did not actually see the seller sign
One of the witnesses is not available
The wrong person signs the Acknowledgement of Witness section
The title has mistakes, edits, or incomplete information
The transaction involves a double transfer or multiple transfers
The paperwork needs an Affidavit of Correction
The title is from another state and has different requirements

Out-of-state title requirements depend on the state, the document, and the transaction. Contact us before assuming the paperwork cannot be used.

Selling to a Junk Company

We can usually help you. Specific information will be required.

Here are some of the requirements:

Seller’s name on their ID matches the name on the title
The title is not a double transfer
You have the Name and Address of the purchaser
You have the mileage
Wait to sign (if you already signed, we may have to do an affidavit of correction)

Louisiana has an “Open Title” Policy. See our resource page. Policy 7.00 Open Titles, “State statute provides that no person shall sell a vehicle without the delivery to the purchaser a certificate of title properly assigned.”

Important Things to Consider

Text us a Picture Before You Assume

The option of not having all parties present is NOT suggested. It is always best to have all parties available at the time of the transaction.

If the seller has already signed the title, you can text us a clear picture of the front and back of the title.
We can review the document and let you know whether it looks like it may be notarized by Acknowledgement of Witness, whether a correction may be needed, or whether the seller may need to appear before a notary.
Call or text A1 Mobile Notary at 337-540-6521 before assuming the title cannot be used.

What to Bring

Review everything you do or do not have with us before your appointment.

Bring as much of the following as you have

The vehicle title
Bill of sale, if one was prepared
Buyer and seller information
Government-issued picture ID
Seller’s name on their ID should match the name typed on the title. If it does not, we may need additional documentation to be able to notarize it. Please review this with us before the appointment.
Any witness information, if witnesses were used
If witnesses are signing, they will also need a government-issued photo ID
Any loan, lien release, donation, or correction paperwork if applicable

Need help with a Louisiana title transfer?

A1 Mobile Notary helps with vehicle title notarization, bills of sale, acts of donation, title corrections, and related Louisiana title paperwork in Lake Charles and surrounding areas.

Call or text to schedule an appointment or ask about your specific title situation.

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FAQ

Sometimes. It depends on the document, the title, and the situation. The person whose signature is being notarized must appear before the notary for that notarization. Contact us before assuming everyone has to be together.

Sometimes. If the seller signed in front of two witnesses and the Acknowledgement of Witness section can be completed correctly, there may still be an option. If the seller signed without a notary or proper witnesses, and there is a power of attorney in place or other out of the ordinary situations, we may be able to help. Contact us so we can review your situation.

Some mistakes may require an Affidavit of Correction or other supporting paperwork. Requirements depend on the type of mistake and who needs to correct it. We have affidavit of Correction forms.

Not always. Out-of-state title requirements depend on the state, the document, and the transaction. Contact us so we can review the title before you assume notarization is or is not required.

It is always best to wait to sign in front of the notary when possible. If the title has already been signed, or the signer cannot appear, there may still be options depending on the document and situation. Contact us so we can review the details of your situation.

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