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.
SIGNING OPTIONS
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.
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:
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:
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:
Contact us and we will review the specifics of your situation and guide you after reviewing your information.
When This May Not Work
Always contact us before assuming this can work with your title.
The witness option may not work if:
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:
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.”
GOOD TO KNOW
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.
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.”
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
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.”
HELPFUL LINKS
Related Services & Resources
COMMON QUESTIONS
Buyer and Seller Title Notary FAQs
Can the buyer and seller sign at different times?
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.
Can a Louisiana title be notarized if the seller already signed it?
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.
What if there is a mistake on the title?
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.
Does this apply to out-of-state titles?
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.
Should I sign the title before the appointment?
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.
TALK TO A NOTARY
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.