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    Notarizing a Bill of Sale in Missouri

    6 min read

    Notarizing a bill of sale verifies the identity and signature of the person appearing before the notary. Requirements depend on the document, the state, and the receiving agency. This guide explains how to prepare for bill of sale notarization in Missouri and an appointment at our Olivette office near St. Louis.

    What Is a Bill of Sale?

    A bill of sale records a sale between a buyer and seller. It identifies the property, price, parties, and sale date. For vehicles, a bill of sale and a certificate of title serve different purposes. Notarizing a bill of sale does not replace a required title transfer or guarantee ownership.

    When Is Notarization Required?

    Read the form instructions and confirm the receiving agency’s requirements before booking. The presence of a notary section alone does not mean every transaction requires notarization.

    Missouri Form 1957

    The Department of Revenue requires notarization of Form 1957 when it is used to prove ownership of major component parts of a rebuilt vehicle, or when the department specifically requests notarization. This is not a blanket requirement for every Missouri bill of sale.

    Vehicles, Boats, and Trailers

    Check the title, registration, and bill of sale instructions for the property being sold. Requirements vary by state and document. A title may have separate signing requirements.

    Equipment and Other Personal Property

    The buyer, seller, or receiving organization may request a notarized signature. Ask the document recipient what form and notarial certificate it requires.

    Out-of-State Transactions

    Confirm the destination state’s requirements with its motor vehicle or registration agency. Notarization alone does not ensure that a sale meets every legal requirement.

    Benefits of Notarizing Your Bill of Sale

    • Provides an impartial identity check for each signer whose signature is notarized
    • Records the notarial act and its date
    • Helps deter impersonation and disputed signatures
    • Meets a receiving agency’s notarization requirement when applicable
    • Does not verify payment, ownership, or the accuracy of the sale terms

    Essential Information to Include

    Use the receiving agency’s current form. Depending on the transaction, it may ask for:

    • Sale date
    • Buyer and seller names and addresses
    • Item description, VIN, hull identification number, or serial number
    • Sale price or trade details
    • Payment or warranty terms required by your form
    • Odometer information where applicable
    • Required signatures and notarial certificate

    The Notarization Process

    Here's what to expect when notarizing your bill of sale:

    1

    Confirm the Form

    Ask the receiving agency which signatures need notarization. Complete the required fields before the appointment, but leave the notarial certificate for the notary.

    2

    Bring Identification

    Each person whose signature will be notarized should bring valid government-issued photo identification and the complete document.

    3

    Attend Your Appointment

    The signer whose signature is being notarized must personally appear before the notary. Do not assume both buyer and seller must attend together; follow the form’s instructions.

    4

    Complete the Notarial Act

    For a jurat or signature witnessing, sign in the notary’s presence. An acknowledgment may involve a signature already made. Confirm the required act before signing.

    5

    Keep Your Records

    The notary completes the certificate and applies the required signature and seal. Keep a copy and submit the document as the receiving agency directs.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Treating a bill of sale as a replacement for a vehicle title
    • Assuming every bill of sale must be notarized
    • Arriving without a signer whose signature needs notarization
    • Bringing an incomplete form or missing identification
    • Signing a jurat before appearing before the notary
    • Assuming notarization guarantees the sale terms or ownership

    Special Considerations for Vehicle Sales

    When notarizing a vehicle bill of sale, additional considerations include:

    • Use current instructions from the state motor vehicle agency
    • Check that VIN and title details match the vehicle records
    • Confirm any required odometer disclosure separately
    • Review title-transfer, inspection, tax, and reporting requirements with the agency
    • Keep copies of the signed sale and transfer documents

    Notarization Costs

    Missouri law sets a maximum notarial fee of $5 per signature for an acknowledgment, jurat, or signature witnessing. This is the statutory limit for the notarial act, not a quote for other services. Any travel fee must be agreed in advance and explained separately. Request an itemized quote before booking.

    Tips for a Smooth Transaction

    • Check the receiving agency’s instructions first
    • Use an official form when one is available
    • Bring the complete document and identification
    • Confirm which signers need to appear before the notary
    • Keep copies and follow the agency’s filing instructions

    Bill of Sale Notarization: Common Questions

    Does every Missouri bill of sale need a notary?

    No. Form 1957 identifies specific cases that require notarization, including certain rebuilt-vehicle component parts and requests from the Department of Revenue. Check the instructions for your transaction.

    Do the buyer and seller both need to be present?

    Each person whose signature is being notarized must appear before the notary. Whether one or both signatures require notarization depends on the document and receiving agency.

    Where can I book bill of sale notarization near St. Louis?

    Premier Notary & Apostille Services offers appointments at 9378 Olive Blvd, Suite 308, Olivette, MO 63132. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST; closed weekends. Book online before visiting.

    Notary services in St. Louis

    Official Missouri Resources

    This guide provides general service information. Premier Notary & Apostille Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Ask the receiving agency or an attorney about your transaction’s legal requirements.

    Ready to Get Started?

    Book bill of sale notarization at our Olivette office near St. Louis. Bring the complete document and identification for each signer whose signature needs notarization. Visits are by appointment only.

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