Where do I sign a North Carolina vehicle title?

North Carolina vehicle titles must be signed on the back of the title where it reads 'Seller(s) Signature(s).' The signature must be notarized, and sellers should not sign until they are in front of a Notary Public.

Does a North Carolina title need to be notarized?

Yes. North Carolina requires the seller’s signature on the title to be notarized. Signing without a notary may void the title and require a duplicate to be issued.

Do all owners need to sign a North Carolina car title?

Yes. If multiple owners are listed on a North Carolina title, all listed owners must sign in the presence of a notary to complete the transfer.

What if there is a lienholder on my North Carolina title?

If a lienholder is listed on a North Carolina title, the lien must be released before the vehicle can be transferred. The lien release may be recorded on the title or provided as a separate document from the lender.

How do I replace a lost or damaged North Carolina title?

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged North Carolina title, submit an Application for Duplicate Title to the North Carolina DMV. The duplicate title fee is $20.

North Carolina Vehicle Title Guide | How to Sign, Transfer & Replace a Car Title

Signing Your North Carolina Vehicle Title

North Carolina title transfers require extra care because seller signatures must be notarized. Do not sign your title until you are physically in front of a Notary Public.

What Will Void a North Carolina Title

Signing the title before meeting with a notary
Missing or incomplete notary certification
Using white-out, correction fluid, or highlighter
Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
Rips, tears, or damaged titles
Signing in the Dealer Reassignment section without authorization

If any of these occur, the North Carolina DMV will require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.

Where to Sign a North Carolina Title

The title must be notarized. Do not sign until you are in front of a Notary Public.

Sign the back of the title where it is labeled “Seller(s) Signature(s)”.

Print your name where it reads “Seller(s) Hand Printed Name(s)”.

The notary will complete and stamp the notarization section after you sign.

Vehicles With Multiple Owners

If more than one owner is listed on a North Carolina title, all listed owners must sign unless the title specifically indicates otherwise.

Each required signature must be notarized.

Titles Showing a Lienholder

If a lienholder appears on the title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.

Lien release signed directly on the title
Or a separate lien release letter from the lender

Without a lien release, the DMV will not process the transfer.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged North Carolina Title

If your North Carolina title is lost, stolen, damaged, or signed incorrectly, you must request a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.

Duplicate title fee is $20
Lien removal fee is also $20
Applications can be submitted in person or by mail

Official instructions are available from the North Carolina DMV:

https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/replacement-duplicate-title.aspx

Selling a Car in North Carolina

North Carolina’s notarization requirement is one of the most common reasons sellers experience delays. Making sure the title is signed correctly the first time avoids having to restart the process.

Always leave the Buyer section blank.