You might need to validate the buyer’s or seller’s signature while buying or selling a car. Researching the specific standards is advised because they vary widely from state to state. The explanation that follows includes examples from actual states to give you a better picture of what to anticipate.
Getting Ready to Notarize Your Vehicle Title
- Make research. The variances between each state’s procedures can be significant. Auto sales are not required to be notarized in some states, while other ones have very long lists of criteria. Here, you may learn more about your state.
- Find out what paperwork is needed. In addition to validating the signature and requiring identification, notaries also ensure that both parties are able to fulfil their obligations under the contract. Furthermore, in some states the transfer of a title results in the creation of a legal contract, whereas in other states there are separate applications related to title transfers .
- Verify that you have the authority to sell. Although it might seem obvious, there are significant variations between states regarding who has the authority to sell.
- Regardless of who is listed on the title, minors frequently lack the authority to sell a car without the consent of their parents or guardians.
- The sale of vehicles with outstanding liens on the title of ownership is prohibited in several states. It would be a good idea to bring documentation of a lien release to the notary’s office.
4. Find a public notary near me. A notary public is available at:
- A bank or credit union in the area. A auto notary services is available at many financial institutions and can notarize documents for a modest fee.
- It is always better to phone ahead and confirm availability, but most UPS outlets and pawn shops will have a notary accessible for a modest cost.
- Rotarian Notary. A database of public notaries is available at Notary Rotary and may be searched by zip code.
5. Make a time to meet with the notary.
Obtaining the Notary’s Seal
- Determine who must attend. Surprisingly, there are still a lot of variations even among the states that demand a notary’s signature. For instance:
- Oregon law stipulates that both the buyer and the seller must sign in front of the notary, or at the very least acknowledge their signatures to the notary in person.
- Only the seller’s signature needs to be notarized.
- Notaries are able to notarize open titles, which means they can approve the sale of a car without the buyer’s name ever appearing on any paperwork.
2. Bring the necessary items with you to your notary appointment. You will require the title, a state-issued photo ID (“ID”), and the notary fee, at the very least. A photo and a state-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or military ID card, are required.
3.In front of the notary, sign the title. Choose black or blue ink.
- Sign your name precisely as it appears on the title if you are the seller. If your middle initial appears in the title, for instance, you should sign with it as well.
- Sign your name precisely how you want it to appear on the title if you are the buyer. Use your middle name when signing the title, for instance, if you want to.
4. Have the title signed, sealed, or stamped by the notary. The Notary will check that the signatures on the title are those of the buyer and/or seller before signing and sealing it.
5. Remit the notary fee. A minor fee may be assessed by notaries for their services. A car title transfer in Oregon would cost up-to $75 to have both signatures notarized.
