Buying or selling a car is a complex process that involves a lot of documentation. Authenticating a signature might be necessary when purchasing or selling a vehicle. Each state has its own specific standards, so you’ll need to research the standards in your state.
Even in states where the law doesn’t require it, most people still opt to notarize their vehicles. If you’ve been wondering, do I need to find a car title notary near me? Keep reading to find out more.
What is an auto notary?
A notary is an individual permitted to carry out particular legal processes. That entails the validation of papers. There are three separate parts to a notarization. The process’s preliminary step entails checking the signers
- True identity
- Readiness to sign the document out of their own free will, without any pressure or duress
- Knowledge of what’s in the contract or deal
With some documents, the notary has to ask the signer to swear that the document’s contents are accurate and true.
The notary is also responsible for writing down the details of the notarization in a “journal of notarial acts.” Most jurisdictions mandate keeping a sequential logbook of notarizations. In certain jurisdictions, the signer must place their thumbprint and signature in the notary’s journal.
Some laws also say that the notary must fill out a “notarial certificate” with the verification details. The notary then puts their official signature and seal on the document. The seal is essential to the process because it commonly represents the notary office and validates a document.
Notary rules vary widely from one jurisdiction to the other. It’s a good idea to read your car title details and research your jurisdiction’s regulations when looking to notarize your car. The worst nightmare you can find yourself in is sealing a deal only to find out later that you’re ineligible to sign the documents to become the car’s owner.
Car titles notarization in the United States
Working with an auto notary makes it easier for you to seal contracts. They must verify that a document’s signatures are valid. Thus, you don’t have to worry about any legal repercussions. Requiring signers to verify their identities and authenticate documents’ legitimacy helps prevent fraud.
If you’re one of the many individuals asking, “Where can I get a car title notary near me?” Here are some ways to get your document notarized:
- Going to a UPS station, AAA store, a bank, or other entities offering notary services
- Contacting a mobile notary
- Signing up for an online notary service
The conventional process’s major drawback is that you’ll spend a lot of time planning a visit to the notary’s office. If you don’t wish to go through all the hassle of visiting a notary’s office, consider hiring a mobile notary. They’ll travel to wherever you’re conducting the notarial process. But you will have to finance their travel costs and pay the standard service fees.
Once you present the notary with the necessary documents, they’ll lead you through the procedure step by step. You should sign the title in black or blue ink before the notary.
Why should you use one?
It’s possible to get a favorable financial outcome through private sale negotiation. But the potential for great deals and high profits comes with added responsibility. You’ll need to follow all applicable laws and regulations at every stage of the sales process.
Notarization of car titles is a requirement for legal standing in some states. Before selling your car, you should check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine the rules and requirements.
Even if your state doesn’t mandate it, you can notarize your car’s title before selling or purchasing. Notarizing the title verifies that the seller and the buyer are who they say, are signing it voluntarily, and understand its contents.
Furthermore, it safeguards both parties. A notarized car title helps the buyer because it shows that they are the car’s rightful owner. If something happens to them before they can register the vehicle, the seller will be the one to notarize the sale.
The seller and buyer likely have to both appear physically before the notary, but that varies by jurisdiction. After visiting your area’s DMV, you should understand your state’s regulations better.
What documents do I need?
You must provide your car’s title and a couple of identification forms. A car transaction might not require a notary in some states. However, others mandate that you present several documents to notarize a vehicle’s sale, including your ID, serving records, transferable warranty, and more.
Make sure you have all the paperwork you need on the day of the signing so that the process goes smoothly. The notary’s signature helps assure everyone will fulfill their obligations under the agreement’s terms.
Wrap up
Depending on where you live, you might need to enlist a notary’s services to sell your vehicle. When you sell an automobile, you may have to sign the title in front of a notary if your state requires it.
