Most states require notarizing a car’s title, which usually works as a title certificate. But even if the law is lenient and doesn’t mandate notarizing a car title, you probably should get it notarized.
And that’s because a vehicle title is a valuable piece of document that you sign at the time of selling or buying a vehicle. Most people still opt for a notarized title if their state doesn’t require it.
When you buy a new car – you have to take care of essential documents like a car title. It is a legal document that affirms you’re the legal owner of your car. People often spend a significant chunk of money on a new car and overlook a vehicle’s title, which makes them at risk of losing the car.
So, if there is confusion or dispute about who has the legal right to use or own the car, the title document can address such concerns. It makes all the more reason to have a notarized vehicle title to ensure it legally and rightfully belongs to you.
Typically, a car title includes weight class, owner’s name, odometer reading during the sale, vehicle’s identification number, etc. It also includes title assignment with the seller and buyer’s names, date of sale, signatures, and full addresses.
Car title notarization affirms the identity of the seller and the buyer. It also ensures both parties are aware of the document’s contents and have voluntarily signed it of their own free will. After signing, vehicle title notarization protects the buyer and the seller.
It comes down to your state whether or not it warrants a notarized car title. Some states require a public notary to witness the signing process at the time of title transfer. On the other hand, some states don’t make it a legal requirement.
You don’t have to worry about every state mandating vehicle title notarization prior to sale. Before signing, get in touch with your local DMV and reference your state’s laws and find out whether or not it legally requires title notarization.
