Does A Car Title Transfer Have To Be Notarized?

how to transfer car title

In many US states, car title transfer sometimes does not need the services of a notary. The owner signs a form that shifts possession to a new person. The car title transfer is then filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles ( DMV ) so that the prior owner is not in charge of the vehicle or any damage the car might incur.

While California does not need notary services, for instance, Arizona does require notary services before car title transfer. The best way to test is to find the website or the telephone number of one’s state DMV to ask about individual laws. Websites for each DMV will typically have explicit instructions regarding title transfer.

One may need to have a car title transfer notarised with no regard for laws, as it proves one’s surrender of a vehicle. If a new owner fails to register the car in their name, then one might still be held responsible for costs or damage related to the car.

Where states don’t require notarization for car title transfer, one can avoid the bother by joining the new owner at the local DMV to make sure that ownership now reflects the new owner. One generally has to bring the signed title transfer form, and the first pink slip of the car to finish this process.

Some vehicle clubs allow one to hop the long lines at the DMV and complete the car title transfer process through them. AAA is especially good at both filing forms, and providing notary service when needed so that the prior owner is exempted from further participation with the car. Often automobile clubs offer this service for free or for a very low price as part of membership.

Common-sense suggests verifying that one is not considered the owner of the car. This is especially true if you’re selling the vehicle to a stranger. Notary services do prove that one has transferred title, but actually the most effective way is to file or witness the filing of a title transfer, so no mistakes arise in the future.