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Misconceptions

Understanding the Notarized Odometer Statement form is essential for anyone involved in vehicle transactions. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are five common misunderstandings:

  • Notarization is only for legal documents. Many people believe that notarization applies only to legal documents. In reality, notarization serves to verify the identity of the person signing the document and can be used for various forms, including the Odometer Statement.
  • The form is only necessary for used cars. Some individuals think that the Odometer Statement is only required when selling used vehicles. However, it is also important for certain new car transactions, especially if there is a transfer of ownership.
  • All states require the same form. Many assume that the Odometer Statement is uniform across the United States. In fact, each state may have its own requirements and forms, so it is important to check local regulations.
  • Notarization guarantees accuracy of the mileage. A common misconception is that notarization guarantees the accuracy of the reported mileage. Notarization only verifies the identity of the signer; it does not confirm the truthfulness of the information provided.
  • You can fill out the form after the sale. Some believe that it is acceptable to complete the Odometer Statement after the vehicle sale has occurred. However, it is best practice to fill out and notarize the form at the time of the transaction to ensure accuracy and legality.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother vehicle transaction process. Always consult with local regulations and professionals when in doubt.

File Details

Fact Name Details
Purpose The Notarized Odometer Statement form is used to document the mileage of a vehicle at the time of sale.
Notary Requirement A notary public must verify the information and sign the document to make it legally binding.
State-Specific Forms Each state may have its own version of the Odometer Disclosure Statement, governed by state laws.
Federal Law The federal law requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old during transfer of ownership.
Information Required The form must include the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, and the current mileage.
Owner Verification The registered owner must appear in person before the notary to verify their identity.
Legal Consequences Providing false information on the form can result in legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Record Keeping Both the seller and buyer should keep a copy of the notarized form for their records.
Expiration of Notary The notary's commission must be valid at the time of notarization; it will be noted on the form.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Notarized Odometer Statement form, it's important to keep several key points in mind. Here are some essential takeaways:

  • Personal Verification: The form requires a Notary Public to personally verify the mileage. This step is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the odometer reading.
  • Complete Information: Fill in all fields accurately, including the year, make, model, and VIN of the vehicle. Missing details can lead to complications.
  • Owner's Presence: The registered owner must be present during the notarization process. This confirms their identity and ownership of the vehicle.
  • Satisfactory Evidence: The Notary must establish satisfactory evidence of the owner's identity. This can include a government-issued ID or other acceptable forms of identification.
  • Date of Notarization: Ensure the date of notarization is clearly written. This date is important for legal records and future reference.
  • Signature Requirements: Both the registered owner and the Notary Public must sign the document. Their signatures validate the statement.
  • Expiration of Notary Commission: Be aware of the Notary's commission expiration date. If the Notary's commission has expired, the document may not be legally valid.
  • State-Specific Regulations: Different states may have specific requirements regarding odometer disclosures. Familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Record Keeping: Keep a copy of the completed Notarized Odometer Statement for your records. This document may be needed for future transactions or legal matters.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Notarized Odometer Statement is filled out correctly and serves its intended purpose effectively.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Notarized Odometer Statement form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are five important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure that all personal information is accurate and complete.
  • Do verify the mileage before recording it on the form.
  • Do sign and date the form in the appropriate sections.
  • Do have your signature notarized by a qualified notary public.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't leave any blank spaces; fill in all required fields.
  • Don't use incorrect or outdated information about the vehicle.
  • Don't forget to check the expiration date of the notary's commission.
  • Don't rush through the process; take your time to avoid mistakes.
  • Don't forget to provide satisfactory evidence of identity when appearing before the notary.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide accurate mileage. Ensure that the mileage recorded is correct and reflects the actual distance traveled by the vehicle.

  2. Neglecting to fill in all required fields. Each section of the form must be completed, including the year, make, model, and VIN of the vehicle.

  3. Incorrectly identifying the notary public's information. The notary must accurately state their name, state, and county to validate the document.

  4. Not signing the document in the presence of the notary. The owner must appear before the notary and sign the document in their presence for it to be valid.

  5. Using an outdated version of the form. Always ensure that the most current version of the Notarized Odometer Statement is being utilized.

  6. Failing to include the date of notarization. The date when the notary public signs the document must be clearly indicated to establish the timeline of the transaction.

  7. Not verifying the expiration date of the notary's commission. It is crucial to check that the notary's commission is valid and has not expired.

What You Should Know About This Form

  1. What is a Notarized Odometer Statement?

    A Notarized Odometer Statement is a document that verifies the mileage on a vehicle at the time of sale. It is often required when transferring ownership of a vehicle. This statement is signed by the vehicle owner and notarized by a public notary, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and legally binding.

  2. Why is a Notarized Odometer Statement important?

    This statement helps protect both the buyer and seller. It prevents fraud by ensuring that the mileage recorded on the vehicle's odometer is truthful. If a seller rolls back the odometer, the buyer has a legal document that proves the actual mileage at the time of sale. This can be crucial for warranty claims and resale value.

  3. How do I complete a Notarized Odometer Statement?

    To complete the statement, you need to fill in specific details about the vehicle, including the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The current mileage must also be recorded. After filling out the form, both the owner and the notary public will sign it. The notary will verify the identity of the owner and ensure that they are signing willingly.

  4. Where can I get a Notarized Odometer Statement form?

    You can often find a Notarized Odometer Statement form at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or on their website. Many legal stationery stores also carry these forms. Additionally, some online resources provide templates that you can fill out and print. Just ensure that the form meets your state’s requirements.

Notarized Odometer Statement Example

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

I, ____________________________, a Notary Public in the state of ______________________,

in the county of _________________, have personally verified the mileage of _______________

(miles) on this__________ (year) ________________ (make) _________________ (model)

_____________________________ (VIN) belonging to ____________________________ on

this _______ day of _____________, 2015. _______________________________, owner,

personally appeared and proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to within this instrument.

__________________________________

___________________

Registered Owner

Date

S

 

E

________________________________

 

Notary Public

A

 

 

My commission expires on ____________________

L