Printable Notarized Odometer Statement Form

Printable Notarized Odometer Statement Form

The Notarized Odometer Statement form is a legal document used to confirm the mileage of a vehicle at the time of sale. It serves to protect both buyers and sellers by providing an official record of the vehicle's odometer reading, ensuring transparency in the transaction. To proceed with your vehicle sale, fill out the form by clicking the button below.

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The Notarized Odometer Statement form serves a crucial role in vehicle transactions by providing a verified account of a vehicle's mileage at the time of sale or transfer. This document is typically completed by a notary public, who confirms the accuracy of the mileage reported by the vehicle's owner. The form requires specific details, including the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as well as the exact mileage at the time of the notarization. Additionally, it includes a declaration by the registered owner, affirming their identity and the validity of the information provided. The notary public’s signature and seal lend further credibility to the document, ensuring that the mileage disclosure is legally binding. This process helps protect both buyers and sellers from potential fraud related to odometer tampering, thereby fostering trust in the vehicle sales market.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Notarized Odometer Statement form can lead to confusion when buying or selling vehicles. Here are five common misunderstandings:

  • Notarization is Optional: Some people believe that notarization is not necessary for an odometer statement. In many states, however, a notarized statement is required to ensure the accuracy of the mileage disclosure.
  • Only the Seller Needs to Sign: It is a common misconception that only the seller needs to sign the odometer statement. In reality, both the seller and the buyer should be involved in the process to confirm the accuracy of the information.
  • Odometer Statements Are Only for Used Cars: Many think that odometer statements apply only to used vehicles. However, they are also relevant for new cars, especially when transferring ownership.
  • The Notary Verifies the Odometer Reading: Some believe that the notary is responsible for verifying the actual mileage on the vehicle. The notary’s role is to confirm the identity of the individuals signing the document, not to inspect the vehicle itself.
  • All States Have the Same Requirements: Many assume that the rules surrounding odometer statements are uniform across the country. In fact, each state has its own regulations and requirements regarding the notarization and submission of these forms.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother transaction when dealing with vehicle ownership transfers.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Notarized Odometer Statement form, several key points should be considered to ensure accuracy and compliance.

  • Personal Verification: The notary public must personally verify the mileage stated on the form. This step is crucial to establish the authenticity of the mileage disclosure.
  • Complete Information: All fields in the form must be filled out completely. This includes the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle.
  • Owner's Presence: The registered owner must be present when the notary public verifies their identity. This is necessary to ensure that the owner is indeed the person signing the document.
  • Satisfactory Evidence: The notary must obtain satisfactory evidence of the owner's identity. This can be done through government-issued identification or other reliable means.
  • Commission Details: The notary public must include their commission expiration date on the form. This information is essential for determining the validity of the notarization.
  • Legal Implications: Failing to accurately complete the form can lead to legal issues, including potential fraud claims. It is vital to ensure that all information is truthful and precise.

Document Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Notarized Odometer Statement form is used to disclose the mileage of a vehicle during a sale or transfer, ensuring transparency in the transaction.
Notary Requirement This form must be signed in the presence of a notary public, who verifies the identity of the person signing the document.
State Variability Each state may have its own specific requirements regarding the form, including different governing laws that dictate how the statement should be executed.
Legal Protection Using a notarized statement can help protect both the buyer and seller from potential disputes regarding the vehicle's mileage.
Information Required The form requires specific details, such as the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, and the mileage at the time of the transaction.
Owner's Verification The registered owner must personally appear before the notary and provide satisfactory evidence of their identity.
Expiration of Notary The notary public must indicate their commission expiration date, which is important for the validity of the notarization.
State-Specific Forms Some states may require additional forms or specific language to be included in the Odometer Disclosure Statement, so checking local laws is essential.

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Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Notarized Odometer Statement form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do.

  • Do provide accurate mileage information.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting.
  • Do ensure all required fields are completed.
  • Do verify the vehicle's VIN before submission.
  • Do sign the document in the presence of a notary.
  • Don't leave any fields blank.
  • Don't use abbreviations or unclear terms.
  • Don't forget to date the document.
  • Don't alter the form after it has been notarized.
  • Don't submit the form without a notary's signature and seal.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Failing to fill in all required fields can lead to delays or rejection of the document. Ensure that every blank is filled out completely, including the owner’s name, vehicle details, and the notary’s information.

  2. Incorrect Mileage Reporting: Providing an inaccurate mileage figure is a serious mistake. Double-check the odometer reading before submitting the form to avoid potential legal issues.

  3. Missing Notary Signature: The notary’s signature is essential for the document to be valid. Always confirm that the notary has signed and dated the statement before finalizing the form.

  4. Failure to Date the Form: Not dating the document can create confusion regarding when the odometer reading was verified. Make sure to include the correct date in the designated area.

  5. Not Using the Correct Format: Using an incorrect format for the VIN, make, model, or year can result in processing issues. Follow the specified format closely to ensure clarity and accuracy.