Free Notarized Odometer Statement PDF Form

How to Fill Out Notarized Odometer Statement

Completing a Notarized Odometer Statement is an important step in the process of documenting the accurate mileage of a vehicle, especially during sales or transfers. This document ensures that the buyer is aware of the true mileage of the vehicle they are purchasing. This step-by-step guide simplifies the process of filling out the form and helps you do it correctly, making sure all the necessary information is properly documented.

1. Start by entering your name where it says, "I, ____________________________." Ensure your name is written exactly as it appears on official identification.
2. Fill in the state where the notarization is taking place in the space provided: "a Notary Public in the state of ______________________."
3. Enter the county of notarization where indicated: "in the county of _________________."
4. Document the mileage exactly as it appears on the vehicle's odometer in the space after "have personally verified the mileage of _______________ (miles)."
5. Indicate the year of the vehicle: "on this__________ (year)."
6. Provide the make of the vehicle: "______________ (make)."
7. Enter the model of the vehicle where it says "_______________ (model)."
8. Record the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the designated spot: "_________________________ (VIN)."
9. Write the name of the vehicle's owner: "belonging to ____________________________."
10. Input the date of the notarization: "on this _______ day of _____________, 2015."
11. The vehicle's owner should sign their name where it says, "______________________________, owner," to denote their presence and acknowledgment.
12. Have the owner write the date next to their signature where indicated: "_________________ Registered Owner Date."
13. The Notary Public signs where it says "______________________________ Notary Public" to authenticate the document.
14. The Notary Public must enter the expiration date of their commission where indicated: "My commission expires on ____________________."

After you have filled out the Notarized Odometer Statement form completely and accurately, ensuring every field is correctly completed, the document should be kept in a safe place with other important vehicle documents. This form is a crucial part of vehicle records, especially for future sales or transfers, as it provides proof of mileage verification by a Notary Public.

What is a Notarized Odometer Statement form?

A Notarized Odometer Statement form is a document that officially records the mileage of a vehicle. It is verified and signed by a Notary Public, who confirms the identity of the vehicle's owner and the accuracy of the mileage stated. This form serves as a legal record to protect buyers and sellers by ensuring transparency regarding the vehicle's mileage.

Why do I need to get an odometer statement notarized?

Having an odometer statement notarized adds an extra layer of verification and legal credibility to the document. It helps to prevent fraud or disputes about the mileage of the vehicle at the time of the transaction. This notarization process ensures that the person signing the document is indeed the vehicle's owner and that the information provided is accurate.

Who should complete the Notarized Odometer Statement form?

The owner of the vehicle is responsible for completing the Notarized Odometer Statement form. They must provide accurate information about the vehicle's mileage, make, model, VIN, and sign the document in the presence of a Notary Public. Afterward, the Notary Public verifies the owner's identification and signs the form, officially notarizing it.

What happens if I sell a vehicle without a Notarized Odometer Statement?

Selling a vehicle without a Notarized Odometer Statement can lead to potential legal issues. Buyers may question the validity of the mileage, which could result in disputes or claims of fraud. In some jurisdictions, providing a notarized odometer statement is a legal requirement for the sale or transfer of ownership to adequately inform the buyer about the vehicle's condition.

Can a Notarized Odometer Statement form be completed electronically?

Whether an odometer statement can be completed and notarized electronically depends on the laws of the specific state. Some states allow electronic notarizations, which can include odometer statements. However, it's important to confirm with local regulations and ensure both parties accept an electronic document as valid before proceeding.

What do I do if I find a discrepancy in the mileage recorded on the Notarized Odometer Statement?

If a discrepancy in the mileage is found after the Notarized Odometer Statement has been completed, it is important to address this issue immediately. Contact the previous owner if possible and consult with legal counsel to discuss your options. In some cases, you may need to report the discrepancy to the appropriate state agency or take legal action if fraud is suspected.

Does the odometer statement need to be notarized in every state?

Not all states require an odometer statement to be notarized. The requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. It’s essential to check the specific laws and regulations of your state or consult with a legal professional to determine if notarization is necessary for your situation.

1. One common mistake is failing to accurately verify and fill in the vehicle's mileage. The accuracy of the mileage stated is crucial to the validity of the odometer disclosure statement. Errors or discrepancies can lead to questions of fraud or misrepresentation, affecting the vehicle's sale or transfer.

2. Another mistake is not ensuring that the Notary Public fills in all required information about their jurisdiction, including state and county. This information legitimizes the document and verifies the authority of the Notary Public to witness the document in that specific location.

3. People often overlook the importance of including the complete vehicle identification number (VIN). A correct and complete VIN ensures that the disclosure statement accurately refers to the intended vehicle, as the VIN is unique to each vehicle.

4. Failing to provide the full legal name and signature of the registered owner as recognized by legal documents can invalidate the statement. It's crucial that the owner's name on the odometer disclosure statement matches the name in which the vehicle is legally registered.

5. Incorrectly dating the document or not dating it at all can also lead to issues. The date is essential for the document’s validity and must be correct and clearly written, ensuring that the statement was made at a time relevant to the vehicle's sale or transfer.

Aside from these common mistakes, there are additional errors to avoid:

• Not having the Notary Public adequately sign and seal the document. Their signature and seal confirm the authenticity of the document and the identities of the parties involved.

• Omitting or incorrectly filling in the vehicle's make, model, and year. This information is necessary to identify the vehicle clearly and must be accurately represented in the statement.

• It's also a mistake to not verify the document thoroughly before submission. All parties should review the odometer statement for completeness and accuracy, ensuring that no fields have been missed and all information is correct.

When transferring ownership of a vehicle, a Notarized Odometer Statement often accompanies several other important documents. These documents collectively ensure a smooth, legal transfer and help protect all parties involved in the transaction. Below is a list of other forms and documents commonly used alongside a Notarized Odometer Statement.

• Bill of Sale: This document outlines the transaction details, including the sale price, condition of the vehicle, and identification information. It acts as a receipt for the transaction and can be crucial for tax purposes.
• Title Transfer Form: Essential for officially transferring the vehicle's title from the seller to the buyer. This form is typically submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent state agency.
• Vehicle History Report: Provides a detailed history of the vehicle, including past accidents, service records, and previous ownership. This report helps establish trust between the buyer and seller.
• Release of Liability Form: The seller needs this form to notify the state DMV that they are no longer responsible for the vehicle. It protects the seller from liability for anything that happens with the vehicle after the sale.
• Registration Application: For the buyer to register the vehicle in their name, they must submit this form to the DMV, along with the necessary fees. The application process may vary slightly from state to state.
• Power of Attorney (if applicable): In situations where either the buyer or seller cannot be present to sign the documents, a Power of Attorney may be used. This legal document grants someone the authority to act on behalf of another person concerning the vehicle transaction.

These documents, along with the Notarized Odometer Statement, form a comprehensive package that addresses legal, financial, and safety concerns during a vehicle transaction. By understanding and preparing these documents, buyers and sellers can ensure a transparent and legally sound process, safeguarding their rights and interests in the transaction.

• Bill of Sale: A Bill of Sale is similar to a Notarized Odometer Statement because it documents important transaction details. While the odometer statement focuses on verifying the mileage of a vehicle to prevent odometer fraud, a Bill of Sale proves the transfer of ownership of an item (often a vehicle) from seller to buyer and typically includes the purchase price, a description of the item, and the parties' details. Both documents serve as crucial evidence in transactions and may require notarization to certify their authenticity.

• Title Transfer Documents: Title Transfer Documents share similarities with a Notarized Odometer Statement as they both are integral to the process of buying or selling a vehicle. The title transfer officially changes the vehicle's ownership and is necessary for legal recognition by the state's department of motor vehicles (DMV). Like the odometer statement, which ensures transparency in the vehicle's condition and history, the title transfer solidifies the change of ownership, with both needing accurate and truthful information for the process to be valid.

• Loan Agreement Forms: Loan Agreement Forms are akin to Notarized Odometer Statements in that they both document specific terms agreed upon by parties involved in a transaction. For a loan agreement, these terms concern the loan amount, repayment schedule, interest rate, and collateral, if any. Though the focus differs—with the odometer statement verifying mileage and the loan agreement detailing financial terms—both are formal documents that might require notarization to lend credibility and enforceability to the agreements made.

• Vehicle Registration Forms: Vehicle Registration Forms are similar to the Notarized Odometer Statement, as they are essential for legal vehicle operation and ownership documentation. Registration forms identify the vehicle and its owner, requiring details like make, model, year, and VIN—information also found in the odometer statement. The odometer reading is often a part of registration requirements to monitor the vehicle's condition and value over time. Both documents play a role in maintaining legal and accurate records within the automotive regulatory framework.

Filling out a Notarized Odometer Statement form is crucial for accurately documenting and authenticating a vehicle's mileage, especially during ownership transfers. Ensuring you approach this task meticulously will not only keep you in compliance with legal requirements but also safeguard against potential disputes. Below are essential dos and don'ts for completing this form:

• Do verify the vehicle's mileage yourself before filling out the form. This helps ensure the accuracy of the information you're providing.
• Do use blue or black ink to ensure the form's legibility and durability over time. This makes the document easier to read and photocopy.
• Do print clearly and legibly. This reduces misunderstandings or queries about the information provided.
• Do ensure that the date of the notarization is accurate and corresponds with the actual day you and the notary public complete the form.
• Don't leave any blanks on the form. If a section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" to indicate that it is not applicable.
• Don't estimate or guess the vehicle's mileage. Entering inaccurate information can have legal implications and affect the trustworthiness of the document.
• Don't sign the form until you are in the presence of a notary public. Your signature needs to be witnessed and authenticated by the notary to be valid.
• Don't forget to check the expiration date of the notary's commission. A form notarized by an individual whose commission has expired is invalid and may need to be redone.

When correctly filled out, the Notarized Odometer Statement serves as a vital piece of evidence in verifying the mileage of a vehicle at the time of sale or transfer. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the form is properly executed and serves its intended purpose without hitches.

When it comes to notarizing documents, the Notarized Odometer Statement form plays a crucial role in vehicle transactions, especially in terms of mileage verification. However, there are several misconceptions about this form that can lead to confusion. Let’s clear up some of these misunderstandings.

• Misconception 1: Only the vehicle's seller needs to understand the Notarized Odometer Statement form.
  

  Both the buyer and seller should understand this form. It serves as a legal record of the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale, protecting both parties.

• Misconception 2: The notary is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the odometer reading.
  

  The notary's role is to verify the identity of the signer and witness the signing, not to check the vehicle's mileage themselves.

• Misconception 3: Digital odometer readings do not need to be notarized.
  

  Regardless of whether a vehicle has a digital or mechanical odometer, the statement requires notarization to ensure the formality and legality of the mileage disclosure.

• Misconception 4: A Notarized Odometer Statement form is only necessary if the car is more than 10 years old.
  

  This form is critical for all vehicle transactions, regardless of the vehicle's age, to document and verify the mileage accurately.

• Misconception 5: Any notary can notarize the form, regardless of their state of commission.
  

  The form must be notarized by a Notary Public who is commissioned in the state where the notarization takes place, ensuring the process adheres to state laws.

• Misconception 6: The odometer disclosure is optional.
  

  This disclosure is a federal requirement for the sale of most used vehicles, providing a certified statement of the vehicle’s mileage.

• Misconception 7: If the odometer is broken, you cannot complete the form.
  

  Even if the odometer is not functioning, the seller must estimate the mileage to the best of their ability and note the issue on the form.

• Misconception 8: This statement doesn't need to be included in the sale documents if the vehicle is sold "as is."
  

  Even if a vehicle is sold "as is," an odometer disclosure is still required by law to inform the buyer about the vehicle's actual mileage.

• Misconception 9: Electronic signatures are not acceptable on the Notarized Odometer Statement form.
  

  As technology advances, electronic signatures have become legally acceptable on many forms, including the odometer statement, as long as they comply with state laws.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that the transaction process is smooth and legally compliant, providing peace of mind for both the buyer and seller.

Completing and utilizing the Notarized Odometer Statement form is a crucial step in the vehicle sale process, designed to legally certify the accuracy of a vehicle's mileage. Here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Accuracy is Key: The primary purpose of this document is to ensure that the odometer reading of a vehicle is accurately recorded at the time of sale. This protects both the buyer and seller from potential odometer fraud.
• Legal Requirement: In most states, providing a notarized odometer statement is a legal requirement during the transfer of ownership. Failing to provide an accurately completed form could result in legal penalties.
• Personal Appearance: The vehicle's registered owner must personally appear before the notary to verify their identity and odometer reading. This step underscores the importance of the document's accuracy and legitimacy.
• Identification is Necessary: The owner needs to prove their identity to the notary public on the basis of satisfactory evidence. Usually, a government-issued identification card or passport suffices for this purpose.
• Data Verification: A Notary Public in the respective state and county must verify all the information on the form, including the vehicle's mileage, year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Date of Statement: The precise date when the odometer statement is completed and notarized should be clearly indicated, as it provides a contextual timeframe for the odometer reading.
• Notary's Credentials: The notary public must include their own details, such as their name and the expiration date of their commission, which adds an additional layer of verification to the document.
• Preservation of Records: Both the buyer and seller should keep copies of the notarized odometer statement for their records. This document may be needed for future legal or transactional purposes.

Understanding these key points ensures both parties involved in a vehicle transaction are aware of their responsibilities and the importance of the Notarized Odometer Statement form. It serves as a binding declaration of the vehicle's mileage, playing a critical role in maintaining transparency and trust in the transaction.