Free Notarized Odometer Statement PDF Form

What is a Notarized Odometer Statement?

An odometer statement is a document that officially records the mileage of a vehicle at the time of the statement's creation. When notarized, this document provides verified evidence of the vehicle's mileage, as witnessed and certified by a Notary Public. It's typically required during the sale of a vehicle to ensure that the odometer reading is accurate and to prevent odometer fraud.

Why do I need my Odometer Statement to be notarized?

Notarization adds a layer of security and authenticity to the document, making it more reliable and credible. It protects both the buyer and seller by ensuring that the odometer reading has been verified by a neutral third party. Many states require this step for the legal transfer of ownership to help prevent odometer tampering and fraud.

Who should complete the Notarized Odometer Statement?

The vehicle's current registered owner should complete the odometer statement. The Notary Public will then verify the owner's identity and the information provided before notarizing the document.

What information is required on the Odometer Statement?

The statement requires the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and actual mileage. Additionally, the document must include the name of the notary, state and county of notarization, the date, and the signature of the vehicle's owner.

How do I find a Notary Public to notarize my Odometer Statement?

Notary Publics can be found at most banks, law offices, and post offices. Many shipping and parcel stores also offer notary services. You can also search for a Notary in your area by visiting the National Notary Association’s website.

Is there a fee to have my Odometer Statement notarized?

Yes, notaries typically charge a fee for their services. The cost can vary depending on your state and the location of the notary. However, some banks and institutions may offer free notary services to their members or clients.

What do I do with my notarized Odometer Statement?

Once notarized, your Odometer Statement serves as a legal document attesting to the accuracy of your vehicle’s mileage. You will need to submit this document to the appropriate state department or agency involved in the vehicle's sale, transfer, or registration process.

Can the Odometer Statement be electronically notarized?

In many states, electronic notarization is permitted and considered as valid as a traditional notary seal. You should check your local laws to confirm if you can have the document notarized electronically.

What happens if I provide false information on my Odometer Statement?

Knowingly providing false information on an Odometer Disclosure Statement is a federal offense. It can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. This action is taken seriously to protect consumers from fraud and ensure fair transactions.

When filling out a Notarized Odometer Statement form, people often make mistakes that can impact the validity of the document. It's essential to avoid these errors to ensure the process goes smoothly and accurately. Here are five common mistakes:

1. Incorrect Vehicle Information: One of the most common mistakes is entering incorrect vehicle information, such as the wrong year, make, model, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This can lead to significant issues, especially if the document needs to be used for legal or official purposes.

2. Incorrect Mileage: Misreporting the mileage, whether by accident or intentionally, can cause problems. It's crucial to ensure that the odometer reading is accurate and matches the vehicle's actual mileage at the time of the statement.

3. Failing to Get the Document Notarized: The purpose of the Notarized Odometer Statement form is to have a notary public verify the information. Not getting the document notarized renders it invalid for its intended uses, such as in a vehicle sale or transfer.

4. Not Using a Legible Writing: Poor handwriting or using an illegible script can make the document challenging to read and interpret, potentially leading to misunderstandings or the need to redo the document.

5. Leaving Dates Blank or Incorrect: Dates are crucial for the document's validity. Leaving the date sections blank or entering incorrect dates can nullify the document or at least lead to questions regarding its accuracy.

It is imperative to review the document carefully before and after it's completed to avoid these mistakes. Accurate and clear filling of each section will help in ensuring the document serves its purpose without any hurdles.

When processing the sale or transfer of a vehicle, the Notarized Odometer Statement form plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of the vehicle's mileage for the buyer's protection. However, to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction, various additional forms and documents are also typically required. Below is a description of six other commonly used forms and documents that accompany the Notarized Odometer Statement form.

• Bill of Sale: This document serves as a receipt for the transaction and provides proof of the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It outlines the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, and often contains identifying information about the vehicle.
• Title Application: Required to officially transfer the vehicle's title to the new owner, this application is submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. It typically necessitates the notarized signatures of both the buyer and the seller.
• Release of Liability: This form is submitted by the seller to notify the DMV that they have sold the vehicle. It protects the seller from liability for any future incidents involving the vehicle once it's out of their possession.
• VIN Verification Form: In certain states, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) verification is required when registering a vehicle that was previously registered in another state. This form confirms that the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the title and registration documents.
• Registration Application: For the buyer to legally operate the vehicle, they must apply for registration in their name. This process often requires proof of insurance, a valid ID, and the payment of any applicable taxes or fees.
• Power of Attorney: If either the buyer or the seller cannot be present to sign the necessary documents, a Power of Attorney can be used to grant someone else the authority to sign on their behalf. This document must also be notarized.

Included with the Notarized Odometer Statement, these documents collectively enable the authoritative and compliant execution of vehicle sales and transfers. Each document addresses a different legal requirement, helping to protect the interests of all parties involved in the transaction. Organizing and understanding these documents is essential for a smooth transfer of ownership and adherence to state laws and regulations.

• A Bill of Sale: Similar to the Notarized Odometer Statement form, a Bill of Sale documents the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from seller to buyer and includes details such as the make, model, year, and VIN of the vehicle. Both documents serve as important records in the process of buying or selling a vehicle and often require notarization to verify the authenticity of the signatures.

• A Title Transfer Document: This document facilitates the legal transfer of a vehicle's title from the current owner to the new owner. Like the Notarized Odometer Statement, it often requires notarization to ensure that the document is legally binding and that the information about the vehicle and the ownership is accurately represented.

• A VIN Verification Form: The VIN Verification Form is used to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a vehicle for registration purposes. It shares similarities with the Notarized Odometer Statement in that both involve the verification process of critical vehicle information by a notary or authorized individual.

• A Loan Agreement: For transactions involving vehicle financing, a Loan Agreement specifies the terms of the loan. Though its primary focus is on the financial aspects, like the Notarized Odometer Statement, it may require notarization for added legal validity and often references vehicle identification details to secure the loan.

• A Lien Release: This document is used when a lien on a vehicle is paid off, and the lienholder releases their interest in the vehicle. Similarity to the Notarized Odometer Statement lies in the fact that both documents can require notarization and deal with significant changes in vehicle ownership or status.

• A Power of Attorney for Vehicles: This legal document authorizes someone else to make decisions regarding the sale or management of a vehicle on behalf of the owner. It often requires notarization, like the Odometer Statement, to validate the identity of the persons involved and the authority granted.

• A Vehicle Registration Application: This document is used to register a vehicle with a state's department of motor vehicles. While its main purpose is different, it is similar to the Notarized Odometer Statement because it requires accurate vehicle information, including the odometer reading, and may need to be notarized or signed in front of a DMV official.

• A Warranty Deed for Vehicle: While more common in real estate, warranty deeds ensure that the seller holds clear title to a property and has the right to sell it. In the context of vehicles, a similar conceptual document would assure the buyer of the vehicle's condition and history, akin to the assurance provided by the odometer statement regarding mileage.

• A Gift Affidavit: When a vehicle is transferred as a gift, this document affirms that the vehicle is indeed a gift and not a sale subject to taxes. Like the odometer statement, a gift affidavit may need notarization to certify the authenticity of the statement and the identity of the parties involved.

When filling out the Notarized Odometer Statement form, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to guidelines is crucial for the validity of the document. Below are the things you should and shouldn't do during this process:

• Verify the accuracy of the odometer reading before recording it on the form to prevent any discrepancies.
• Ensure the vehicle information, including year, make, model, and VIN, is correct and matches the vehicle documentation.
• Print clearly and legibly to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the information provided.
• Double-check the dates, making sure that the date of the signing matches the current date and that the notary's commission is not expired.
• Have the document notarized by a licensed Notary Public to certify the authenticity of the odometer reading and the identity of the owner.
• Keep a copy of the notarized odometer statement for your records in case any question arises in the future about the vehicle's mileage or the authenticity of the document.

• Leave any blank spaces on the form; if a section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" to indicate it was not overlooked.
• Use correction fluid or tape; errors should be crossed out neatly, and the correct information should be printed nearby. Initial any changes.
• Guess the mileage; if you are not sure about the vehicle's exact mileage, verify it before filling out the form to maintain the accuracy of the document.
• Sign the document without a Notary Public present, as the mark of a notarization is a legal requirement for validating the statement.
• Forget to check the Notary Public's commission expiration date; an expired commission invalidates the notarization process, thereby rendering the document unofficial.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the Notarized Odometer Statement is completed accurately and legally, thus protecting all parties involved in the vehicle transaction.

The notarized Odometer Statement form is an essential document used in the sale and purchase of vehicles, aiming to certify the accurate mileage of the vehicle at the time of the transaction. However, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding its use and significance. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for both buyers and sellers to ensure a transparent and lawful transfer of ownership.

• Misconception 1: The form is only necessary for older vehicles.

  This is incorrect. Regardless of a vehicle's age, an odometer statement is a critical document required by law to ensure the buyer is fully informed about the vehicle's mileage.

• Misconception 2: Digital odometer readings do not require notarization.

  Digital or not, all odometer readings must be verified and notarized. The form of the odometer, whether mechanical or digital, does not exclude the seller from the legal requirement to provide a notarized statement of the vehicle's mileage.

• Misconception 3: The notary public can fill out the entire form on behalf of the owner.

  While a notary public certifies the document, the responsibility to accurately fill out the form lies with the vehicle's owner. The notary's role is primarily to verify the identity of the signer and the authenticity of the signature, not to complete the form.

• Misconception 4: Any notary public can notarize the odometer statement.

  The notarization must be performed by a notary public who is licensed in the state where the transaction occurs. The jurisdiction of a notary public is limited to the state of their commission.

• Misconception 5: A notarized odometer statement is the only document needed to sell a car.

  Though critical, the notarized odometer statement is just one of several documents required in the sale and purchase of a vehicle. Other necessary documents can include the title, bill of sale, and sometimes a release of liability form.

• Misconception 6: Omitting the odometer statement is acceptable if the vehicle is being given as a gift.

  Even if a vehicle is not being sold but is instead being transferred as a gift, the law still requires an odometer disclosure statement. This requirement helps prevent odometer fraud.

• Misconception 7: The odometer statement is only a formality and not legally binding.

  This document is not just a procedural requirement; it is a legally binding declaration of the vehicle's mileage. False statements within this document can lead to serious legal consequences.

• Misconception 8: There's no need to verify the odometer reading before notarization.

  Contrary to this belief, the odometer reading must be accurately recorded and verified before the document is notarized. This verification is crucial to ensure the authenticity and legality of the odometer disclosure.

• Misconception 9: An odometer statement notarized in a different state is invalid.

  While the notarization needs to happen in the state where the transaction is taking place, a notarized odometer statement from a different state is not automatically invalid. It may still be recognized if it meets the legal requirements of the state in question.

• Misconception 10: Electronic notarization is not accepted for odometer statements.

  With advancements in technology and changes in law, electronic notarizations are becoming increasingly accepted for documents, including the odometer statement. However, it's important to verify that the state where the transaction is occurring recognizes electronic notarizations.

Addressing these misconceptions is vital for ensuring that the transaction process is conducted lawfully and transparently, providing protection for both the buyer and the seller. Awareness and adherence to the legal requirements surrounding the notarized Odometer Statement form can significantly mitigate the risk of fraud and legal complications in the sale or purchase of a vehicle.

Understanding how to properly fill out and use a Notarized Odometer Statement form is key to a successful vehicle transaction. Here are five key takeaways to guide you through the process:

1. Accuracy is crucial: Ensure the odometer reading is recorded exactly as it appears in the vehicle. This is vital for the buyer's protection and to fulfill legal requirements.

2. Personal verification: A Notary Public must verify the mileage personally. This adds an extra layer of security and authenticity to the document, ensuring that the odometer reading has been independently confirmed.

3. The presence of the registered owner at the time of notarization is mandatory. The owner must prove their identity to the Notary Public, which typically involves presenting a valid ID. This step ensures that the ownership and odometer information are reliably linked.

4. Complete all details accurately: It's essential to fill in all requested information on the form correctly, including the date, vehicle make, model, year, and VIN, to avoid any legal issues or potential disputes in the future.

5. Understand the importance of the expiration date of the Notary Public's commission. If the commission expires before the document is used or submitted, its validity could be questioned. Always check the Notary's commission expiration date when the form is being notarized.

By focusing on these key aspects, you can ensure that the Notarized Odometer Statement form is filled out correctly and serves its purpose in any vehicle sale or transfer process. Remember, this document not only provides proof of the vehicle's mileage at the time of the sale but also helps to prevent odometer fraud, protecting both the buyer and seller.