Fill in a Valid Notarized Odometer Statement Form

How to Fill Out Notarized Odometer Statement

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can proceed to fill out the Notarized Odometer Statement form. This form requires specific details about the vehicle and the owner, as well as the notary's verification. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that the form is completed correctly.

1. Write the name of the notary public in the first blank line.
2. Fill in the state where the notary is commissioned in the second blank line.
3. Enter the county of the notary in the third blank line.
4. Provide the current mileage of the vehicle in the space labeled "_____________ (miles)".
5. Indicate the year of the vehicle in the next blank line labeled "__________ (year)".
6. Fill in the make of the vehicle in the blank labeled "_______________ (make)".
7. Enter the model of the vehicle in the space labeled "_________________ (model)".
8. Complete the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in the section labeled "_____________________________ (VIN)".
9. Write the name of the vehicle owner in the space labeled "____________________________".
10. Fill in the date in the format "______ day of _____________, 2015" in the designated area.
11. The owner must sign their name in the line labeled "_______________________________.
12. Have the notary public sign their name in the space labeled "__________________________________".
13. Enter the date of the notary's signature in the line labeled "___________________".
14. Finally, the notary must fill in the expiration date of their commission in the last blank line labeled "____________________".

After completing the form, ensure that all information is accurate and legible. Both the owner and the notary must be present for the signing and notarization process. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

There are several misconceptions about the Notarized Odometer Statement form that can lead to confusion. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

• Notarization is optional. Many believe that notarizing the odometer statement is not necessary. In fact, it is often required to ensure the document is legally valid.
• Only the seller can complete the form. Some think that only the seller is allowed to fill out the form. However, both the seller and buyer can provide information on the statement.
• The notary checks the vehicle's mileage. It is a common belief that notaries verify the actual mileage of the vehicle. In reality, the notary only verifies the identity of the person signing the statement.
• All states require the same form. People often assume that the Notarized Odometer Statement is the same in every state. Each state has its own requirements and forms, so it’s important to check local regulations.
• It can be completed after the sale. Some think they can fill out the statement after the vehicle sale is finalized. This is usually not advisable, as it should be completed at the time of the transaction.
• Odometer statements are only for used cars. Many believe that this form is only necessary for used vehicle sales. In fact, it can also be required for new vehicles in certain situations.
• Once notarized, the form cannot be changed. It is a misconception that any errors on a notarized form cannot be corrected. If mistakes are found, a new form should be completed and notarized again.
• Notarized forms are always accepted. Some think that having a notarized form guarantees acceptance. While it adds credibility, the receiving party may have specific requirements that must also be met.

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

Filling out and using the Notarized Odometer Statement form is an important step in vehicle transactions. Here are six key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Accurate Mileage: Ensure that the mileage entered on the form is accurate. Misrepresenting the odometer reading can lead to legal consequences.
• Complete Information: Fill in all required fields, including the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN. Incomplete information may invalidate the statement.
• Notary Verification: A Notary Public must verify the information. This adds a layer of authenticity and helps prevent fraud.
• Owner's Presence: The registered owner must be present when the notary verifies the odometer statement. Their personal appearance is crucial for the notarization process.
• Documentation Date: Make sure to date the document correctly. The date of notarization is essential for legal records.
• Retention of Copies: Keep a copy of the notarized statement for your records. This can be helpful in case of disputes or future transactions.

Filling out the Notarized Odometer Statement form can be straightforward, but several common mistakes can lead to complications. One frequent error is leaving out crucial information. The form requires specific details, such as the vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN. Omitting any of these elements can render the statement incomplete and potentially invalid.

Another mistake involves inaccuracies in the mileage entry. The form asks for the exact mileage at the time of the vehicle's sale or transfer. Entering an incorrect number, whether due to a simple typo or misreading the odometer, can lead to disputes later. It is essential to double-check this information before submitting the form.

Additionally, individuals sometimes fail to have the form notarized properly. The presence of a notary public is crucial for the validity of the document. If the notary does not witness the signing or if their signature is missing, the statement may not hold up in legal situations. Ensuring that the notary's information, including their commission expiration date, is accurately filled in is also vital.

Finally, neglecting to sign the form is a common oversight. Both the owner and the notary must sign the document for it to be valid. If the owner forgets to sign, the entire process may need to be redone, causing delays in the transfer of ownership. Attention to detail is critical when completing the Notarized Odometer Statement form to avoid these common pitfalls.