Do both parties need to be present to transfer a vehicle title? What if the buyer has a notarized bill of sale, does the seller still need to be present?

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

ChaosReality69 t1_j8kuipb wrote on February 15, 2023 at 1:14 AM

3 different times I bought a car but wasn't able to go at the same time to transfer the title. The other person went to the tag place, did their end, and gave my name as the buyer. When I was available I went and signed my end, paid, and registered the car.

Last time I did that was maybe 10 years ago. In one case it was nearly a month. The car was sitting waiting for me to fix it so I wasn't in a rush.

You'd have to ask your local notaries if they're okay with that. A few around me will do it no problem.

artificialavocado t1_j8m4krb wrote on February 15, 2023 at 9:03 AM

Technically I believe they are supposed to but some notary places play loose with the rules sometimes. Especially with some smaller used car lots who send them a lot of work. I bought a used car a few months ago and the dealer guy didn’t go up at the same time I was there.

ChaosReality69 t1_j8mxauk wrote on February 15, 2023 at 2:21 PM

Yeah I'm not exactly sure what the rules are, just know the places around me have been okay with it.

I'm kind of surprised that the dealer couldn't do the title transfer for you. I've seen small, backwoods used car dealers that could do the title and registration. I've been told becoming a notary is pretty easy.

SBRH33 t1_j8ksrke wrote on February 15, 2023 at 1:00 AM

Yes. Both buyer and seller need to be present at the notary.

The best place for this to take place is a local Auto Tags And Title Service.

fifty2weekhi t1_j8kyhoc wrote on February 15, 2023 at 1:46 AM

Yes. Exception is if there are 2 names in title and one of them cannot be present. In that case, his signature can be notarized ahead of time. But the other person in the title will have to be present with the buyer during the transfer. That was my experience - for Pennsylvania anyway.

[PS. Done at AAA]

ask_the_fisherman t1_j8pk08i wrote on February 16, 2023 at 12:54 AM

You need to take the title to a notary. You give a bill of sale to someone. They never tranfer the title and are involved in a accident. It is your car and you may be liable. Always use a notary when selling any vehicle for your protection.

The only exception is when junking a car. Who ever takes it needs to sign the title and you do also. The title has a place for this purpose. Take a pictue for your records to protect yourself.

There are people that will buy a car and never transfer the title. Under the law you are the owner. I suggest having proof of the sale or using a notary for your protection.

kyohrus t1_j8yibs6 wrote on February 17, 2023 at 9:26 PM

yes, and even when getting your name off of the car title. my parents were in the process of their divorce, my dad & his lawyer signed without my mom present, basically fucking her over with the title. she now has to pay $300 to fix the illegal mess.