How To Notarize A Car Title In Missouri?

Are you planning to sell your car in Missouri? If yes, notarizing your car title is a crucial step in the process. Notarization is a legal process that ensures the authenticity of the car title and the signatures on it. It is essential to make sure that the transfer of ownership is legal and binding. In this article, we will guide you through the process of notarizing a car title in Missouri, making the process hassle-free and straightforward. So, let’s get started!

How to Notarize a Car Title in Missouri?

If you are buying or selling a car in Missouri, you will need to have the car title notarized. Notarization is a process in which a notary public certifies that the signature on a document is authentic. In Missouri, notarizing a car title is a simple process, but it is important to understand the requirements and steps involved to ensure a smooth transaction.

Step 1: Get a Title

The first step to notarizing a car title in Missouri is to obtain a title. The title is a legal document that proves ownership of the vehicle. If you are buying a car, the seller should provide you with a signed title. If you are selling a car, you will need to sign over the title to the buyer.

Benefits:

• Ensures that the buyer is the legal owner of the vehicle.
• Protects the seller from any future liability associated with the vehicle.

Step 2: Fill out the Title

Once you have the title, you will need to fill it out. The title will require information about the buyer and seller, including names, addresses, and signatures. Make sure to fill out the title completely and accurately to avoid any problems with the transaction.

Benefits:

• Ensures that all necessary information is recorded and documented.
• Reduces the risk of errors or omissions that could cause problems later on.

Step 3: Find a Notary Public

After the title is filled out, you will need to find a notary public to certify the signatures. Notary publics are individuals who are authorized to witness and certify signatures on legal documents. There are many notary publics available in Missouri, including banks, law firms, and shipping stores.

Benefits:

• Ensures that the signatures on the title are authentic.
• Provides an unbiased third-party witness to the transaction.

Step 4: Bring the Title to the Notary Public

Once you have found a notary public, you will need to bring the title to them. The notary public will check the signatures on the title against a government-issued ID to verify the identity of the signers. Once the signatures are verified, the notary public will sign and stamp the title to certify the authenticity of the signatures.

Benefits:

• Provides an official certification of the signatures on the title.
• Protects against fraud or forgery.

Step 5: Pay the Notary Public

After the notary public has certified the signatures on the title, you will need to pay for their services. The fee for notarization varies depending on the notary public, but it is typically a small fee.

Benefits:

• Ensures that the notary public is compensated for their services.
• Provides an official record of the fee paid for notarization.

Step 6: Submit the Title

Once the title has been notarized, it is ready to be submitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The department will process the title and issue a new title in the buyer’s name. If you are the seller, make sure to remove your license plates from the car and cancel your insurance coverage.

Benefits:

• Ensures that the title is processed and recorded correctly by the state of Missouri.
• Protects the buyer from any issues with the title in the future.

Conclusion

Notarizing a car title in Missouri is a simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth transaction. By obtaining a title, filling it out correctly, finding a notary public, bringing the title to the notary public, paying for notarization, and submitting the title to the Missouri Department of Revenue, you can ensure that the buyer is the legal owner of the vehicle and protect yourself from any future liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notarizing a car title in Missouri can be a confusing process, but it’s essential for transferring ownership of a vehicle. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process.

What is a notarized car title?

A notarized car title is a document that has been signed by the seller of a vehicle in the presence of a notary public. The notary public verifies the identity of the seller and witnesses the signing of the title. This process ensures that the transfer of ownership is legal and binding.

To notarize a car title in Missouri, the seller and buyer must fill out the appropriate sections of the title and sign it in the presence of a notary public. The notary public will then stamp and sign the title to indicate that they have witnessed the signing.

Where can I get a car title notarized in Missouri?

You can get a car title notarized at any notary public in Missouri. Notaries can be found at banks, law offices, and other businesses that offer notary services. You can also find mobile notaries who will come to you to notarize your car title.

When you go to get your car title notarized, remember to bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. You should also bring any other documents that are required for the transfer of ownership, such as a bill of sale or lien release.

What is the cost of notarizing a car title in Missouri?

The cost of notarizing a car title in Missouri varies depending on the notary public you use. Some notaries may charge a flat fee, while others charge a fee per signature. The Missouri Secretary of State sets the maximum fee that notaries can charge for their services, which is currently $5 per signature.

Before you have your car title notarized, it’s a good idea to call around and compare prices to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Do both the buyer and seller need to be present to notarize a car title in Missouri?

No, both the buyer and seller do not need to be present to notarize a car title in Missouri. However, the person who is signing the title must be present and provide a valid form of identification.

If the seller cannot be present to sign the title in the presence of a notary public, they can sign the title in front of a notary at a later time and have the notary sign and stamp the title. The buyer can then take the notarized title to the Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the transfer of ownership.

What happens if I don’t notarize my car title in Missouri?

If you don’t notarize your car title in Missouri, the transfer of ownership may not be legal or binding. This can cause problems for both the buyer and seller, such as being unable to register the vehicle or being held liable for any accidents or tickets incurred by the new owner.

It’s important to make sure that you notarize your car title to protect yourself and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

How to Notarize a Car Title

In conclusion, notarizing a car title in Missouri is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. By following these steps, you can ensure that your vehicle’s title is legally recognized and that you can transfer ownership with ease.

Firstly, you will need to locate a notary public who is authorized by the state of Missouri to notarize car titles. You can find a notary public at your local bank, credit union, or insurance agency.

Secondly, make sure that you have all the necessary documentation, including the original car title and a valid government-issued photo ID. You will also need to provide the notary with proof of insurance.

Lastly, sign the car title in front of the notary public and have them affix their official seal and signature to the document. Once notarized, the car title is considered legally binding and can be used to transfer ownership.

In short, notarizing a car title in Missouri is a simple process that can be completed in just a few easy steps. By following these steps and working with a qualified notary public, you can ensure that your vehicle’s title is legally recognized and that you can transfer ownership with confidence.