buying a used car from private party - mandatory bank notary envolvement? (attorney)

[mia78]

We are in the process of buying a used car from a private party. We've bought and sold a car in NC and never needed to do this. The seller is insisting that we need to go to a bank to notarize something (don't know what).

Both my husband I are wondering why is she insisting on this? Then my husband is wondering if she still is making payments on the car. Could that be it? Thoughts?

[arbyunc]

I'm guessing they're talking about the bank notarizing their signature on the title, which has to be done to transfer the title to your name. It's a normal (and required) part of the process.

[mia78]

If it was required, then why was I able to register the vehicle I bought from a seller without this?

I do remember something being notarized when I went to the motor vehicle office. They charged me a fee separate from the registration for it.

[evaofnc]

The seller must have their signature notarized. The buyer does not.

[arbyunc]

Originally Posted by mia78

If it was required, then why was I able to register the vehicle I bought from a seller without this?

I do remember something being notarized when I went to the motor vehicle office. They charged me a fee separate from the registration for it.

The seller is responsible for having the signature notarized. You don't have to be there for that, so that's how you could have missed it when you bought your car. But it's good practice (from the seller's viewpoint) for you to be there, because the seller shouldn't sign the title over until they have their money. If you do it all at once it's much cleaner with less risk to both parties.

[mia78]

Originally Posted by arbyunc

The seller is responsible for having the signature notarized. You don't have to be there for that, so that's how you could have missed it when you bought your car. But it's good practice (from the seller's viewpoint) for you to be there, because the seller shouldn't sign the title over until they have their money. If you do it all at once it's much cleaner with less risk to both parties.

Ok this makes sense now. Maybe the seller of our current vehicle had it notarized ahead of time. Considering that he's an attorney, I'm sure he did and I probably didn't notice it. Thanks!