Vehicle title question

[Thirty-Nine]

I'm helping a friend sell her car locally. I'll put it on Craigslist and so on. We were going to list the car next week, and obviously, hope for a quick sell. However, she'll be out of town soon, and if the car is for sale, she won't be able to sign the title, since she'll be out of the state. She asked me if she could pre-sign the title so if and when someone wants to purchase the car, I can simply have them sign their name on the title, and finish the deal.

I know that by pre-signing the title, and someone were to steal the title, we'd be SOL. However, barring that, is it OK to have her pre-sign?

[danielmid]

No, it has to be signed by both parties at a notary, as far as I know.

[nemelek]

Yes. However, the buyer will also probably need a bill of sale signed by the seller. This would state the sale price and the odometer miles when they get their plates. Different states might have different laws.

[Black Yaris]

all depends upon the laws in your state.
in Ohio we have to have the sellers signature notarized, but when I lived in Michigan just a signature with out a notary is needed for a sale.
Call your local DMV

[RUFFSTUFF]

No, it has to be signed by both parties at a notary, as far as I know.

Depends on the state.

[MadMax]

She could give you a special or limited power of attorney specifically to sell the car on her behalf (one specified act or type of act). You might need a lawyer to draw one, we always had it done by military Judge Advocate Generals but it is an easy process.

However, she should understand that by doing this, she pretty much gives you the right to do anything when it comes to selling this vehicle.

See if there is any free legal advice in your area, they should be able to help guide you.

Cheers! M2

[JBIZZ]

Its wise to get a notarized bill of sale, for liability reasons, no matter where you are. You could get the car put in both of your names (name "or" name) on the title, before she leaves, giving you the legal right to sell it. It would probably take a couple of weeks to get the new title though.

[Black Yaris]

Its wise to get a notarized bill of sale, for liability reasons, no matter where you are. You could get the car put in both of your names (name "or" name) on the title, before she leaves, giving you the legal right to sell it. It would probably take a couple of weeks to get the new title though.

putting a title in both of their names would require both of their signatures for the sale.... kinda defeats the purpose

but if you look on the back of the title you will see you can do multiple transfers.... so she could transfer the title to you, then you can transfer it to the end buyer.... or as someone had mentioned, just have her sign the title and get it notarized if needed

[danielmid]

Not if you do an "or" title. An "and" title requires both signatures.

[Thirty-Nine]

Oregon does not require a notary.