Buying a car from PA and registering in CA. Needs notary?

[G50]

I’m thinking about buying a car out of PA, would be registered in CA.
CA doesn’t require anything to be notarized for a transfer.
But the sign off on the PA title has a space for a notary. Apparently in PA the buyer and seller both appear before a notary to sign.
Obviously, I’m not going to PA to sign.
But will CA require the seller’s signature to be notarized in order for me to register the car here? Anyone ever registered a car in CA from a state that requires notarized signatures on the title?

[speeder]

CA. does not use notaries for vehicle titles and they just would not ask for it.

[G50]

[G50]

Originally Posted by speeder

CA. does not use notaries for vehicle titles and they just would not ask for it.

I know CA doesn’t use notaries, I’m wondering if they will accept the PA signature without it, since the PA title requires it.
Makes me a little nervous, because if I get to the DMV and they require it, and I don’t have it, it will be a huge mess. I’d have to get the seller to get a reissued PA title, re-sign, re-send, etc. Could be a months long thing, or worse.

[greglepore]

Pa doesn't require notary for purchaser, just seller. Have Seller get it notarized in Pa and assigned to you. No problem. Former Pa resident here.

[speeder]

Greg answered it better but I was going to say that there is nothing to stop the seller from getting his signature notarized. CA will not care, though.

[Chino]

Contact the DMV to advise. They have an option to call back, so you're not on hold for so long.

[rattlsnak]

Originally Posted by G50

I know CA doesn’t use notaries, I’m wondering if they will accept the PA signature without it, since the PA title requires it.
.

Read what you just wrote..! Ca. doesn’t require it.. You would only need that if retitling in Pa.

This is kind of the reverse situation, but same outcome… I just sold a Georgia titled car to a guy in Louisiana.. Louisiana requires it to be notarized, but Georgia doesn’t, so they accepted it without being notarized, no problem..

[Eric Hahl]

I bought a car from CA and shipped it to OR. It required a notary for the paperwork as I had a loan on it. They sent the paperwork to a notary in OR and she made an appointment at my home to sign everything. Went smoothly.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Pa doesn't require notary for purchaser, just seller. Have Seller get it notarized in Pa and assigned to you. No problem. Former Pa resident here.

Spot on, NJ requires this also, Seller signature gets notarized. The notary is to ensure the person signing is the owner/authorized person permitted to sell the vehicle.

[rusnak]

You can just have a separate Bill of Sale with the Seller's signature notarized. You don't need BOTH signatures to be notarized, and while California doesn't require it, you can have your signature notarized in Califorinia if you ever want to.