stealthtercel:
it's been awhile since I "offically" lived in Pa. but I would imagine the pencil rubbing of the VIN MIGHT be ok in place of having the actual car because few thieves will take the rubbing if they steal a car (wait, that doesn't sound right/isn't quite what I mean).
To me, I think it's stupid to have a birth certificate that is NOT notarized, but a car title that is. For that matter, I've never understood why a birth certificate is considered to be proof that a person is a legal resident of the U.S. I can sell/give/or lose my b.c. in a card game and the next person can get forged docs to prove they are me.
Twin_Cam wrote:
mad_machine wrote:
^^^ what he said.
This is one of many reasons I was happy to get BACK to NJ from Pa. Some of the rules are just weird
Like being allowed to pump my own gas? 
Every time I've bought a car the title had to be signed over in the presence of a notary. Inconvient, sure, but oh well. At least notaries are usually family businesses, I don't mind stupid laws so much if they support the little guys.
I still do not see where this is an issue with most people. I have never had a car damaged by somebody pumping my gas, I do not have to get out in the rain, wind, snow, or cold to pump my gas, I do not wind up smelling like gas.. and our gas is STILL cheaper.
Stealthtercel wrote:
Can we go back to the part where, if I read it correctly, the PA DMV will accept a pencil rubbing of the VIN?? I know I'm only a Canadian here, but that sounds kinda weird to me.
Sure. You have to have the title too, but if the vehicle isn't present for the clerk/notary to verify the VIN in person, then you need the pencil rubbing of it. They won't give you a title for a car with just a pencil rubbing of the VIN.
From here: HOW TO TITLE AND REGISTER YOUR OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE IN PENNSYLVANIA
When completing Section A of Form MV-1, the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required to be verified to ensure
that the number listed on the out-of-state title matches the number on the vehicle’s VIN plate. A VIN plate tracing is
required to be attached to the reverse side of the white copy of all MV-1 applications for PA certificates of title for the
following vehicles:
-
All trucks or truck tractors - VIN plate tracings of trucks should contain the:
A. Complete Vehicle Identification Number
B. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
C. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
2. All motor homes.
3. All vehicles previously titled in another state.
A tracing is obtained by placing tracing paper against the VIN plate and applying pressure with a lead pencil, stroking
left to right across the entire surface of the VIN plate so as to produce on the paper an image of all information which
has been embossed on the plate.
If you are unable to locate your vehicle’s VIN plate or you are unable to secure a
legible tracing of the plate, contact a certified inspection mechanic or notary public employed by a motor vehicle dealer
or issuing agent. These individuals are authorized to inspect and visually verify the VIN when a tracing of the plate is
not possible.
The certified inspection mechanic or authorized notary public is required to list their name, DIN or
mechanic number and signature in Section A. (NOTE: A photograph of the vehicle’s VIN plate is acceptable if the photo
is signed and dated by a certified inspection mechanic.) The certified inspection mechanic or notary public’s signature
indicates that he/she visually inspected the VIN on the vehicle and that the VIN numbers match the proof of ownership.
If the vehicle is physically located outside of Pennsylvania, the vehicle identification number must be visually verified by
a police officer, a mechanic employed by a motor vehicle dealer or an armed forces installation provost marshal or
motor officer using Form MV-41, “Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification
Number.”
Javelin wrote:
In reply to dculberson:
My child's birth certificate didn't need a notary when my wife and I signed it. Neither did our marriage license. Both of those are way, way more important than a car title.
Ah but those did require witnesses did they not? Notaries are basically just registered witnesses. They certify that the parties signing the form are who they say they are. Your id was checked when you applied for your marriage liscence and at least with your wife they were pretty sure she was mom and she said you where dad.
Having grown up in PA and now moving back to PA, I agree with Rob Mopar.
The title does not need to be notarized. Once you sell it to a PA resident, the title needs to be signed/authorized in accordance with the seller's state requirements. It is the responsibility of the buyer to do the rest.
The VIN tracing is a joke. 99% of the VINs can't be accessed for a pencil rubbing. The buyer can take it to any repair shop and have them verify the VIN, or most AAA offices have that ability.
My wife just took her Scion to AAA for transfer from TX to PA. They filled out a VIN verification form and then the rest of the transfer was exactly like any other. Give them the title, they fill out the forms, write a check, and its done. They handed her a registration sticker, a plate, and the whole process took about 15 minutes.
Javelin wrote:
In reply to dculberson:
My child's birth certificate didn't need a notary when my wife and I signed it. Neither did our marriage license. Both of those are way, way more important than a car title.
Can you transfer ownership of your marriage just by having that piece of paper? Same with your child? Nope. False equivalency.
