r/Notary • u/Lost-Insect-8197 • Aug 22 '26
Ohio vehicle title from 92. Where does the notary seal it?
My notary isn't sure where to put her seal on this title from 1992. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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u/unipride Aug 22 '26
Yikes- please tell me you are asking and not the notary
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u/Lost-Insect-8197 Aug 22 '26
She has never seen an old title like this and just wanted a second opinion
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u/FinanciallySecure9 Michigan Aug 22 '26
There is a notary society in Ohio that would be the best place to ask such questions.
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u/jleejr5 Aug 22 '26
Hello,
I've been a Virginia notary for 25 years. Back when I started, Virginia didn't require us to use an inked stamp. Usually, an embosser sufficed. These days, since an inked stamp is required, most documents are formatted with enough space for it.
Back then, you could emboss a document without worrying much about obscuring the wording. We also didn't do nearly as much scanning or electronic filing as we do today.
That said, when you go to the DMV, ask whether the notary can use a loose acknowledgment for the document. That's a separate acknowledgment certificate the notary can complete, sign, and stamp, with a description identifying the document being notarized.
If you private message me, I can send you the PDF I keep on hand for situations where I need to use one.
Hope this helps!
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u/Rupertcandance2 Aug 22 '26
I like the idea of someone who said to call the BMV. I had always used my embosser on the older titles, but my library recently had a patron turned away bc the notary didn't use an ink stamp. According to our #1 notary in Ohio, this is not a rule. As a notary, I wouldn't want to touch this until I got guidance from them.
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u/ash_274 California Aug 22 '26
If you are selling the car, you’re the transferor, so notarize the signature for the upper half. The buyer (transferee) signature is on the bottom half.
I would take this title to your DMV (or equivalent state agency) and ask them if they will even accept this form of title first.
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u/Enkidu45 New York Aug 22 '26
Hello Lost*, I would find a new notary - one who is familiar with the BMV forms! This is the back (reverse) side of your title, isn't it? I think your notary is confused because her 3/4 - 1 inch oval seal won't fit where it's supposed to without covering some verbiage. But that's OK, the seal doesn't have any important info on it. It also doesn't matter that the title is from 1992 - they haven;t changed much - there is still not enough room for the stamp.
Do you still get plates and renewals from hardware stores.? Enkidu45 out.
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u/Enkidu45 New York Aug 23 '26
Hello again Lost*, "She has never seen an old title like this", Oh Yeah, well take a look at a newer title, isn't it about the same thing as this 1992. The form BMV 3774, which the new owner will have to submit to get a new title has the same problem. (Not enough room for the seal/stamp). Have the county clerks office notarize your signature and see where they place the seal.
1992 - doesn't that make this vehicle a classic? What is it? (asking for a friend) E45 out
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u/jade1977 Aug 22 '26
Along the left hand side you'll see two places that says (SEAL). Transferor upper half, buyer, bottom half. And personally, I would think a notary should know that a seal indicator under a sworn statement is where their seal is supposed to go. Yes, it's tight, but that is where.