Arizona does not require a notary on the odometer disclosure statement itself

The odometer disclosure statement in Arizona is a document the seller provides to show the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. It does not need to be notarized. The statement is part of the title transfer process, and Arizona law treats it as a seller's declaration rather than a document requiring notarial certification.

However, the odometer disclosure statement must be signed by the seller and included with the vehicle title when you transfer ownership. The buyer also signs it. Both signatures confirm the mileage reading is accurate, but neither signature needs to be witnessed or certified by a notary public.

This is different from the title document itself, which also does not require notarization in Arizona. The state's title transfer process relies on the signatures of both parties and submission to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), not on notarial seals.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona odometer disclosure statements do not require notarization by law.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the odometer disclosure, but these signatures do not need to be notarized.
  • The odometer disclosure is submitted to ADOT along with the title process as proof of the vehicle's recorded mileage.
  • If you are buying or selling a vehicle in Arizona, you can complete the odometer disclosure without visiting a notary public.

What the odometer disclosure statement actually requires

The odometer disclosure statement in Arizona must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the odometer reading at the time of sale, the date of the sale, and the signatures of both the seller and the buyer. It confirms that the mileage shown is the actual mileage of the vehicle, or notes if the odometer is broken or if the mileage is unknown.

The seller fills out most of the information and signs first. The buyer then reviews the statement, confirms the mileage reading matches what they observed, and signs to acknowledge they received this information. This exchange happens during the sale, usually at the time the keys and title are handed over.

You can obtain the odometer disclosure form from ADOT's website or from your county assessor's office. Many title companies and dealerships also have copies on hand. The form is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete.

When a notary might be involved in an Arizona vehicle sale

While the odometer disclosure itself does not require notarization, a notary may be involved in other parts of the title transfer if the seller is not present in person. If the seller signs a power of attorney document to allow someone else to handle the title transfer on their behalf, that power of attorney document may need to be notarized depending on how ADOT processes it.

Some title companies recommend notarizing a power of attorney for vehicle sales as a precaution, even if Arizona law does not strictly require it. This protects both the seller and the person acting on their behalf by creating a certified record of the authorization.

The odometer disclosure statement itself, however, remains unnotarized in all standard Arizona vehicle sales. The seller and buyer sign it directly, and it goes to ADOT as part of the title packet.

How to submit the odometer disclosure to ADOT

Once both the seller and buyer have signed the odometer disclosure statement, it is submitted to the Arizona Department of Transportation along with the completed title process (Form 44-131), the original title certificate, and the bill of sale. You can submit these documents in person at any ADOT office, by mail, or through an authorized third party such as a title company.

ADOT processes the title transfer and records the odometer reading in its system. This creates an official record of the vehicle's mileage at the time of ownership change. The new owner receives a new title certificate with their name listed as the registered owner.

Processing times vary, but ADOT typically completes title transfers within two to four weeks if submitted by mail or in person. Having all documents signed and complete before submission speeds up the process.

What happens if the odometer disclosure is missing or incomplete

If the odometer disclosure statement is missing or unsigned, ADOT will not process the title transfer. The process will be returned to you with a notice explaining what is missing. You will then need to obtain the seller's signature on the form and resubmit the entire packet.

If the seller is no longer available to sign, you may need to contact ADOT directly to discuss your options. In some cases, a notarized affidavit from the buyer stating the mileage at the time of purchase can serve as a substitute, though this is not may provide and depends on ADOT's review of your specific situation.

Completing the odometer disclosure correctly the first time prevents delays. Make sure both parties sign and date the form before submitting anything to ADOT.

Odometer disclosure for vehicles with unknown or broken odometers

If the vehicle's odometer is broken, does not work, or the actual mileage is unknown, the odometer disclosure statement has a box for this situation. The seller checks the appropriate box and signs the form. This notation becomes part of the vehicle's title history and is recorded by ADOT.

A vehicle with an unknown or broken odometer disclosure does not prevent the sale or title transfer. However, it does create a permanent record that the mileage at sale was not verified. Future buyers will see this notation on the title history and may factor it into their decision or offer.

Even in these cases, no notarization is required. The seller and buyer straightforward sign the form as usual, with the mileage box marked as unknown or the odometer noted as inoperative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize the odometer disclosure if I want to?

Yes, you can have a notary public witness and certify the signatures on the odometer disclosure statement if you choose to, even though Arizona does not require it. Some sellers do this for extra documentation, though it adds time and cost with no legal benefit in Arizona's title transfer process.

What if I am buying a used car from a private seller and they will not sign the odometer disclosure?

The seller must sign the odometer disclosure for the title transfer to be completed. If they refuse, you cannot legally register the vehicle in your name. Do not complete the purchase until the seller agrees to sign all required documents, including the odometer disclosure.

Does the bill of sale need to be notarized if the odometer disclosure is not?

No. Arizona does not require the bill of sale to be notarized either. Both the bill of sale and the odometer disclosure are signed by the seller and buyer but do not need notarial certification to be valid for ADOT's purposes.

Can I submit the odometer disclosure by email to ADOT?

ADOT does not accept title transfer documents by email. You must submit the odometer disclosure and other title documents in person at an ADOT office, by mail, or through an authorized title company. Check ADOT's website for the current mailing address and office locations.

What if the odometer reading on the disclosure does not match the odometer reading on the title?

Contact ADOT when ready. Mismatched mileage readings can indicate odometer fraud or a data entry error. ADOT will investigate and may place a hold on the title transfer until the discrepancy is resolved. Bring both documents and any proof of the actual mileage to an ADOT office.