I suddenly have something come up and need a friend to sell my car for me. I've given him the title and keys, and there's a notarization I need to get done.
What exactly are the requirements for this? Do I really have to go through the US consulate? $50 per notarized seal is really expensive.
First, check with your state's DMV to see whether they accept a standard notary. In many car-selling situations, a local notary's signature is all you need—you don't necessarily have to go to a consulate. But the catch is that the buyer, the DMV, and the insurance company all have to accept this power of attorney, so it's best to confirm the form with them in advance rather than finding out after it's signed that they won't accept it.
The real hassle may be that the buyer hesitates upon seeing the signature isn't from the vehicle owner, or the DMV requires the authorization letter to follow a specific format—so confirm the process clearly before you proceed.
If the $50 is just for a standard stamp, it's worth first comparing local bank or UPS store notary services.
The biggest thing to watch out for is the risk of overly broad authorization: during the consignment period, can your friend set the price, transfer ownership, and collect payment, and who is responsible if there is an accident or dispute? It's best to spell these out clearly in the power of attorney and confirm whether the insurance still covers the vehicle.
When you say notarization, do you mean a power of attorney? This has a lot to do with who holds the title.