I am a Remote Online Notary in Florida. I have a client who wants me to certify his VIN and odometer reading. Florida allows notaries to verify the VIN and odometer reading. He is here in Florida and the vehicles are in California. Can I do this virtually? — N., Florida
No, you may not. F.S. 117.209(1) says an online Notary may perform any of the functions authorized under F.S. Chapter 117, Part I, excluding marriages, as an online notarization. Part I of Chapter 117 does not list verifying a VIN as a notarial act. That authorization comes in F.S. 319.23(3)(a)2. Furthermore, verifying a VIN requires the Notary to physically inspect the vehicle ID number before signing the section of the VIN form, which is not possible if you are asked to perform an online notarization.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
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