The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a new era of digital solutions, including the acceptance of electronic signatures for important documents related to vehicle title applications and odometer disclosure statements. Florida is one state that permits this type of signature using Rule 49 (Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Assurance Level 2). Despite increased convenience in signing digitally, buyers must go through additional steps by verifying their identity first before they can get an electronically signed version!

If you need to make your signature official, electronic signatures are a great way to do that, but you need something extra. Signature certifications provide additional proof of authenticity with data like IP address, timestamp and signer history - ensuring the document is legally binding! Alongside an attestation statement on dealership letterhead this certification must be submitted for further processing at the Tag Office; To view a copy of the Information Notice, please click here.

The attestation statement should look similar to this,

“ABC Dealership attests that the electronic signature(s) on the odometer disclosure documents meet the requirements set for by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rule 49 CFR for Assurance Level 2.”

Electronic signatures can provide an extra layer of convenience and security, but it's important to take the proper steps in order to protect yourself. This way you won't have any unfortunate surprises such as identity theft or fraud claims looming around!

Exemptions

Starting January 1, 2021, and continuing every year, FLHSMV will capture odometer disclosures for vehicle years 2011 and later. This “rolling” exemption is basically adding an additional model year worth of vehicles each January until the 20-year exemption is fully implemented.

With this final rule, beginning on January 1, 2021, model year 2011 vehicles will NOT become exempt from the requirements until January 1, 2031. States are required to capture the odometer reading for model year 2011 until 2031. Thus, for any title transfer that occurs on or after January 1, 2021 on a model year 2011 or newer vehicle, an odometer disclosure must be completed.

While certain states may not be up to date with current regulations for 2011 vehicles, the FLHSMV will take an Out-of-State title that has been marked 'EXEMPT' and issue a Florida title. However if an application for Certificate of Title is also noted as ‘EXEMPT’ by the purchaser then documents should be denied until mileage of vehicle can properly disclosed as either actual or exceeded mechanical limits.

The following verbiage will be added to applicable procedures and forms:

MOTOR VEHICLES WITH A MODEL YEAR OF 2011 OR NEWER ARE EXEMPT AFTER TWENTY (20) YEARS AND MOTOR VEHICLES WITH A MODEL YEAR OF 2010 OR OLDER ARE EXEMPT AFTER TEN (10) YEARS.

This Information Notice may be found at:  https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/bulletins/2020/info20-040.pdf