To mitigate risk of the public spreading COVID-19 while conducting routine business, state governments have lifted some restrictions on which documents now permit scanned or electronic signatures.
Previously, documents pertaining to car titles, such as title applications and bonds, needed to be signed and sealed in ink. States such as Florida and Georgia are holding off on this requirement for the time being.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is accepting electronically signed versions of HSMV 82040 (Title Application), HSMV 82101 (Duplicate Title Application), HSMV 82993 (Odometer Disclosure Statement), HSMV 82994 (Motor Vehicle Reassignment Supplement) and HSMV 82995 (Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney/Odometer Disclosure) forms. The Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association provides more details on the electronic signature procedure.
In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a Executive Order on June 11, instructing public procurement officers to accept electronic signatures and electronic corporate seals for both contract and commercial bonds. The section related to surety can be found on page 30 under Section VIII.
Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles or drivers services to find out what documents are permitted through e-sign or scans due to COVID-19.
To follow more important industry news, check back at the TDS Insider blog.