I went to the DMV yesterday to get a lien removed from the title. Since they only take cash or check (why?!), I brought my checkbook with me so I’d have the correct amount. Smart move. I didn’t bring cash with me to DMV. Dumb move.
Planning your ATM trips can save you money in fees.
I waited in line until I was called. After checking with her on the fee, I was told that I could write a check for $15 and then pay $5 in cash for the notary. She mentioned there was an ATM on the premises I could go to grab some cash and keep my place in line.
I wrote my check for $15; then went to the ATM at the DMV for the $5 notary fee. DMV ATM fees: $3.
I think Wachovia will charge $2-3 on their side. By the way, I usually stop by the bank every other week or so to grab cash; just forgot to this week. So to pay a $5 fee in cash, I paid about $5 in bank fees.
My fault for not having cash, but I still don’t like the DMV setup. I don’t remember having a $5 cash notary fee in Virginia. Lesson learned: I’m going to carry some cash with me.
Has something like this ever happened to you?
Photo Credit: Salim Virji
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Interesting – the PA DMV absolutely refuses cash. That and notaries tend to gladly accept checks.
If anything, I would’ve expected them to ask you to write a separate check for the notary, which is exactly what I have to do when going to an actual notary to do a title transfer (when, say, buying a vehicle from a friend) – separate checks written for DOT, notary, and maybe even for the sales tax (though maybe that’s included in the DOT check).
I was surprised by the cash only notary fee too. I also was surprised they didn’t do check cards. I renewed my registration with my check card at the DMVwebsite, but I can’t do it at the DMV office. Strange to me.
I find out about notary needs ahead of time. Many banks have a notary, and if you have an account, their services are free. I use my bank’s notary all the time.
Thanks for the tip! I had some friends who were notaries, but now that we moved out of state it’s good to know where to go.