What an Odometer Disclosure Statement Is
An odometer disclosure statement is a signed declaration from the seller stating the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale, along with a statement about whether that reading is believed to be accurate. It exists to prevent odometer fraud — rolling back or tampering with a mileage reading to inflate a vehicle's apparent value.
Federal law requires this disclosure for most vehicle sales, and it's usually built directly into the title's transfer section rather than filed as a separate document. Some states additionally require a standalone form for certain vehicle types or older paperwork formats.
Which Vehicles Are Covered
Under federal odometer disclosure rules, most vehicles under 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight require a disclosure at the time of transfer. The rule generally applies to vehicles that are less than 20 model years old — vehicles older than that threshold are typically exempt, since federal rules recognize that very old odometers are less reliable as a mileage record. A small number of other exemptions exist for specific vehicle types.
| Vehicle Situation | Disclosure Generally Required? |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger vehicle, under 20 model years old | Yes |
| Vehicle 20+ model years old | Typically exempt |
| Vehicle with gross weight over 20,000 lbs | Typically exempt |
| Non-titled trailer | Typically exempt |
How to Fill Out the Disclosure Correctly
- Read the odometer at the moment of saleNot from a service record or memory — walk out to the car with the buyer present if possible.
- Write the mileage in both numbers and words where the form asks for itThis mirrors the format many states require to prevent later alteration.
- Select the correct accuracy statementMost forms ask the seller to confirm the reading reflects actual mileage, or to disclose if it does not (for example, due to a known odometer malfunction).
- Both parties sign and dateAn incomplete signature section is one of the most common reasons a title gets sent back at the counter.
- Keep a copy for your recordsBoth buyer and seller should retain a copy in case mileage is ever disputed.
Common Mistakes
- Estimating the mileage instead of reading it directly from the dashboard
- Leaving the accuracy statement section blank or unchecked
- Writing a mileage figure that doesn't match the number reported on a recent vehicle history check
- Assuming an older vehicle is exempt without confirming the exact model-year cutoff in the relevant rule
- Forgetting that a separate disclosure may still be required alongside the title in some states
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the odometer reading is wrong?
Knowingly providing a false odometer reading is a serious offense under federal law and can carry significant civil and criminal penalties, separate from any dispute between buyer and seller.
Is a separate form always required, or is it part of the title?
In most states the disclosure is built into the title's transfer section, but some states or older title formats require a standalone odometer disclosure form.
What if the odometer is broken and shows an inaccurate reading?
The seller should disclose this directly on the form rather than guessing at a mileage figure — most disclosure forms include an option for "not the actual mileage" or "exceeds mechanical limits."
Does a classic car need an odometer disclosure?
Vehicles at or beyond the federal age exemption threshold are generally exempt, but it's worth confirming the exact cutoff and any state-specific rules for classic vehicle sales.