What is an example of an odometer statement?

An odometer statement is a signed document disclosing a vehicle’s mileage at the time of ownership transfer, including whether the reading is actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits; for example: “I, [Seller Name], certify the odometer reading of VIN [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] is 56,372 miles as of [MM/DD/YYYY] and, to the best of my knowledge, reflects the actual mileage,” followed by the appropriate checkbox and both parties’ signatures. Below, we explain what this document is, what it must contain, and provide a ready-to-use template plus a filled-out sample.

Contents

What the odometer statement does—and who needs it
Required elements of a valid odometer statement
Example Odometer Disclosure Statement (template)
Sample completed odometer statement
How to complete and file it
Common mistakes to avoid
Legal notes and timing (as of 2025)
Summary

What the odometer statement does—and who needs it

In the United States, federal law (Truth in Mileage Act; 49 U.S.C. Chapter 327 and 49 CFR Part 580) requires sellers to disclose a vehicle’s mileage when transferring ownership. As of 2025, most vehicles model year 2011 and newer require disclosure until they are 20 years old, phased in from 2021; vehicles model year 2010 and older generally remain under the prior 10-year exemption. Many states embed this disclosure on the title, while others use a separate “Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement.” Increasingly, states accept secure electronic disclosures tied to electronic titles. Failure to provide accurate disclosure can trigger significant civil—and in cases of fraud, criminal—penalties.

Required elements of a valid odometer statement

The following items are typically required by federal rules and state motor-vehicle agencies for a valid odometer disclosure. States may add fields or formatting, but the core elements are consistent nationwide.

Vehicle identification: Year, make, model, and the full 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Reading: Odometer value with no tenths, specifying miles or kilometers.

Date: The date of the reading/transfer.

Status checkbox: One—and only one—of the following:
– Actual mileage
– Not actual mileage (warning: odometer discrepancy)
– Exceeds mechanical limits (older 5-digit odometers rolling over)

Transferor (seller) information: Printed name, address, signature, and date.

Transferee (buyer) information: Printed name, address, signature, and date.

Title or document number and issuing state (if applicable) and, in some states, odometer brand designation (e.g., A, N, E).

Certification statement indicating the seller’s knowledge and intent under penalty of law.

Power of attorney details if someone signs on behalf of the titled owner.

Together, these elements establish a traceable, certified record of the vehicle’s mileage at the time of transfer; omitting or mis-marking any can delay title issuance or create legal exposure.

Example Odometer Disclosure Statement (template)

Template text you can adapt

Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement

Transferor (Seller) Name: __________________________

Address: ________________________________________

City/State/ZIP: ___________________________________

Transferee (Buyer) Name: __________________________

Address: ________________________________________

City/State/ZIP: ___________________________________

Vehicle Year/Make/Model/Body: _____________________

VIN (17 characters): ______________________________

Title/Document No. (if applicable): _________________

Odometer Reading (no tenths): _____________________ miles / kilometers

Date of Reading/Transfer (MM/DD/YYYY): ____________

Disclosure (check one):

[ ] The odometer reading is the ACTUAL mileage.

[ ] The odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage. WARNING—ODOMETER DISCREPANCY.

[ ] The odometer reading reflects the amount of mileage in EXCESS OF MECHANICAL LIMITS.

Seller Certification: I, the transferor named above, certify under penalty of law that the odometer reading stated is as indicated and that the disclosure marked above is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Seller Signature: __________________ Printed Name: _______________ Date: __________

Buyer Acknowledgment: I, the transferee named above, have reviewed this disclosure.

Buyer Signature: ___________________ Printed Name: _______________ Date: __________

Notes: If your state permits an “Exempt” designation due to age, follow state instructions. Do not record tenths. Use the title itself if your state embeds the disclosure there or complete the state-approved electronic form where available.

Sample completed odometer statement

Private-party sale, paper title

Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement

Transferor (Seller) Name: Jordan Lee

Address: 1842 Pinecrest Ave.

City/State/ZIP: Sacramento, CA 95814

Transferee (Buyer) Name: Maya Ortiz

Address: 7425 Sunburst Way

City/State/ZIP: San Jose, CA 95123

Vehicle Year/Make/Model/Body: 2017 Toyota Camry SE Sedan

VIN (17 characters): 4T1BF1FK3HU123456

Title/Document No. (if applicable): CA987654321

Odometer Reading (no tenths): 56,372 miles

Date of Reading/Transfer (MM/DD/YYYY): 08/14/2025

Disclosure (check one): [X] ACTUAL mileage [ ] NOT ACTUAL [ ] EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS

Seller Signature: Jordan Lee Printed Name: Jordan Lee Date: 08/14/2025

Buyer Acknowledgment: I, the transferee named above, have reviewed this disclosure.

Buyer Signature: Maya Ortiz Printed Name: Maya Ortiz Date: 08/14/2025

How to complete and file it

Completing the disclosure correctly helps your DMV issue a clean title without delays. The steps below reflect common practice; always follow your state’s form or electronic system if it differs.

Locate your state’s required form or confirm the disclosure is printed on the title; for e-titles, use the state’s online system.

Write the odometer reading exactly as shown (no tenths); indicate miles vs. kilometers as required.

Select one status box: Actual, Not Actual, or Exceeds Mechanical Limits.

Enter complete vehicle and party information, including VIN and addresses.

Sign and date as the seller; have the buyer sign and date acknowledging the disclosure.

Submit the form with the title and bill of sale to the DMV or upload in the e-title workflow.

Retain copies (or electronic confirmation) for your records.

If your vehicle qualifies for an age-based exemption in your state, follow the state’s “Exempt” process precisely, which may require specific markings on the title rather than a numeric reading.

Common mistakes to avoid

These frequent errors can invalidate the disclosure or cause branding of the title that can reduce vehicle value.

Recording tenths or rounding up/down instead of the exact integer reading.

Leaving the status box unmarked or marking more than one status.

Switching miles/kilometers without noting the correct unit.

Using white-out or altering the reading; corrections often require a new form.

Letting someone other than the titled owner sign without a valid power of attorney.

Providing a reading for a vehicle that your state classifies as “Exempt,” when the state requires the word “Exempt” instead of a number.

Double-checking these items helps preserve an “actual mileage” brand where appropriate and prevents costly title problems.

Legal notes and timing (as of 2025)

Federal rules require odometer disclosure at each transfer for most vehicles until they are 20 years old if the model year is 2011 or newer; vehicles 2010 and older generally remain under a 10-year exemption. Many states now offer electronic odometer disclosures tied to electronic titles, provided the system meets federal security standards. Misrepresentation can carry significant civil penalties, and intentional tampering or fraud can trigger criminal liability. When in doubt, consult your state DMV guidance or a licensed dealer.

Summary

An odometer statement is a legally required disclosure of a vehicle’s mileage at transfer. A compliant example includes the vehicle’s VIN, the exact integer mileage with units, the transfer date, one checked status box (actual/not actual/exceeds limits), and both parties’ names, addresses, signatures, and dates. Use your state’s official form or title, complete it carefully, and keep copies to ensure a clean, timely title transfer.

How to fill out an odometer statement?

The information that is standard on a completed odometer disclosure statement form includes:

The seller’s name and contact information.
The buyer’s name and contact information.
The date the odometer is certified.
The vehicle’s year, make, model number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

What is a good sentence for odometer?

A good sentence using “odometer” would be: “The car’s odometer showed that it had traveled 200,000 miles, but a closer inspection of the wear and tear revealed the mileage had been rolled back”. This sentence clearly demonstrates what an odometer is, its typical function in tracking vehicle mileage, and a real-world consequence of odometer tampering.

Why this is a good sentence

Contextualized: It places the word “odometer” in a common, relatable situation involving a car and buying a used vehicle.
Illustrates Function: It shows the primary purpose of an odometer—to measure distance traveled by a vehicle.
Highlights Common Issue: It brings in the concept of odometer tampering, a common problem with used cars.
Shows Cause and Effect: It links the odometer reading to a contradiction with the vehicle’s physical condition, illustrating how the reading can be inaccurate and misleading.

Other good example sentences:

“Before starting our cross-country road trip, we reset the trip odometer to zero”.
“According to the odometer, the van was barely driven, but the extensive wear on the tires told a different story”.
“Federal law requires the seller to provide the vehicle’s odometer reading to the buyer upon transfer of ownership”.

What is an example of an odometer disclosure statement?

1. I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the above-listed odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the vehicle described below. 2. I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the above-listed odometer reading reflects the amount of mileage in excess of its mechanical limits.