Odometer disclosure when you sell a car: what the federal rule says
Checked against the federal odometer rule (49 CFR Part 580 on eCFR), NHTSA and FTC consumer pages on 2026-10-07. Rules change; the agency's current text and your state's instructions win.
NHTSA: "The federal government passed a law that requires a written disclosure of the mileage registered on an odometer be provided on the title by the seller to the purchaser when the ownership of a vehicle is transferred." (NHTSA)
What the disclosure must contain
From 49 CFR 580.5(c), in addition to the transferor's signature:
"The odometer reading at the time of transfer (not to include tenths of miles)"
"The date of transfer"
"The transferor's printed name and current address"
"The transferee's printed name and current address"
"The identity of the vehicle, including its make, model, year, body type, and vehicle identification number"
The seller's certification (580.5(e)(1)): "The transferor shall certify that to the best of their knowledge the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage". The buyer then signs (580.5(f)): "Upon receipt of the transferor's signed disclosure statement, the transferee shall sign the disclosure statement, which shall include their printed name, and make copy available to their transferor."
Vehicles the rule exempts
Under 49 CFR 580.17(a), a transferor of these vehicles "need not disclose the vehicle's odometer mileage", including:
§ 580.17(a)(3)(i): "A vehicle manufactured in or before the 2010 model year that is transferred at least 10 years after January 1 of the calendar year corresponding to its designated model year"
§ 580.17(a)(4)(i): "A vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that is transferred at least 20 years after January 1 of the calendar year corresponding to its designated model year"
The full list is on eCFR. Where your state has the disclosure made (on the title, a state form or electronically), and whether it still asks for a mileage reading, is on your state's page: see our free table of state links.
Keep a record
The kit's odometer reading record mirrors the items above so the numbers match what goes on the title. It's your record, not the disclosure itself.
Not legal or tax advice. You can do every official step yourself, directly with your state. State motor vehicle offices publish their title and registration instructions free on their official websites, and most post the forms too. This kit is a paid planning convenience, not a requirement; you don't need it to buy or sell a car.
Instant download. 14-day no-questions refund. Edition 1.0, dated 2026-10-07. For a private sale in any U.S. state or DC; each state's own rules you read on its own pages.