Odometer exempt — What You Need to Know
The vehicle is exempt from federal odometer disclosure requirements, typically because it is 10 or more model years old or has a registered gross weight over 16,000 lbs.
Seller guidance
Under 49 CFR § 580.17, vehicles that are 10 or more model years old are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
Buyer guidance
While the seller may not be legally required to provide a federal odometer statement, you should still request the actual mileage and note it in the bill of sale. High-mileage vehicles command lower prices, so confirming the reading protects you from misrepresentation claims later.
Legal note
49 CFR § 580.17 exempts vehicles 10 or more model years old from the odometer disclosure requirement of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (49 U.S.C. § 32705). Gross-weight exemption applies to vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 16,000 lbs. Despite the federal exemption, knowingly falsifying mileage on any document is still fraud under 49 U.S.C. § 32709.
Odometer exempt checklist
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies for the federal exemption (10+ model years old or GVWR >16,000 lbs)
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
Van Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
4.1 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$5,000–$35,000
Odometer Disclosure
Required
Safety checkpoints for van buyers
- Test all sliding door mechanisms and automatic closing features
- Check rear entertainment system and climate controls if equipped
- Verify Stow ’n Go or fold-flat seating operation
- Inspect power liftgate struts and sensors
- Confirm all child-seat LATCH anchors in second and third rows
- Test rear A/C blower function on dual-zone systems
- Verify backup camera and parking sensors operate correctly
- Check all exterior lights including high-mount stop lamp
Common recall categories
ElectricalPower TrainAirbagsDoors/LatchesFuel System
On average, each van model has approximately 3 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Pendleton Odometer exempt van pdf — when to file
Indiana requires title transfer within 45 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For odometer exempt transactions specifically, file at Indiana DMV – Pendleton (Visit https://www.in.gov/bmv to find the nearest Pendleton office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 45-day window and Indiana typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Pendleton bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $15.00 title transfer fee plus 7% sales tax on the purchase price.
PDF reminder. Whether you keep your pdf as a signed digital PDF, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Indiana DMV – Pendleton; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.