West Virginia Odometer Disclosure — Forms, Exemptions & Fraud Penalties
Federal odometer disclosure law requires sellers to disclose actual vehicle mileage on every qualifying vehicle transfer in West Virginia. Form: Title (Assignment section) or federal Form OD-253. Rollback penalty: Federal felony + state criminal fraud charges.
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Federal Law Applies in West Virginia
Federal odometer disclosure law (49 U.S.C. §32705) applies to all vehicle transfers nationwide within the standard federal exemptions. Rollback penalty: Federal felony + state criminal fraud charges.
Form
Title (Assignment section) or federal Form OD-253
Most states use the odometer disclosure section on the title itself. If the title lacks this section, use federal Form OD-253.
Who Completes
Seller (transferor) discloses mileage; buyer (transferee) acknowledges.
Both seller and buyer must sign the odometer disclosure.
Electronic Disclosure
Accepted
Many states accept electronic odometer disclosure for dealer transactions. Private party transactions typically use paper title.
Rollback Penalty
Federal felony + state criminal fraud charges
Odometer rollback is a federal felony under 49 U.S.C. §32703.
Odometer Disclosure Exemptions in West Virginia
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Vehicles 10+ model years old
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Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
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Non-self-propelled vehicles (trailers)
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New vehicles transferred from manufacturer to dealer
Federal exemptions apply. Some states have expanded disclosure requirements beyond the federal baseline.
How to Verify Odometer Reading in West Virginia
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Vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck)
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Maintenance records
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NHTSA VIN complaint search
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Pre-purchase mechanical inspection
A vehicle history report is the most cost-effective way to verify odometer reading history.
West Virginia-Specific Note
Federal odometer disclosure law requires disclosure on all vehicles transferred within the standard exemptions, regardless of state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is odometer disclosure required when selling a car in West Virginia?
Yes — federal law (49 U.S.C. §32705) requires odometer disclosure for most vehicle transfers. Federal odometer disclosure law (49 U.S.C. §32705) applies to all vehicle transfers nationwide within the standard federal exemptions.
What form is used for odometer disclosure in West Virginia?
Title (Assignment section) or federal Form OD-253. Most states use the odometer disclosure section on the title itself. If the title lacks this section, use federal Form OD-253.
What vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in West Virginia?
Exempt: Vehicles 10+ model years old, Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR, Non-self-propelled vehicles (trailers), New vehicles transferred from manufacturer to dealer. Federal exemptions apply. Some states have expanded disclosure requirements beyond the federal baseline.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in West Virginia?
Federal felony + state criminal fraud charges. Odometer rollback is a federal felony under 49 U.S.C. §32703.
State DMV or Motor Vehicle Agency
https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services ↗