Is an odometer disclosure statement required in California?

Yes. California follows the federal Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. § 32701), which requires odometer disclosure for most vehicle transfers. The form is REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form). Exemptions apply to vehicles 10 model years or older and heavy vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR.

What does an odometer disclosure statement include?

The disclosure includes: the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, the odometer reading at or near the time of sale, the seller's certification (accurate / excess of mechanical limits / not actual mileage), and signatures and dates from both buyer and seller.

What vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in California?

Vehicles 10 model years or older are generally exempt from odometer disclosure. Heavy vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are also exempt. For exempt vehicles, write "EXEMPT" in the odometer field on the title assignment.

Can I use the bill of sale for odometer disclosure?

The bill of sale should include the odometer reading, but it does not replace the official odometer disclosure form. Most states require the disclosure on a specific state form or in the odometer section of the title. Include both for maximum legal protection.

What if the odometer has rolled over (exceeded 99,999 miles)?

If the odometer has exceeded its mechanical limit and rolled over, the seller must check the "excess of mechanical limits" box and record the actual reading. This puts the buyer on notice that the mileage is not the total miles driven.

Odometer Disclosure Statement in California (2025)

When selling a vehicle in California, federal law requires the seller to disclose the odometer reading to the buyer. Here is everything you need to know — form, requirements, exemptions, and fraud penalties.

California — Odometer Disclosure at a Glance

Official formREG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form)
Required forMost vehicle transfers
Age exemptionVehicles 10+ model years old
Weight exemptionVehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
AgencyCalifornia DMV

California uses the REG 262 form which combines odometer disclosure with the title assignment. A separate federal odometer disclosure (NHTSA Form) is also required for transactions involving dealers.

Federal Requirement: Truth in Mileage Act

The federal Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. § 32701) requires odometer disclosure for nearly all vehicle transfers in the United States. California also enforces its own odometer fraud statutes in addition to the federal law.

•Applies to all states — no state is exempt from the federal requirement
•Required for vehicles under 16,000 lbs GVWR and under 10 model years old
•Covers private party sales AND dealer sales
•Both buyer and seller must sign the disclosure
•Penalties: civil damages of 3× actual damages or $10,000 per violation (whichever is greater)

How to Complete the Odometer Disclosure in California

1
Check if required
Required if the vehicle is less than 10 model years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR. If exempt, write "EXEMPT" in the odometer field on the title.
2
Get the form
Use REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form). It may be printed on the back of your title or available at the California DMV.
3
Record the odometer
Read the odometer at or near the time of transfer. Record the exact reading — do not round.
4
Check the accuracy certification
Select one: (1) Odometer reading reflects actual mileage, (2) Mileage exceeds mechanical limits, (3) Mileage is NOT actual (known discrepancy).
5
Both parties sign
Seller signs first, then buyer acknowledges. Both must date their signatures. Keep copies.

Odometer Fraud Penalties in California

Falsifying odometer disclosure in California is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code § 28051) and may trigger civil liability for three times actual damages or $1,500 — whichever is greater.

FAQ — Odometer Disclosure in California

Do I need an odometer disclosure for a private car sale in California?: Yes. Federal law and California state law both require odometer disclosure for most private vehicle sales. The form is REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form).
What if I don't know the exact mileage?: If the odometer is broken or unreadable, check the "not actual mileage" box and note the issue in the disclosure. Never leave the odometer field blank — that is treated as a false certification.
Is the odometer disclosure included in the bill of sale?: The odometer reading should be in your bill of sale AND on the official disclosure form. The bill of sale alone does not satisfy the federal odometer disclosure requirement.
What happens if I forget to complete odometer disclosure?: The DMV may reject the title transfer. More seriously, an incomplete disclosure may expose the seller to civil liability if a buyer later claims they were misled about mileage.

Official Resource

REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form) →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A complete California vehicle sale includes both an odometer disclosure and a signed bill of sale. Generate a free, state-specific bill of sale that includes the odometer reading field.

California Car Bill of Sale →